Understanding Psychology: What Does a Psychologist Do?

what does a psychologist do
What does a psychologist do? Judging by the myriad of reactions I receive when I tell people I am a psychologist, this questions eludes many people. From the awkward silences, to detailed confessions, being told about childhood experiences and relationship traumas, I would say the responses are varied.

Even as a psychologist, answering this question succinctly can be a challenge as the role we psychologists play in supporting an individual with their mental health is as varied as our collective human experience. Albeit we will certainly give it a go!

Broadly speaking, psychologists support people through mental, behavioural and emotional health challenges. They use scientific research and empirically validated therapies to understand behaviour, emotions, thoughts and well-being.

This article covers their roles, treatments and when to see a psychologist work environments.

Key Takeaways

Psychologists can offer a range of services, including talk therapy , psychological testing to assess neuro-divergence, personality traits, cognitivity, and psychological interventions making them an integral part of the healthcare system.
The field of psychology includes various specialisations such as clinical, educational, forensic, health, organisational, and neuropsychology, each addressing different aspects of human behaviour and mental health.
To become a psychologist requires many years of education and training culminating in a Masters degree, registration with the regulatory body AHPRA, as well as commitment to ongoing professional development and supervision to ensure the highest standards of care.

What is the Role of a Psychologist

Illustration of a psychologist listening to a patient
A psychologist is a highly trained professional with a postgraduate degree in the Science of Human Behaviour.

They are able to help people with their mental wellbeing which means navigating life stressors, recognise ones abilities to living and working well within ones relationships, community and vocations.

The Australian Psychological Society defines psychology as both a science and a profession, noting its dual role in research and practice.

Treating many mental and behavioural health conditions, psychologists support people with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, anger, grief, adjustment, bullying, trauma, addictions and many more mental health difficulties which impact ones functioning.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) identified in 2019 that 1 in every 8 people around the world were living with a mental disorder.

Anxiety and and Depression being the most prevalent. Black Dog Institute reports 1 in 5 Australians aged between 16-85years old to have experienced a mental illness in any year with Anxiety, Depression and Substance use disorder being the most common (Black Dog Institute; www.blackdoginstitute.org.au)

Psychologists offer many services including assessments, psychotherapy and psychological testing to measure neuro-divergence, personality and intelligence. Their broad approach means they can work with immediate problems and long term mental health issues so they are part of the health care system.

Types of Psychologists

Illustration of various types of psychologists
Psychology is a big field with many specialities each addressing different aspects of human behaviour and mental health. This means psychologists can work with many different needs and populations.

There are nine branches of psychology:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Educational psychology
  • Counselling psychology
  • Health psychology
  • Organisational psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Sports psychology

These diverse roles highlight the many ways psychologists contribute to improving individual and societal well-being.

Clinical psychologists and counselling psychologists are probably the most well known in the field of private practice. They provide mental and behavioural health care to individuals and families and often work with people with severe mental health issues.

A clinical psychologist as opposed to a counseling psychologist works with individuals to manage life stressors and transitions, through therapy and counseling.

School psychologists work in educational settings to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of students. They assess and address learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles in legal and criminal justice systems, provide insights into criminal behaviour and assist in legal proceedings.

Other specialisations in psychology include:

  • Health psychologists, who study how psychological, biological and social factors affect health and illness
  • Organisational psychologists, who work with behaviour in the workplace and improve productivity
  • Neuropsychologists, who study the relationship between the brain and behaviour, often work with people who have had a brain injury

These diverse roles highlight the many ways psychologists contribute to improving individual and societal well-being.

Evidence-Based Treatments Used
by Psychologists

Psychologists use many evidence based treatments to address the specific needs and challenges of their clients.

These treatments are based on rigorous psychological research and clinical practice often comparing wellbeing and mental health outcomes of psychological therapies vs. psychiatric medications vs. no treatment at all.

Generally the combination of psychiatric medications and psychological therapies yields most significant outcomes.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and talk therapy are the most common approaches. CBT works by changing and challenging unhelpful thoughts to shift emotions and identify more adaptive behaviours, helping clients to become unstuck from negative patterns and develop more helpful ways of thinking and behaving.

CBT has been a long standing intervention and has many adaptations (for eating disorders (CBT-E), for psychosis (CBTp), CBT for ADHD ect.

There are many other therapies that extend upon CBT. For example Schema Therapy is a CBT therapy with Gestalt Therapy and Imagery techniques. Similarly, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy combines CBT with mindfulness and a greater emphasis on social and emotional interventions.

Psychodynamic therapy works to uncover the unconscious meanings and motivations behind behaviour, to get deeper into one’s emotional life. Many parts of psychodynamic therapy are derived from psychoanalysis and can be applied to a wide range of long standing mental health difficulties.

Mindfulness therapies include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).

Mindfulness therapies emphasise the awareness of ones experience and our relationship with our experience being crucial to moderating human suffering. Being aware of ones thoughts, feelings and behaviour can reduce automatic responses which increase our stuckness and suffering.

The list above covers a few of the main therapies but is not exhaustive. Psychologists are often trained in a number of these therapies which means they apply interventions to suit their clients symptoms and needs.

