Do You Need a Clinical Psychologist or Just a Psychologist? Here’s How to Tell
When you're seeking mental health support, choosing the right professional can feel confusing. With titles like clinical psychologist and psychologist often used interchangeably, many people ask the same important question: What is the difference between a psychologist and clinical psychologist? Though they share similar foundations in training and care, their paths diverge in ways that could influence the kind of support you receive. Understanding these distinctions will help you feel more confident in your decision and ensure you're getting the best care for your unique situation.
At Wellman Psychology, our Chicago Psychologist understand that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer both general and clinical psychologists on our team, each bringing unique qualifications and expertise to support you wherever you are in your mental health journey.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist?
Registration & Title
Both general and clinical psychologists in Australia are fully registered under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). However, a clinical psychologist has pursued additional education and supervised practice to become formally endorsed in the area of Clinical Psychology. This endorsement is a protected title that reflects advanced clinical training.
A general psychologist, often referred to simply as a registered psychologist, is equally qualified to provide therapy, assessment, and intervention for a broad range of issues, but they may or may not have chosen to specialize in a specific area.
Education & Training
The key educational difference lies in postgraduate study:
A general psychologist completes a four-year psychology degree, followed by two years of supervised practice or postgraduate trainingadding up to six years total.
A clinical psychologist completes a similar undergraduate foundation but continues with a Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, plus a two-year registrar program, culminating in eight or more years of total education and supervised experience.
This intensive training equips clinical psychologists to work with complex mental health presentations and conduct formal assessments and diagnosis.
Areas of Focus
General psychologists typically support individuals with everyday emotional, behavioural, or relational challenges, including stress, anxiety, low mood, and lifestyle changes.
Clinical psychologists specialize in working with individuals experiencing chronic, severe, or treatment-resistant mental health issues, such as:
Bipolar disorder
Complex trauma
PTSD
Personality disorders
Psychotic disorders
Scope of Practice
Both types of psychologists are trained to provide therapy, conduct assessments, and offer evidence-based interventions. However, clinical psychologists are more frequently involved in formal psychiatric assessments, diagnostic clarification, and long-term treatment planning for complex presentations. Their training often includes the use of psychometric tools and structured assessments.
Work Settings
General and clinical psychologists work in diverse settings, such as:
Private practices
Schools and universities
Hospitals
Community mental health services
Government departments
Nonprofit and advocacy organisations
Clinical psychologists may also engage in program development, research, teaching, and clinical supervision, particularly in health services or academic settings.
Why Would You Go to a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Need
If you're dealing with a condition that is difficult to diagnose, hasn’t improved with standard treatment, or involves psychiatric-level symptoms, a clinical psychologist may be better equipped to help due to their deeper diagnostic and treatment training.
Specialty Services
Clinical psychologists are trained to:
Perform in-depth diagnostic assessments
Develop tailored, evidence-based treatment plans
Work closely with psychiatrists, GPs, and other professionals in complex cases
Research and Program Development
Clinical psychologists often work at the intersection of science and practice, contributing to:
Mental health research
Clinical trials and interventions
Public health programs
Professional supervision and training
Their dual focus on research and clinical work helps them apply the latest psychological science in therapy.
Medicare Rebates and Cost Comparison
Medicare Rebates (2025)
The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative allows Australians to access subsidised sessions with psychologists. However, the rebate differs by qualification:
Clinical Psychologist: $141.85 per session
Registered Psychologist: $96.65 per session
Despite the higher rebate for clinical psychologists, many practices adjust their fees accordingly. This means that your actual out-of-pocket cost (gap fee) may be similar regardless of which type of psychologist you see.
Private Health Insurance
Many private health insurers also cover psychological services under "extras" cover. The amount you can claim depends on:
Your policy level
Whether you see a clinical or general psychologist
Any annual limits or waiting periods on your plan
You cannot claim both Medicare and private insurance for the same appointment. Most patients prioritise Medicare claims first due to higher rebates.
Access Requirements
To claim a Medicare rebate, you’ll need:
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP (up to 10 sessions/year)
Or an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP) (up to 40 sessions/year)
Your psychologist or GP can guide you on the appropriate plan.
Endorsements and Specialisations Beyond Clinical Psychology
In addition to Clinical Psychology, other endorsed areas of psychological practice include:
Counselling Psychology: emotional resilience, life transitions
Educational & Developmental Psychology: learning issues, childhood mental health
Forensic Psychology: legal and correctional settings
Neuropsychology: brain injuries, dementia, cognitive testing
Organisational Psychology: workplace performance, leadership
Sport & Exercise Psychology: motivation, elite performance
Health Psychology: chronic illness, pain, health behavior change
Each endorsement reflects specialised training and supervised practice in a particular field.
What Determines a Good Psychologist?
Not Just a Title
A psychologist’s title alone doesn’t determine their effectiveness or how well they'll support you. Many general psychologists have extensive experience in specific areas without holding a formal endorsement.
Key Qualities to Look For
What matters most is finding a psychologist who:
Has relevant experience with your concern
Is warm, empathetic, and supportive
Can clearly explain your difficulties and collaborate on solutions
Uses evidence-based methods
Finding the Right Fit
Before committing to sessions, ask about:
Their therapeutic approach
Specialty areas
Fee structure and rebates
Session availability
The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of a positive outcome, so trust your instincts when choosing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a clinical and general psychologist doesn’t have to be difficult. Both are highly trained, compassionate professionals capable of delivering effective mental health care. The main difference lies in their training, specialty focus, and Medicare rebate, not the standard of care.
If you’re dealing with a more complex or chronic issue, a clinical psychologist may offer the depth you need. But for most emotional and behavioural concerns, a general psychologist can be just as effective. The most important thing is finding a professional who understands your needs, makes you feel safe, and can support your growth.
Ready to Find the Right Support?
At Wellman Psychology, we’re here to make your journey to mental wellbeing as smooth as possible.
Whether you need help navigating a difficult time or are seeking specialized support for a complex issue, our team of clinical and general psychologists is ready to help.
We offer flexible appointment times, a compassionate and welcoming space, and a team that prioritizes your goals and mental wellness.
If you’re unsure about which psychologist is right for you, our friendly admin team can guide you through the decision-making process.
Book an appointment today and take your first step toward feeling better, thinking clearer, and living fully.
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