Blog > Career Hub

Jobs in Mental Health in Australia

Jobs in Mental Health in Australia

What are the different jobs in mental health?

There are many different careers within the field of mental health in Australia.

Some of the most common include:

  1. Psychologist: Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.

  2. Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental illness. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using a combination of medication and therapy.

  3. Mental Health Nurse: Mental health nurses provide care and support to people with mental health problems, often working in hospital settings or community mental health centres.

  4. Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help people with mental health problems develop practical skills, such as daily living and problem-solving, so they can live as independently as possible.

  5. Social Worker: Social workers provide support and advocacy for people with mental health problems, working with them to address the social and emotional challenges they face.

  6. Mental Health Support Worker: Mental health support workers provide practical and emotional support to people with mental health problems, helping them to live as independently as possible.

  7. Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.

These are just a few of the many careers available within the field of mental health in Australia.

The specific job you choose will depend on your skills, interests, and career goals. In all cases, it is important to complete relevant education and training and to meet the registration and accreditation requirements established by the relevant professional bodies.

Working in psychology involves the study of human behaviour, thought, and experience. There are a variety of careers within the field of psychology, ranging from research to direct patient care.

Here are the general steps to become a psychologist in Australia:

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, such as sociology, neuroscience, or human biology. This type of program provides a foundation in the basic principles of psychology, as well as research methods and statistics.

  2. Complete a master's degree or PhD in psychology from an accredited university. Some areas of psychology, such as clinical psychology, may require a doctoral degree.

  3. Complete an internship or supervised professional experience. This step is required to gain practical experience and develop professional skills in the field.

  4. Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and obtain registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

  5. Obtain professional liability insurance and adhere to the codes of ethics and standards of practice established by the PsyBA.

  6. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field through ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Note that specific requirements may vary depending on the area of psychology you wish to work in and the state or territory in which you wish to practice. It is important to check the latest information and requirements from AHPRA and the PsyBA to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications and standards to practice as a psychologist in Australia.