More Information
Mental Health factsheets
Links
- Medicare – better access to mental health professionals
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14 or CHAT ONLINE
- Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 (anyone thinking about suicide)
- Kids Helpline – call 1800 551 800
Looking for Psychological Services we don’t offer?
Please search for a qualified provider from the Australian Psychological Society provider database here:
Find a Psychologist – Australian Psychological Society
Need help now? Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital if you are in immediate danger.
What is psychology?
Psychology is both a science and a profession, devoted to understanding how people think, feel, behave and learn.
Psychology as a science
As a science, psychology is the study of the human mind and its wide-ranging functions and influences. Psychological research advances our understanding of human emotion, personality, intelligence, memory, perception, cognition, attention, and motivation, as well as the biological processes that drive these human functions and behaviours.
In essence, psychology studies individuals and groups to better understand how people, communities and societies function and ways to help them thrive.
Psychology as a profession
The goal of psychology is not just to study human thinking and behaviour, but to put that knowledge into practice, to help people, communities, and society in general to solve day-to-day problems and improve quality of life.
Psychology is therefore also a profession, devoted to helping people and the community find solutions to real life problems such as improving mental health and wellbeing, learning, performance, relationships, and societal cohesiveness.
A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn.
All psychologists in Australia hold general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, meeting high standards in education, training, supervised practice, ethical and professional standards, and ongoing professional development.
Our Areas of Practice
Clinical Psychology
As Clinical Psychologists we provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex. We have skills in the following areas:
Assessment and diagnosis
Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of mental illnesses and psychological problems and are qualified to provide advice in clinical and compensation areas.
Treatment
Clinical psychologists use a range of techniques and therapies to treat mental health disorders. We hold particular skills to solve complex clinical psychology problems requiring individually-tailored treatment.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for further information about the specific conditions we do and don’t treat.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic Psychologists are scientist-practitioners. We apply psychological knowledge, theory and skills to the understanding and functioning of legal and criminal justice systems, and to conducting research in relevant areas. We work in criminal, civil and family legal contexts and provide services for litigants, perpetrators, victims and personnel of government and community organisations.
Skills and competencies of forensic psychologists
- Collecting and reporting (both in written reports and oral) evidence of a psychological nature for use in legal and quasi-legal proceedings
- Psychological assessment and report writing
- Psychological formulation and diagnosis
- Psychological intervention (psychoeducation; individual, group and family psychotherapies; rehabilitation)
- Program evaluation
- Forensic interviewing
- Research
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for further information about the specific conditions we do and don’t treat.