What do psychologists do?

Psychologists are mental health professionals who provide psychological therapy to help people overcome a range of difficulties. Find out more about what they do, what to expect when you see one and how to make an appointment.

This article covers:

• What is a psychologist?

• Why would I see a psychologist?

• What’s it like to see a psychologist?

• How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

• How do I make an appointment?

• How do I choose the right psychologist for me?

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are mental health professionals who are trained to help people understand and manage emotional, mental and behavioural challenges. They don’t prescribe medication, but they do offer psychological therapy. This involves working with you to make sense of what you’re experiencing and help you find ways to cope, heal or grow.

To become a psychologist in Australia, a person must complete at least four years of university study, plus clinical supervision (working under another professional while gaining experience).

Some psychologists do extra training to become clinical psychologists, which means they can treat more complex mental health issues and work in hospitals. Others may become clinical neuropsychologists, who specialise in understanding brain function, memory and thinking abilities.

Why would I see a psychologist?

There are many reasons why you might see a psychologist. For example, you might be:

• feeling down or depressed

• experiencing anxiety or panic attacks

• having trouble coping with school, work or life stress

• going through something traumatic

• experiencing grief and loss

• suffering from low self-esteem or confidence

• having relationship issues

• struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts

• feeling numb or like something’s ‘just off’.

Even if you don’t know exactly what’s wrong, it’s okay to reach out. A psychologist is trained to perform a detailed assessment of your mental health and to identify what’s going on for you.

What’s it like to see a psychologist?

It’s okay if seeing a psychologist feels intimidating at first. It can take time to feel comfortable enough to open up.  

Here’s what to expect at your first appointment:

• The psychologist will talk to you about confidentiality, which is your right to privacy. This basically means that anything you discuss with them will remain private between the two of you. There are a few exceptions (such as if there’s a risk of serious harm to you or someone else) and they’ll explain them clearly.

• They’ll ask some questions to get to know you. They might ask about what brought you to therapy, what’s going on in your life at the moment and what you hope to get out of seeing them. Remember: you can go at your own pace, and if something’s too hard to talk about, just say so.

• They’ll talk through how they think they can help you. This could involve weekly or fortnightly sessions and might include specific therapy techniques such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). They’ll also talk about how many sessions they recommend, and how long the process might take. Some people need just a few sessions, while others might continue seeing the psychologist for several months. It all depends on your needs.

Each session usually lasts about 50 minutes but can sometimes go for longer.

How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

The fee to see a psychologist can vary. Here’s what you should know:

• Some psychologists, like the ones at headspace and community mental health centres, have no fees because Medicare covers their bill.

• If you have a mental health care plan, you can get up to 10 rebates per calendar year from Medicare. This means that part (or sometimes all) of the psychologist’s fee will be given back to you by the government. As part of this mental health care plan, the psychologist will have to send a report to your GP every few sessions. You can talk to the psychologist about what the report will say.

If you're worried about paying, talk to your psychologist or GP. They might know of free or low-cost options near you.

How do I make an appointment?

The best place to start is with your GP, who can provide you with a mental health care plan and refer you to a psychologist. Your GP should know of some psychologists in your area, or they may recommend that you contact a psychology clinic directly for more information about making an appointment. 

Some psychology clinics also let you book directly, but seeing your GP first is the best way to save on costs.

How do I choose the right psychologist for me?

It’s important to find a psychologist you can connect with and trust. You may have to meet a few practitioners before you find one that clicks for you. 

Psychologists specialise in different areas, so one may refer you to another professional if they feel that someone else can better treat your needs.

Remember: if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to switch. You deserve someone who gets you and makes you feel supported.