Registered Counsellors vs. Psychologists in South Africa can be confusing if you have never worked or interacted with the mental health professional before. However, it does not have to be an overwhelming experience. In this article, I will aim to break it down so that you can make an informed decision on which healthcare professional you should seek out.
These differences are outlined in the Scope of Practice that is regulated by the HPCSA and Healthcare Professions Act.
The main difference between registered counsellors vs. psychologists is when it comes to diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders as categorised by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
Counsellors are trained more generally and are highly equipped to promote mental health and assist in alleviating psychological distress. Additionally, they are trained with a fundamental understanding of psychopathology to know when to refer to a Psychologist when a mental disorder is suspected. Counsellors are invaluable for exploring and overcoming major life changes, emotional or psychological distress and dealing with past trauma. A counsellor’s goal is short-term counselling to empower individuals to walk away with the needed tools to be independent.
Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders and give long-term therapy. Psychologists assist individuals by giving them healthy coping techniques and managing their psychological disorders. However, they are also trained to work with individuals with no diagnoses.
If we compare the mental health professions to that of the medical professions, a registered counsellor is like a General Practitioner, while a Psychologist can be seen as a specialist like a Cardiologist etc.
A registered counsellor takes care of your mental health in a more general sphere. They are still highly trained and capable. However, they know when to refer to a Psychologist if there are any challenges outside of their scope of practice.
Now that we have a general overview, let’s get to the specifics of the differences between a registered counsellor vs. Psychologist.
In South Africa, registered counsellors typically have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or counselling, as well as a postgraduate in counselling. They are required to complete a minimum of 720 hours of supervised practical experience before they can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Psychologists, on the other hand, must have a master’s degree in psychology and complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised practical experience before they can register with the HPCSA. They also have the option to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.
While both registered counsellors and psychologists in South Africa are trained to provide mental health support, their scope of practice and specializations differ. Registered counsellors typically focus on providing short-term counselling and support for individuals experiencing common mental health concerns such as emotional distress, prolonged feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficult life transitions, trauma, relationship challenges etc.
Psychologists, on the other hand, may have a broader scope of practice and may specialize in areas such as counselling psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or research psychology. The marked difference is their capability to diagnose and treat Psychopathology.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and the expertise of the mental health professional you are seeking support from.
Another important factor to consider when choosing between a Registered Counsellors vs. Psychologists in South Africa is cost and accessibility. Registered counsellors are usually more affordable. Additionally, they are usually more accessible for individuals who do not have medical aid or who live in areas where mental health services are limited.
Psychologists are more expensive than counsellors generally speaking. This is due to them having a specialisation within the mental health field. The cost of their services can make them difficult to access, especially to those living in the lower and middle classes of South Africa
Both registered counsellors and psychologists in South Africa may refer clients to other mental health professionals if they feel that the client’s needs are beyond their scope of practice. This may include referrals to psychiatrists, social workers, or occupational therapists.
Additionally, both types of professionals may collaborate with other professionals to provide comprehensive care for their clients. For example, a psychologist may work with a registered counsellor to provide group therapy sessions or refer a client to a registered counsellor for additional support. Collaboration and referral are important aspects of providing effective mental health care in South Africa.
When seeking mental health support in South Africa, it’s important to choose the right professional for your needs. Registered counsellors and psychologists both have unique training and qualifications, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a mental health professional, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about their qualifications and approach to treatment.
Health Professions Counsel of South Africa. (n.d.). Form 258: Framework for education, training and registration for Registered Counsellor. Home. https://www.hpcsa.co.za/
Republic of South Africa Government Gazette. (1974). Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Service Professions Act (56). https://wholisticmhc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Health-Professions-Act-56-of-1974.pdf
Disclaimer: All articles are reviewed and edited for quality control by a HPCSA Registered Counsellor. However, this content is intended to be used for educational and/or entertainment purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. Please reach out to a medical professional if you have concerns regarding your mental health.
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