In Australia, the conversation around mental health support often leads to comparisons between counselling and psychology. While both professions play essential roles in supporting individuals’ mental well-being, the ongoing differentiation between them can create unnecessary division. These distinctions, while important in terms of regulatory frameworks and Medicare rebates, do not change the fundamental purpose of both fields—to provide therapeutic interventions that help people navigate life’s challenges.
Rather than viewing counselling and psychology as competing professions, it is crucial to recognise their shared goal: empowering clients to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Overemphasising their differences may inadvertently contribute to policy decisions that further separate the professions, potentially limiting access to affordable mental health care. Instead, a more unified approach may be the key to bridging the gap between these professions and improving accessibility to services such as Medicare rebates for counselling.
Understanding the Core Functions of Counselling and Psychology
Psychology: A Regulated Profession with Diagnostic Abilities
Psychologists in Australia are highly trained professionals who must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Psychology Board of Australia. Their training, which typically involves a minimum of six years of university education and supervised practice, equips them with expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.
Psychologists often use evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy. They work across various settings, including hospitals, private practices, government agencies, and community organisations.
One key distinction between psychology and counselling is that psychologists have the ability to diagnose mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. This diagnostic capability means psychologists often work alongside psychiatrists and other medical professionals to develop treatment plans that may include both therapy and medication.
Counselling: A Client-Centred Approach Without Diagnostic Labels
Counsellors, on the other hand, focus on providing emotional support, guidance, and therapeutic interventions to help individuals cope with life challenges. While psychology is a regulated profession under AHPRA, counselling remains a self-regulated profession, with industry bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) setting professional standards.
Counsellors undergo extensive training through undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, diplomas, or certifications, followed by supervision and continuing professional development. The key distinction is that counsellors do not diagnose mental health conditions but instead work collaboratively with clients using therapeutic modalities such as Person-Centred Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy.
While psychologists may focus on identifying and treating clinical disorders, counsellors specialise in helping clients navigate personal, social, and emotional challenges—whether that be grief, relationship issues, trauma, stress, or personal growth.
The Overlapping Skills and Expertise of Counsellors and Psychologists
Despite the structural differences between the two professions, both counsellors and psychologists provide therapeutic interventions aimed at improving clients’ mental well-being. In many cases, the modalities used by both professionals are similar, as they work within evidence-based frameworks to assist individuals in achieving better mental health outcomes.
Some of the shared competencies include:
• Providing therapeutic support through various psychological and counselling techniques.
• Helping clients manage stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based practices.
• Developing coping strategies and emotional regulation skills tailored to individual needs.
• Supporting individuals with relationship difficulties, grief, and personal development goals.
• Maintaining ethical standards and professional development to ensure best practice.
The key takeaway is that both professions aim to empower individuals to improve their mental health through meaningful therapeutic interventions. The difference primarily lies in regulation and diagnosis, rather than capability or effectiveness.
The Impact of Division: Medicare Rebates and Accessibility
One of the most significant consequences of overemphasising the differences between psychology and counselling is the potential policy impact—specifically in relation to Medicare rebates.
Currently, psychologists (particularly clinical psychologists) are eligible to provide Medicare-subsidised services under the Better Access initiative, allowing clients to receive rebates for sessions. Counsellors, however, are not covered under Medicare, meaning clients must pay out-of-pocket or rely on private health insurance or NDIS support.
The exclusion of counsellors from Medicare rebates creates a significant accessibility issue, as many individuals in need of mental health support may be unable to afford private sessions. This is particularly concerning given Australia’s growing mental health crisis and the increasing demand for services.
Rather than reinforcing the divide between these professions, the focus should be on advocating for greater inclusivity in Medicare rebates, ensuring that Australians have access to a broad range of qualified mental health professionals, including counsellors.
Why a Collaborative Approach is the Future of Mental Health Support
Instead of viewing psychology and counselling as opposing professions, it is more productive to embrace a collaborative approach that acknowledges the strengths of both fields. This means:
1. Recognising the value of counselling in mental health care – Counsellors provide critical therapeutic support that complements the work of psychologists and psychiatrists.
2. Advocating for Medicare inclusion for counselling services – A more inclusive system would improve affordability and accessibility for Australians seeking mental health support.
3. Encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration – Counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals should work together to provide holistic care.
4. Educating the public on the similarities rather than the differences – Raising awareness about the overlapping competencies of these professions can reduce misconceptions and encourage people to seek help from the professional best suited to their needs.
Moving Forward with Unity
The ongoing comparison between counselling and psychology often reinforces division rather than fostering a collective effort to improve mental health support in Australia. While differences in training, regulation, and diagnostic authority exist, both professions share the fundamental goal of helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges.
Rather than focusing on what sets them apart, the conversation should shift towards recognising their shared purpose and advocating for greater inclusivity in policy and funding. By bridging the gap between counselling and psychology, we can work towards a mental health system that is more accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of all Australians.
Recommendations for the Future:
1. Expand Medicare rebates to include counsellors – This would significantly improve access to affordable mental health support.
2. Encourage mutual respect and collaboration between mental health professionals – Working together strengthens the entire industry.
3. Shift public perception to highlight the similarities between counselling and psychology – Educating individuals about both fields ensures they seek the right support without hesitation.
4. Advocate for a national regulatory framework for counselling – Standardising the profession could strengthen its credibility and recognition.
The goal should always be **ensuring that individuals in need can access the right support at the right
The Veteran Counsellor Blog 