Who to see for your mental wellbeing: Counsellor, therapist or psychologist?

Finding the right mental health support can be a powerful first step towards improving your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to, needing support through a tough time, or managing ongoing challenges, knowing the difference between counsellors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists can help you choose what’s right for you. 

At nib, we’re here to help you take that first step with confidence. From understanding the difference between counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists to using your Extras cover to access trusted support, we make it easier to get care that suits your needs and your life. 

Meet your mental health support team 

When it comes to mental health, there is more than one type of expert who can help. Understanding the difference can make it easier to find the support that’s right for you. 

“Good mental health care is often a team effort,” says Dr Hamish Black. “Depending on your needs, you might work with a counsellor, therapist, psychologist, social worker or GP. Each plays a unique role in helping you feel better.” 

To help you take the first step, here is a simple guide to the different professionals you might come across and how they can support your wellbeing. 

General Practitioners (GPs) 

Often the first stop for mental health treatment, your GP can explore your symptoms and, together with you, develop a treatment plan. This could include counselling, education, instigating treatment and referral as needed. Your GP is well placed to understand your symptoms alongside other conditions you may have such as heart disease or cancer and also the other important things you have to manage in your life such as your career, family and relationships. 

If needed, your GP can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions each calendar year with a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional. 

It’s worth booking a longer appointment so you have enough time to talk things through. Be as honest as you can – your doctor is there to help, and the more they understand, the better they can support you. You can talk about how you’ve been feeling, what symptoms you’ve noticed, what’s going on in your life and any concerns you may have about privacy or treatment options. If it feels hard to open up, bringing along a family member or close friend can help. 

Your GP might ask about things like your sleep, diet, work or school, relationships, past experiences and family history. This helps them build a full picture and tailor the support to suit you. They may also ask if you have any treatment preferences. 

Tip: nib members can use the Find a Provider tool to search for GPs in their area. 

Counsellors 

Counsellors offer a safe, supportive environment to talk about personal challenges and work towards feeling better. They use talk-therapy to help you understand what’s going on, explore your options, and find ways to improve how you feel. People often see counsellors for things like stress, grief, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, or big life changes. 

In Australia, counselling is mostly self-regulated. Many counsellors belong to professional groups The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) that help ensure counsellors meet appropriate standards. 

Counsellors work in a lot of different areas like hospitals, schools, community services, private clinics and in specialties such as drug and alcohol support, grief, or family counselling. 

Psychologists 

Psychologists are university-trained professionals who use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy to help with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, stress and more. They don’t prescribe medication but work with you to develop practical tools and long-term strategies. With a GP referral, Medicare may cover up to 10 sessions each calendar year. 

Think about what you want to get out of your psychology sessions, what qualities you want in a psychologist, the biggest challenges you’re facing and your goals for therapy. It helps to prepare questions about how many sessions you might need, how often you’ll meet, costs, payment options, and whether you’ll need other treatments. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach – some people only need a few sessions while others may need ongoing support. Most people seek help for mild to moderate issues or a tough time in life, often requiring around eight to ten sessions over several months. 

Related: What to expect from your first psychology appointment 

Psychiatrists 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions. They can diagnose complex or severe conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression, anxiety disorders, and other serious mental illnesses. 

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, provide therapy, and work with other health professionals to create a full care plan tailored to you 

They often help when symptoms are more serious or don’t improve with other treatments. 

You usually need a referral from your GP to see one, and they focus on both your mental and physical health to support your overall wellbeing. Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics and with community mental health services, as well as in private practice. 

Mental Health Social Workers 

Mental health social workers are key supporters for people dealing with mental health issues – especially when these are tied to everyday stresses like housing, family, money or work problems.  

They take a whole-picture approach, looking beyond symptoms to the social and environmental factors impacting your wellbeing. This helps them support both your mental health and practical life challenges, often working alongside other health professionals for a complete care plan. 

Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) are specially trained and registered to offer support through one-on-one counselling, group therapy, advocacy and connecting you with community resources. They use proven therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, and relaxation techniques, along with practical help for issues like housing or family conflicts.  

You’ll find them in hospitals, community health centres, welfare agencies and justice services across Australia. 

Mental Health Nurses 

Mental health nurses are specially trained registered nurses who support people with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia and substance use. You’ll find them in community centres, psychiatric hospitals, primary care clinics, nursing homes and residential facilities – some even provide support by phone or online. They usually work as part of a bigger team with psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs and social workers. 

They help you plan recovery, manage symptoms, provide counselling, explain medications and connect you with local supports. They also help your family and doctor understand your condition and treatment. In a crisis, they work to keep you safe and can arrange urgent care. 

Usually, you don’t need a referral to see a mental health nurse – many work through community clinics or local health centres. But it’s a good idea to check in with your GP first – they can guide you to the right nurse and support your care plan. 

Peer Workers 

Peer workers are people with lived experience of mental health challenges or caring for someone who does. They’re not clinical professionals, but they offer genuine support based on understanding what it’s like to be in your shoes. 

Instead of therapy or medical advice, peer workers provide emotional support, practical tips, and hope. They help you feel less alone, share what’s worked for them, and guide you to resources—all in a non-judgmental, relatable way. 

You can find peer workers in hospitals, community groups, or online. If you’re looking for support that feels less clinical and more about connection and understanding, a peer worker might be the right person to talk to – their support is all about connection and walking alongside you on your mental health journey. 

Who to see for what: Finding the right mental health support 

Knowing where to turn can make a big difference. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right professional for your needs: 

• GP: Your first stop if you’re feeling off, struggling with your mental health, or not sure where to begin. A GP can assess your symptoms, create a mental health plan and connect you to further support.   

• Counsellor: Great for talking through life’s challenges like relationship issues, grief, stress or major changes. Counsellors offer practical, short-term support in a safe space.   

• Psychologist: If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma or other mental health conditions, a psychologist can provide expert assessment and evidence-based therapies.   

• Psychiatrist: If your symptoms are complex or you may need medication, a psychiatrist can offer specialist medical care alongside therapy.   

• Social Worker: If social or family stress is affecting your mental wellbeing – think housing, financial strain or caregiving responsibilities – a social worker can help you navigate support services and systems.   

• Mental Health Nurse: These nurses often work in hospitals or clinics and can support long-term care, medication management and recovery planning.   

• Peer Worker: Sometimes, talking to someone who’s been through similar challenges can be a huge comfort. Peer workers use lived experience to offer practical and emotional support on your journey. 

What’s a ‘Therapist’? 

‘Therapist’ is kind of a catch-all word people use to describe professionals who provide mental health support. It’s not a specific qualification on its own – instead, it includes different professionals like counsellors, social workers, and psychologists. So, when someone says they’re seeing a therapist, they might mean any of these types of mental health workers.  

How to access mental health support in Australia  

“Early intervention is key,” says Dr Hamish Black. “Whether it’s your GP, counsellor, or psychologist, taking that first step to make an appointment or ask for help can stop small issues from turning into bigger challenges.”  And if your preferred provider isn’t available right away, don’t worry, your GP can provide short-term support or referrals to help bridge the gap while you wait.  If you’re an nib member, your Extras cover may help with the cost of psychology and allied health services. You can use our Find a Provider tool to locate support near you. 

We’re also partnered with This Way Up to offer eligible members access to Digital Cognitive Behavioural (Digital CBT) therapy under their existing psychology benefits^. Plus, through the nib Foundation partnership, members can access Lifeline’s free Support Toolkit for additional help.  

If you or someone you know needs help please call:  

• Lifeline 13 11 14  

• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636  

• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800  

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.  

^{^On eligible products, members can get 100% back up to annual limit on Digital CBT treatment with This Way Up.}