How To Become A Clinical Psychologist In Newcastle

Our team of qualified clinical psychologists and health professionals in Newcastle at ELD Psychology use a broad range of clinical, evidence-based treatment to help our clients to achieve their goals. All of our clinical psychologists at our Newcastle practice, who are clinicians certified by the psychology board, have completed specialised training in diagnosing and treating complex cases, and are passionate about providing psychological treatment to help our clients work through their mental health issues.

What are the requirements to become registered as a clinical psychologist?

There are a variety of possible pathways to achieve the qualification of clinical psychologist.

Step 1: Undergraduate study

Anyone who wants to become a clinical psychologist must first complete an undergraduate degree. Examples of relevant undergraduate degrees include:

●     Bachelor of Psychology

●     Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Social Science, all majoring in psychology.

The standard three-year undergraduate degree must be followed by a fourth year of study at university, such as an honours year (Bachelor of Psychology with Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). Applicants who have completed this fourth year of study can apply for provisional registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Is it possible to become a clinical psychologist without a related undergraduate degree?

It is possible for people who have received a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field to become a clinical psychologist. This can be done by completing a bridging pathway, such as a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, at a university, followed by the fourth year of study required of all other prospective clinical psychologists.

Progression to Registered Psychologist

A fourth year of study, such as a Graduate Diploma of Psychology or an honours degree, at university is also required for those seeking to obtain provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Applicants who wish to become a registered psychologist must then complete two years of further study and training at university to qualify for registration. Find out more about the Registered Psychologist registration pathways on the AHPRA website.

Step 2: Postgraduate pathway

After a university student has completed the relevant fourth year of study, there are three pathways they can take to achieve the qualifications required to become a clinical psychologist. All include a period of supervised clinical experience during which students are known as Provisional Psychologists, and are supervised by a qualified clinical psychologist. They may complete placements in a public setting, such as a hospital or specialist mental health unit, or in a private setting, such as a clinic or practice.

Pathway A: Clinical Masters – 2 years of study + 2 years of practice

This pathway includes completing a two-year masters degree comprising research, study and placements, and two years of supervised practice.

Pathway B: Clinical Masters and PhD combination – 4 years of study + 1.5 years of practice

This pathway includes completing a four-year combined degree comprising advanced research and study, and one and half years of supervised practice.

Pathway C: Doctorate – 3-4 years of study + 1 year of practice

This pathway includes completing a three-and-a-half or four-year doctorate in clinical psychology, rigorous research and study, and one year of supervised practice for psychologist applicants.

Step 3: Endorsement

Applicants may apply to AHPRA for endorsement as a clinical psychologist once they have completed one of the three pathways, including the additional year(s) of supervised practice. While completing the final year(s) of supervised practice, the person is known as a Clinical Psychology Registrar.

An area of practice endorsement indicates that a psychologist has completed an approved postgraduate qualification and approved supervised training in an approved area of practice and is endorsed to use a title associated with the area of practice. Their endorsement as a psychologist will be included on the public register maintained by AHPRA.

Step 4: Ongoing training

Once endorsed and practicing, a clinical psychologist must adhere to AHPRA’s Continuing professional development standards for registered psychologists. This includes 20 hours of professional development and 10 hours of peer consultation. Continuing professional development is an important way psychologists keep up to date with best practice within the industry, to ensure their patients are receiving current, proven treatment.

Why must clinical psychologists complete so much study and practical experience?

The extensive study and years of clinical experience clinical psychologists undertake to qualify for endorsement by AHPRA provide them with the necessary knowledge to diagnose and treat complex cases across a range of mental health concerns. The knowledge and training enables them to develop customised treatment plans within an evidence-based framework for their patients. Psychologists may combine treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and schema therapy to help a client address mental health difficulties.

How does clinical psychology differ from other types of mental health treatment?

Clinical psychology is one type of a variety of psychological services that a psychologist can provide you with a level of support for your wellbeing. However, training, experience, and expertise of a psychologist are all factors which may determine the type of service that is best for you to help you maintain or improve your mental health and wellbeing. Read about the differences in our article, How to know if Clinical Psychology in Newcastle is right for you.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.

Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.