Difference between Counselling and Psychology in the NDIS

Difference between Psychologists and Counsellors in the NDIS

Counselling and Psychology are terms used interchangeably in the NDIS, but they are not the same.

What is a Psychologist?

Psychologists are trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn.

Many psychologists work in therapeutic settings, assessing people’s concerns and life circumstances.

They provide help with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorders.

All psychologists are trained in counselling as a core skill, and many psychologists have a specific area of endorsement in counselling psychology. 

Psychologists have special training in diagnosis and assessment, and they tend to support people with more complex mental health problems.

Psychologists use treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy, which identifies and challenges unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and tools like psychological testing to inform strategies for therapy.

Qualifying as a Psychologist requires a minimum of six years of training. This training includes a minimum of one to two years of supervised clinical practice.

Psychologists are registered health professionals under National Law, regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)

In the NDIS, a Psychologist must hold current AHPRA registration to deliver NDIS supports.

What is a Counsellor?

If you went to see a psychologist, they would probably do quite a comprehensive assessment to begin with, whereas a counsellor would begin by listening and discussing what your NDIS goals are.

Counsellors help people tackle problems in a positive way by helping to clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies.

Counsellors are experts in listening and helping NDIS Participants achieve their personal goals. They don't tend to do diagnosis or assessment, but they will support NDIS Participants with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness.

In the NDIS, a counsellor must be a member of the Australian Counselling Association or equivalent to deliver counselling services.

Do I need a Psychologist or a Counsellor?

What can a Counsellor help with?

Counselling is typically a short term support and concerned with:

• immediate and practical issues such as processing grief or anger,
• helping a Participant identify options when making important personal or professional decisions, or
• building better interpersonal or communication skills.

A Counsellor in the NDIS might work with a Participant to:

• learn how to better manage conflicts in relationships or
• to clarify his or her values on a particular topic.

Counsellors can help with:  

• grief or anger
• anxiety or depression
• decision making
• relationships
• building better interpersonal or communication skills
• marriage and family counselling
• drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• trauma
• parenting
• career guidance

What can a Psychologist help with?

Psychologists offer longer term support. They perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan using evidence-based interventions and treatments.

Psychologists can help NDIS Participants with severe conditions like:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• depression and chronic anxiety
• panic disorders
• severe depression
• personality disorders
• OCD
• PTSD

and less severe conditions like:

• alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders
• grief or anger
• anxiety or depression
• low self esteem
•  body dysmorphic disorder
• coping with a new diagnosis or managing a chronic illness
• eating disorders
• family and relationship issues

Which is best to use my NDIS funding on - Counsellor or Psychologist?

A Psychologist is the option if you have a diagnosed mental health issue or psychosocial disability or if your mental health problems affect your ability to cope with day to day life.

They can provide evidence-based treatment and help you manage your symptoms.

You can choose between a Counsellor or a Psychologist if you have specific problem to resolve like help with overcoming anxiety in social situations, improving relationships or managing behaviour.

Difference in NDIS Prices between Psychologist and Counsellor

A counsellor is cheaper per hour: roughly 1/3 the hourly cost of a Psychologist, but does not have the skills of a Psychologist. If your needs can be met by the skills of a counsellor, you could get more support for your funding by engaging a qualified counsellor.

If your needs are more complex or you have a diagnosed mental health condition, the skills and qualifications of an NDIS psychologist are worth the additional cost.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you check whether non-face-to-face tasks like session preparation or case notes are included in the price charged by the Psychologist or Counsellor so you are aware of the true session costs when making your decisions.

Difference in Qualification between a Counsellor and Psychologist in the NDIS

A Psychologist must have a university degree (minimum 6 years of study) including 1 - 2 years of supervised clinical practice.
E.g. Bachelor of Psychology or Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Counsellors must complete an accredited course of study. E.g Certificate of Counselling, Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling.

In the NDIS, a Psychologist must hold current AHPRA registration and a counsellor must be a member of the Australian Counselling Association or equivalent to deliver NDIS supports.

Download Comparison Table of Psychologist vs Counsellor

Sources:

• What’s the difference between psychology and counselling?
• Counselling Versus Psychology – What’s the Difference?
• What Is the Difference Between Counselling and Psychology?
• Counselling Vs. Psychology