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<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFortunately, you do not have to do it alone. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will help you choose the therapist who is the best fit for you and your unique needs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- Type<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Therapies<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Reputation<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Budget<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Compatibility<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>1. Type<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are many different types of mental health therapists, and some overlap in the types of therapies they provide. So choosing the best type for you can be a little confusing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here is a quick summary of the more common therapist types, to help you start narrowing down your options.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Psychologist<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A psychologist studies human behaviour and thought processes, diagnoses mental health conditions, and provides therapeutic interventions to help individuals cope with emotional, behavioural, and cognitive challenges. They use evidence-based techniques to promote well-being and improve mental health outcomes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To be called a psychologist in Australia, a therapist must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree in psychology and:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- A two-year internship; or<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- A one-year post-graduate qualification + one year of internship; or<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- A two-year master\u2019s degree or a three-year doctoral degree in psychology.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
They can then apply for endorsement in their area of expertise (e.g. clinical psychology or forensic psychology) from the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Psychiatrist<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A psychiatrist diagnoses, treats and aims to prevent mental illnesses, from a medical perspective. They assess patients, prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and offer interventions for complex psychiatric disorders. They are also able to admit patients to hospital if they require intensive support and care.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undertaken additional studies in psychiatry with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). This additional training usually takes at least five years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once they have completed their studies, they become a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), and they must register as a specialist with the Medical Board of Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Counsellor<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A counsellor provides guidance and support to individuals facing personal, emotional, or mental challenges. They facilitate client self-awareness, offer coping strategies, and create a safe space for discussing issues to promote well-being and personal growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In Australia, there is no legal requirement for counsellors to have specific qualifications or experience, or to be a member of any organisation. But there are a number of formal degrees in counselling, as well as industry standards and professional associations that ensure quality and ethical service delivery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, a good counsellor may have a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) and a Master of Social Work (MSW), along with a membership with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Hypnotherapist<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A hypnotherapist uses guided relaxation and focused attention to induce a trance-like state, helping clients access their subconscious mind to address behavioural patterns, emotional issues, or phobias, facilitating positive change and healing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Like counsellors, hypnotherapists in Australia are not legally required to possess any specific qualifications, training or memberships. However, there are recognised tertiary qualifications in hypnotherapy, as well as industry standards and professional associations that help ensure quality and ethical service delivery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
For example, a good hypnotherapist may have a government-accredited Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy, and a membership with the The Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) or the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Psychotherapist<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A psychotherapist offers therapeutic treatments for emotional, mental, and behavioural issues. Using various modalities, they help clients navigate life challenges and understand feelings, facilitating healing and personal growth. Psychotherapists<\/a> delve deeper into current relationship dynamics, as well as childhood family dynamics and history. They are less solutions-focussed and do not offer tools and techniques, instead aiming to inspire deeper exploration and reflection through talking in a unique way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Psychotherapists can come from various educational backgrounds, including psychology, counselling, social work and psychiatry. Although, in Australia, they are not required to possess any specific qualifications, most typically have at least a master’s degree in their area of expertise, and many undergo additional training in specific therapeutic techniques. There are also industry standards and professional associations that help ensure quality and ethical service delivery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>Mental health social worker<\/h5>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A mental health social worker is typically a therapist who works with recognised therapies to treat patients with emotional, mental, and behavioural issues, but who also considers the broader social context.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To legally work as a mental health social worker in Australia, a person must be a qualified therapist who has met the standards established by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>2. Therapies<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
There are even more types of therapy than there are types of therapists. Each type approaches problems differently \u2014 both theoretically and practically \u2014 so it is helpful to have a basic understanding of the more common ones before seeking help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here is a quick overview of each, as well as some pros and cons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Therapies<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n