This flexibility means psychologists can provide total care for overall mental wellbeing.

Where Psychologists Work

Illustration of diverse work settings for psychologists
The diversity of psychologists is reflected in the many places they work. Psychologists are found in:

  • Hospitals
  • Schools
  • Prisons
  • Corporate offices

Each setting offers unique opportunities for psychologists to apply their expertise.

A large number of psychologists, 28%, are self employed and work in private practice.

This means they can offer individualised care and build long term relationships with their clients. 27% work in elementary and secondary schools where they support the mental and emotional wellbeing of students and address learning and behavioural issues.

  • Psychologists are also employed in:
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Hospitals
  • Government agencies
  • Community health centers

This variety of workplaces shows how important psychologists are in many sectors, to the mental health and wellbeing of people from all walks of life.

Training and Education Requirements for Psychologists

Illustration of psychologist education and training

To become a psychologist requires a lot of training and education. The process involves:

  1. A minimum of six years of university education
  2. An undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree in psychology
  3. A fourth year of study, such as an Honours year
  4. A Master’s or doctoral degree
  5. Specific on the job training in psychological assessment and therapy as well as a research thesis.

APAC accreditation is required for professional practice.

In Australia psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

These regulatory bodies ensure psychologists meet high standards of education and practice.

Psychologists must keep up to date to maintain their registration and stay current with the latest research in their field.

This commitment to lifelong learning means they can provide the best care by using the latest evidence based practices.

Difference Between Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals

Knowing the difference between psychologists and other mental health professionals is important when choosing mental health care.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and often treat severe mental health conditions. Psychiatrists can admit patients to hospital if needed, especially for severe conditions.

This and their focus on medication management makes them different to psychologists who use therapeutic interventions to address mental health issues.

Psychologists are not medical doctors and can’t prescribe medication. They have a masters degree in psychology and focus on understanding human behaviour through research and therapy.

The psychology profession in Australia is regulated by AHPRA and there are ongoing study requirements to maintain registration as a psychologist.

Counsellors and therapists also offer valuable support but have varied educational and training backgrounds. Counsellor or therapist can be used as an umbrella term can be less regulated professions compared to psychologists.

Can Psychologists Prescribe Medication?

Psychologists can’t prescribe medication in most areas, a role that is generally reserved for medical doctors like psychiatrists, paediatricians or general pracititioners. But there are exceptions.

In some areas psychologists can prescribe medication after completing specific training in psychopharmacology.

This extra training gives them the knowledge to safely manage and prescribe medication for mental health conditions.

Psychologists who have completed this training, including supervised practice, can also unprescribe medication, so patients get the right balance of therapy and pharmacological treatment.

This integrated approach is especially helpful for clients who need both therapeutic and medical intervention to manage their mental health.

When to See a Psychologist

Illustration of a person seeking help from a psychologist
Various factors might lead someone to consider consulting a psychologist. Common mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and stress often serve as the main triggers.

Psychologists can also provide invaluable support for individuals dealing with mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, Bipolar and psychosis.

Relationship issues are another reason to see a psychologist. Whether it’s coping with a break up, managing relationship conflict or navigating family dynamics, a psychologist can teach you strategies to communicate better and resolve conflicts.

Adjustment and grief are also areas where psychologists can offer support, help you develop coping mechanisms and move forward.

Some common issues psychologists address:

  • Substance abuse
  • Fears
  • Phobias
  • Low self-esteem

By seeing a professional early you can prevent these issues from getting worse and improve your overall physical health and wellbeing.

Some individuals use therapy to help them identify unhelpful patterns that are keeping them stuck or to explore what is meaningful to them in order to increase their life satisfaction and self development.

Summary

In this article we have looked at what does a psychologists do and evidence based treatments they use and when you may see a psychologist.

We have also covered the training required to become a psychologist and the differences between psychologists and other mental health professionals.

In conclusion, psychologists are key to mental health and wellbeing. Whether you have a specific mental health issue, going through life transitions or just want to understand yourself better, a psychologist can help you.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a commitment to your mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main role of a psychologist?

The main role of a psychologist is to help individuals cope with mental health conditions, life issues, and relationship problems through evidence-based treatments and assessments.

What are the different types of psychologists?

There are different types of psychologists, including clinical, counseling, school, forensic, health, industrial-organizational, and neuropsychologists, each specializing in various aspects of human behavior and mental health.

Can psychologists prescribe medication?

Psychologists cannot prescribe medications.

What kind of treatments do psychologists use?

Psychologists use a variety of evidence based therapies including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Schema Therapy. These are tailored to your individual needs.

When should someone consider seeing a psychologist?

You do not need to wait for something to be going wrong before engaging a psychologist. Depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues or substance abuse are just some of the reasons one may see a psychologist; However mental health exists on a continuum of distress, and the earlier you engage with support the better the outcomes will be.

Nazli Kayhan

Nazli is a Clinical Psychologist with a Masters degree from the University of Melbourne. She has extensive experience treating adolescents, adults and older adults in various settings, including Australia's largest private hospitals. Nazli specialises in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. She utilises a variety of evidence-based therapies, including DBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, EMDR, and CBT. She is passionate about ongoing professional development and supervises other mental health professionals.