What's the difference between studying psychology & counselling?
Can’t decide between studying psychology or counselling? Or just not sure which career path is right for you?
While both counsellors and psychologists offer similar services, there are distinct differences between the two roles.
Both help people treat mental, emotional and behavioural health conditions. Yet, each career journey requires specific accreditations, offers different learned techniques and ultimately, work settings.
We’re here to shed a light on the small differences between these two different occupations and help you decide whether you should study counselling or psychology.
The difference between psychology & counselling
Psychology is a field that is embedded in medical science. Psychologists not only study the brain and human behaviour – they use this knowledge to help improve the lives of both individuals and communities.
Essentially, psychologists help people manage ongoing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. They draw on a broad skill set to help address complex mental health issues.
Counsellors, on the other hand, help their clients deal with specific issues affecting their mental wellbeing. They tend to assist with short-term emotional and relationship issues or problems, by listening and supporting their clients through the setting of specific personal goals or strategies, or providing advice.
Counsellors can help navigate:
- career or financial stress
- loss or grief
- relationship problems
- trauma and domestic violence
- eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- PTSD
- help with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions.
Unlike psychologists, counsellors don’t tend to diagnose clients with complex mental health issues, but are more solutions-focused in their approach.
What should you study to become a psychologist?
The field of psychology is heavily regulated in Australia. Anyone calling themselves a psychologist must register with the Psychology Board of Australia and be listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
To become a qualified psychologist, you’ll need to undertake at least six years of university study. Typically, you’ll complete an undergraduate degree, followed by a one-year honours year or graduate diploma, and then a two-year masters degree, approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
If you’ve just finished school or have no prior tertiary qualifications, then the best place to begin is with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at VU. From there, you can further your education with a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology).
After completing your formal study, you'll need to undergo an internship year of supervised practice in psychology. Once you finish your masters course and the internship year, you can sit the National Psychology Exam, and apply for registration as a general psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
You can shorten time spent studying with the 5+1 internship program. This involves five years of accredited study followed by a one-year internship. After finishing the internship, you'll be able to sit the National Psychology Exam and then apply for general registration.
If you choose this option, you’d have to complete an undergraduate degree, followed by an honours year or graduate diploma and then a one-year masters such as VU’s Master of Professional Psychology, before starting your internship.
Where can psychology take you?
The most traditional form of a psychology career could see you becoming a qualified therapist. You will use your skills and training to help people overcome obstacles in their life, helping to manage:
- anxiety
- depression
- anger
- addiction
- personal issues
- trauma
- relationship issues.
Psychologists can find work in medical or mental health settings, as well as a variety of other settings such as:
- schools
- private, public and non-profit mental health services
- rehabilitation and disability services
- policy, advocacy and program development.
If you’re interested in psychological studies, you can also complete an Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Studies. This will help you fine tune your analytical skills and may be a helpful addition to your skill set, for any number of different industries.
If you already have an undergraduate degree in another field, you may still be eligible to enrol in a graduate diploma in psychology. Even if you don’t go on to become a psychologist, you may pick up skills that will give you an edge in your current career.
What should you study to become a counsellor?
Counselling is largely a self-regulated profession, with organisations such as the Australian Counselling Association and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia requiring counsellors to complete an accredited course.
To become a counsellor, consider studying a Bachelor of Psychological Studies. Most counsellors will go on to complete postgraduate courses, to further fine-tune their skill set through further learning and industry placements. At VU, we offer both a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and a Masters of Counselling.
Where can counselling take you?
A qualification in counselling could see you embark on many different career paths in:
- family support
- community work
- schools
- welfare services
- palliative care
- youth work
- refugee services.
Kick-start a career in mental health at VU
Whether you ultimately choose psychology or counselling as your preferred stream, you’ll be starting a rewarding career that has a real impact on people and communities.
Keen to begin your career in mental health? See VU’s full range of courses.
Find psychology & counselling courses
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