Become a Psychologist

Psychologists study human behaviour and the processes associated with how people think and feel, conduct research and provide treatment and counselling in order to reduce distress and behavioural and psychological problems. They promote mental health and positive behaviour in individuals and groups. Psychologists work on a broad range of issues with clients, including children, adults, couples, families and organisations.

Psychologists may perform the following tasks:

• conduct therapeutic interviews and provide counselling
• give psychological tests and assess the results to identify the source of problems and determine treatment
• construct tests to assess and predict mental and emotional states, as well as performance
• evaluate the results of programmes aimed at improving personal and organisational effectiveness
• research psychological aspects of topics such as study motivation, teaching skills, occupational behaviour, working conditions and organisational structures
• provide follow-up services to groups and individuals for support and evaluation purposes
• contribute to government social policy development
• conduct academic research.

Clinical Neuropsychologist

A clinical neuropsychologist specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of brain impairment and how this affects thinking skills, emotions, behaviour and personality. They are also involved in the rehabilitation and management of the effects of brain impairment and often work with other health professionals.

Clinical Psychologist

A clinical psychologist is trained in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and psychological problems. Located in hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres and private practice, they often work with general medical practitioners, psychiatrists and other health professionals.

Community Psychologist

A community psychologist works in partnership with the community to provide services that help solve problems and restore individual and collective well-being.

Counselling Psychologist

A counselling psychologist provides assessment, diagnosis and psychological therapy for individuals, couples, families, groups and organisations, and treats a wide range of psychological problems and mental health disorders. They work in counselling agencies, government departments, hospitals, general medical practitioners' divisions, educational institutions and private practice.

Educational and Developmental Psychologist

An educational and developmental psychologist provides assessment, intervention and counselling services related to the developmental and educational issues that occur in life. Specialisations include life span transitions, early intervention, disability, problems of learning and adjustment in schools, career and family development, and ageing.