Psychologists & other therapists

A number of non-medical professionals can provide help for depression. These include psychologists, mental health social workers, counsellors and mental health nurses. They typically provide talk therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy or interpersonal therapy.

How can therapists help?

By providing an opportunity to talk about your problems and to be listened to in an emotionally supportive and non-judgmental way.
By helping you to develop specific methods for overcoming depression and preventing it from recurring.

How do I find therapists and therapy services?

Look for therapists who are registered by government or professional bodies. This means that they are qualified practitioners. They must also work within strict codes of conduct. Most registration bodies also require the therapist to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Ask your General Practitioner about local services
Consult the phone book or online search listings for psychologists, other therapists or mental health services for the country you are living in.
Seek free support and information about local services from helplines - such as beyondblue (1300 224 636) or Lifeline (131 114) in Australia. To find a local helpline in your country, visit Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.org.
In Australia, you can contact the Australian Psychological Society or the Australian Clinical Psychology Association
In the United Kingdom you can contact the British Psychological Society
In the United States you can contact the American Psychological Association
See BluePages Help and Resources

About registration of therapists

Each professional group has its own standards for registration. These vary from country to country.

Psychologists in Australia must be registered with the national Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). They may also be members of professional organisations such as the Australian Psychological Society (APS) (1800 333 497). Some psychologists have undergone extra training and study and may be members of specialist organisations such as APS colleges or the Australian Clinical Psychology Association. You can check if individual practitioners are registered and whether they have specialised training by visiting this site.
Mental Health Social Workers must have experience working with people with mental health issues and be members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) (02) 6270 7200.
Counsellors may be members of the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

How much does it cost?

In Australia, rebates may be available through Medicare or private health funds and you can find out more from your General Practitioner or by visiting the Australian Department of Health website.