What is the difference between a general and clinical psychologist?

We have both general and clinical psychologists at Someone.health. Here's an overview of the key differences.

  1. Education and training:
    • General psychologists: Have a four-year psychology degree plus two years of supervised practice or a master's degree.
    • Clinical psychologists: Have 2+ years of additional training, typically a master's or doctorate in clinical psychology, plus supervised clinical experience.
  2. Registration:
    • Both are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia.
    • Clinical psychologists have an additional endorsement in clinical psychology.
  3. Medicare rebates:
    • Patients of both can claim Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
    • Clinical psychologists' sessions attract a higher Medicare rebate.
  4. Treatment approaches:
    • Both use evidence-based therapies, but clinical psychologists may have more extensive training in specific therapeutic techniques.
It's important to note that both types of psychologists can provide valuable mental health support, and the choice between them often depends on your specific needs.