3 Ways to Find A Psychologist and How to Find a “Good” One

Once you have made a decision that you want to see a psychologist, how do you find a “good” one? In this blog, we provide you with 3 hot tips on where to search for a psychologist and importantly, information on psychoogy credentialling so you can check if you are seeing a qualified psychologist.

You can Find a Psychologist working in your local area by either:

1. Talking to your GP for a recommendation and/or

2. Using online search engines such as Google

3. Using the Australian Psychological Society Find a Psychologist service https://www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist/

You will want to check the credentials of the psychologist you intend on visiting. A reputable psychologist will have the following registrations, memberships, and training:

• Registration with the Australian Heath Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]. You can look up how long the psychologist has been registered and check their registration status and if there are any conditions restricting their practice here:

• https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx

• Member of the Australian Psychological Society [APS].  APS psychologists are highly educated and experienced, are committed to the highest professional standards and abide by a strict code of ethics.

• Completion of a 5^th and 6^th year of university training in psychology is not compulsory for becoming a psychology practitioner, however, you may wish to see a psychologist who has completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology to ensure that your psychologist has had the additional benefit of postgraduate clinical training by university experts.

If you would like to know more about seeing a psychologist, you can download our free eBook “Your 101 Guide to Visiting a Psychologist” here. It includes information on different types of referrals for psychology visits, your visit to the GP, and what to expect at your first visit with a psychologist.