What are the differences between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist in Melbourne?

When people start thinking about seeking mental health support, one of the first questions that often arises is: Should I see a psychologist or a psychiatrist? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably ( and inaccurately), and they describe very different roles. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the type of support that best suits your needs.

What is a Psychologist?

Training of Psychologists

Psychologists in Australia undertake at least 6 years of study and training. This usually involves:

A four-year undergraduate psychology degree
A minimum of two years pf postgraduate study or supervised clinical practice.

Those who complete additional postgraduate training (i.e., Master’s or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology) and undertake registrar training are usually endorsed as Clinical Psychologists.

Once training and supervised practice are complete, psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Focus of Psychologists

Psychologists focus on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional, behavioural, and cognitive issues. They work with clients to improve coping strategies, build resilience, and create lasting change through therapy.

Common evidence-based therapies such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT )
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)(
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT )

One key distinction is that psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Instead, their strength lies in using psychological strategies to help people change unhelpful thought patterns, manage emotions, and develop healthy behaviours.

You can read more about different therapeutic modalities on our website.

Access

Seeing a psychologist in Melbourne usually begins with a visit to your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician. Depending on your needs, your doctor can prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTP), which allows you to access Medicare Rebate for a number of sessions each year. You do not need a referral to see a Psychologist. You can read more about referrals and Medicare on our dedicated page here.

What is a psychiatrist?

Training

Psychiatrists are first trained as medical doctors (MBBS) before completing further specialist training in psychiatry. This usually takes 10 or more years of study and supervised clinical work. Once qualified, psychiatrists are registered as medical specialists with the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA).

Focus

Psychiatrists specialise in medical aspects of mental illness, although some psychiatrists also provide therapy. They are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions, such as:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
ADHD

While some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy, some focus on medication management and the broader medical care of patients. They can:

Prescribe medication
Order and interpret medical tests
Arrange hospital admissions
Manage treatment in inpatient settings

Access

Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists always require a referral from the GP before you can make an appointment. Some also access consultation with a psychiatrist during an inpatient stay in a private psychiatric hospital.

Key Differences of a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

    
        Feature
        Psychologist
        Psychiatrist
      
        Qualification
        
          Psychology degree (6+ years of study) 

          Clinical Psychologist 
 Master/Doctorate degrees
        
          Medical doctor with Psychiatry specialisation (10+ years of study)
        
        Registration
        Psychology Board of Australia (AHPRA)
        Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA)
      
        Treatment
        
          Therapy and behavioural/emotional support (i.e., CBT, ACT, EFT, DBT)
        
          Medication management, medical treatment, psychotherapy (in some cases)
        
        Prescribe medication?
        No
        Yes
      
        Referral needed?
        
          Not required (GP referral only needed for Medicare rebate)
        
          Yes, a GP referral is always required
        
        Common mental health concerns
        
          E.g., Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, relationship issues, adjustment to life changes
        
          E.g., MDD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma (PTSD, cPTSD), ADHD, severe mental health conditions needing medication

Both psychologists and psychiatrists play essential roles in supporting mental health and wellbeing in Melbourne. While psychologists focus on therapy and behavioural change, psychiatrists bring medical expertise and can prescribe medication for more complex conditions. For many people, the best care comes from a collaborative team approach, where psychologists and psychiatrists work together to support recovery and long-term wellbeing.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking an appointment with your GP. They can help assess your needs, provide a referral if necessary, and guide you toward the professional who will be the best suit your current needs.
If you would like to learn more about seeing a Psychologist and how we can help, feel free to contact our Client Support Team to discuss your needs further.

Dishan Senaratne25 August 2025