What is the difference between a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, psychologist and psychotherapist?

Psychiatrist:

A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner (doctor) who has completed a medical degree, and then a five year specialist training program in psychiatry. They can prescribe medication. They are registered through Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA).

Clinical Psychologist:

A clinical psychologist is an allied health professional who has completed 6 years of training, including a Master of Clinical Psychology, and then completed two years as a clinical registrar (post graduate supervised practice). They are registered through Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA). I am a clinical psychologist registered with AHPRA.

Psychologist:

A psychologist is an allied health professional who has completed at least a 4 year undergraduate degree. They may have a masters (e.g. in counselling, neuropsychology, organisational psychology, education or sports psychology) and/or completed two years supervised practice after this. They are registered through Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA).

Psychotherapist:

A psychotherapist is not a psychologist. They are trained in psychological intervention techniques to understand a person’s emotional pain. This type of practice was founded by Sigmund Freud. They are registered through Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

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