What is a psychologist?

Key points
- A psychologist is someone who specialises in psychotherapy, the so-called "talking therapies".
- In order to become a psychologist, one needs to do an undergraduate course (usually a B.A.) with psychology as one of your majors, followed by an honours degree in psychology.
- There are several divisions of psychology, including clinical, counselling, educational, health and industrial.
- Students have to go through a stringent selection process in order to be able to do a Masters degree in Psychology.
A psychologist is someone who specialises in psychotherapy, the so-called "talking therapies".
In order to become a psychologist, one needs to do an undergraduate course (usually a B.A.) with psychology as one of your majors, followed by an honours degree in psychology. Students have to go through a stringent selection process in order to be able to do a Masters degree in Psychology.
There are several divisions of psychology, including clinical, counselling, educational, health and industrial. Depression is usually treated by a clinical or counselling psychologist. All psychologists must be registered with the Health Professionals Council in order to practise.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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