What is the difference between psychology, counselling and psychotherapy in Australia?

In Australia, psychology and psychologist are restricted titles and protected by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Psychotherapist and counsellor are not legally regulated titles in Australia, however they are professionally regulated by their accrediting associations, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). These associations have particular training standards, to ensure the quality of counselling and psychotherapy education and practice. In order to obtain professional insurance and maintain required standards of their professional practice, practitioners should join PACFA or ACA.

For more information, visit our Pathways & Registration page.