Can You Claim To Be A Psychologist Without A License?

To earn the designation of a psychologist and be eligible for general registration in psychology, certain educational and experiential prerequisites must be met. These requirements typically entail obtaining a four-year psychology degree from an institution accredited by APAC (the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council). Subsequently, individuals can pursue one of two pathways: either completing a two-year master’s program in psychology or engaging in a two-year supervised practice under the guidance of a registered psychologist. Once these criteria are satisfied, individuals are entitled to use the title “psychologist” and practice within the field.

Who qualifies as a psychologist? Psychologists are individuals who have attained a doctoral degree, which can either be a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). They typically undergo comprehensive training, specializing in either research or clinical practice, or sometimes both. Psychologists primarily address mental health issues by providing psychotherapy, commonly known as talk therapy. However, it’s essential to note that psychologists typically lack the authority to prescribe medication as part of their practice. This information is current as of April 1, 2022.