The eight psychology professions
South Africa registers psychology professionals in eight categories, each with a legally different scope of practice. Working out which one you need is usually the hardest part — these pages explain the difference.
Clinical Psychologist
Assessment, diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental health difficulties across the lifespan.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Counselling Psychologist
Psychological support for life difficulties, adjustment, relationships and wellbeing across the lifespan.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Educational Psychologist
Learning, development and school-related difficulties in children and adolescents.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Registered Counsellor
Supportive counselling, psychoeducation, screening and short-term intervention — often the most accessible route into support.
Cannot diagnose.
Neuropsychologist
Assessment and support relating to cognition and brain function — memory, attention and executive function.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Psychometrist
Administration and scoring of psychological and psychometric tests.
Cannot independently interpret results, diagnose, or provide psychotherapy.
Industrial/Organisational Psychologist
Psychology applied to workplaces and organisations — selection, assessment, development and organisational behaviour.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Research Psychologist
Psychological research design, measurement and evaluation.
Cannot prescribe medication — that is a psychiatrist or medical doctor.