Psychotherapists provide diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders using psychotherapeutic methods such as behavioural therapy, biofeedback, relaxation therapy and other techniques.

Skill Level

1

Specialisations

• Art Psychotherapist or Therapist

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Psychotherapist is Vocational & Education Training Assessment (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualification assessed at Australian Bachelor degree or higher in a highly relevant field of study AND at least one year of post-qualification highly relevant employment at an appropriate skill level in the last five years
• Applicants must meet both the qualification and employment requirements to obtain a positive skills assessment
• Highly relevant fields of study include:
  • Counselling
  • Counselling – Health Sciences
  • Applied Social Science (Counselling)
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Reality Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Science can also be considered on a case-by-case basis if sufficient theoretical and practical components that focus on psychotherapy have been completed

Investigate, assess and provide treatment and counselling to foster optimal personal, social, educational and occupational adjustment and development.

Tasks

• Collecting data about clients and assessing their cognitive, behavioural and emotional disorders
• Administering and interpreting diagnostic tests and formulating plans for treatment
• Developing, administering and evaluating individual and group treatment programs
• Consulting with other professionals on details of cases and treatment plans
• Conducting research studies of motivation in learning, group performance and individual differences in mental abilities and educational performance
• Collecting data and analysing characteristics of students and recommending educational programs
• Formulating achievement, diagnostic and predictive tests for use by teachers in planning methods and content of instruction
• Developing interview techniques, psychological tests and other aids in workplace selection, placement, appraisal and promotion
• Conducting surveys and research studies on job design, work groups, morale, motivation, supervision and management
• Performing job analyses and establishing job requirements by observing and interviewing employees and managers

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 272311 Clinical Psychologist
• 272312 Educational Psychologist
• 272313 Organisational Psychologist
• 272314 Psychotherapist
• 272399 Psychologists nec