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



What is the Role of a Psychologist

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

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
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

- 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

To become a psychologist requires a lot of training and education. The process involves:
- A minimum of six years of university education
- An undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- A fourth year of study, such as an Honours year
- A Master’s or doctoral degree
- 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
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?
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

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
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.