What’s the Difference Between a Counsellor and a Psychologist?

A Guide for Parents

When your child or teenager needs some extra support, it can be difficult to know where to start. Should you see a counsellor or a psychologist? What is the difference, and how do you know which might be right for your child?

Both counsellors and psychologists can support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people, but there are some important differences in their training, registration and the services they provide. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the type of support that best suits your child's needs.

What does a counsellor do?

A counsellor supports children and young people to explore emotional, social and life challenges within a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.

Child counselling may support children experiencing anxiety and worry, difficulties managing emotions, friendship or relationship challenges, school-related concerns, low confidence or self-esteem, family changes and other experiences affecting their emotional wellbeing.

Counselling can help young people better understand what they are experiencing, develop practical coping strategies and build confidence in managing challenges.

Depending on their training and area of practice, counsellors may work with children, teenagers, adults, couples or families across private practice, schools and community settings.

When choosing a child counsellor, it is important to consider their qualifications, professional registration, experience and whether they have specific experience working with children and young people.

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist is a registered health professional. In Australia, psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA and must meet national requirements for education, training and professional practice.

Psychologists can provide psychological assessment and treatment for a range of mental health and behavioural concerns.

Depending on their qualifications and area of practice, psychologists may also undertake psychological testing and assessments relating to areas such as cognitive functioning, learning or development.

For families seeking formal psychological assessment, diagnosis or particular reports, a psychologist may therefore be the more appropriate professional.

What is the difference in qualifications and registration?

One of the main differences between the professions is how they are regulated in Australia.

Psychologists must complete a minimum of six years of education and training and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. The title “psychologist” is protected, meaning a person cannot call themselves a psychologist unless they meet the relevant registration requirements.

Counselling is a self-regulated profession in Australia. The title “counsellor” is not protected in the same way, which means qualifications can vary considerably between practitioners.

For this reason, parents may wish to look for a counsellor who is registered with a recognised professional association such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

Registered counsellors are required to meet the qualification and practice standards of their professional association and undertake ongoing professional development and professional supervision.

What might counselling look like for a child or teenager?

Counselling with children and young people can look quite different from counselling with adults.

Younger children may communicate through play, creative activities, games, stories and practical experiences as well as conversation. Teenagers may prefer a combination of conversation, practical strategies, creative activities or simply having a space where they can explore what is happening without feeling judged or pressured.

At Calming Paws Therapy, child counselling, teenage counselling and youth counselling are tailored to the young person's age, developmental stage, needs, interests and communication style.

Where appropriate, animal-assisted therapy with accredited therapy dog Winnie can also be incorporated into counselling, providing another way for children and young people to connect and engage in the therapeutic process.

What about Medicare rebates?

Another practical difference for families is Medicare.

Eligible psychological services may attract a Medicare rebate when provided under an appropriate Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare requirements are met.

Counselling sessions with a registered counsellor are not currently eligible for Medicare rebates.

This doesn't necessarily mean that one option will always cost more than the other. Fees vary between individual practitioners, so it can be helpful to consider the actual out-of-pocket cost as well as the type of support your child needs.

Is a counsellor or psychologist right for my child?

There isn't one answer that will suit every child.

A counsellor may be appropriate when a child or young person would benefit from therapeutic support with emotions, anxiety, confidence, relationships, school challenges, coping skills or changes happening in their life.

A psychologist may be particularly appropriate when your child requires psychological assessment or testing, a formal diagnosis or particular psychological reports, or when another health professional has recommended psychological treatment.

Sometimes a child may work with more than one professional at different times or for different purposes.

If you are unsure, speaking with your GP or the practitioner you are considering can help you determine whether their experience and scope of practice are appropriate for your child's needs.

Can counsellors and psychologists work together?

Yes. Support doesn't always need to come from one profession alone.

For example, a psychologist may be involved in assessment, while a counsellor provides ongoing therapeutic support. With appropriate consent, professionals may also collaborate with parents, schools and other practitioners involved in a young person's care.

What matters most is that the support is appropriate for the individual child and that each professional works within their qualifications, competence and scope of practice.

Finding the right support for your child

Qualifications are important, but so is finding a practitioner who has relevant experience and with whom your child feels comfortable.

For children and teenagers in particular, developing a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship can be an important part of the counselling process.

At Calming Paws Therapy, I provide child counselling, teenage counselling and youth counselling for children and young people in Highett and Bayside Melbourne. If you're unsure whether counselling may be appropriate for your child, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss their needs and whether Calming Paws Therapy may be a suitable fit.