About psychology

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. Psychologists apply their expertise using reliable and scientifically supported methods. Psychological treatments are widely used to assist individuals and families and can also help groups and organisations.

• Read more about psychology

Professional standards

Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia. This means that people who call themselves a psychologist or say they are practising as a psychologist must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and must adhere to certain standards to keep their registration. The PsyBA website includes a register of psychologists, so that you may check whether a person is registered. Psychologists must provide professional services according to a strict code of ethics, written by the APS.

• APS Code of Ethics 

Education

To become a psychologist a minimum of six years of university training and supervised experience is now required, as well as ongoing education to keep skills and knowledge up to date. 

• Studying psychology in Australia