Psychologists play a vital role in supporting and improving mental health outcomes. These professionals provide services in many settings and endorsement areas, with endless opportunities for how and where they can practise.
Is psychology a good career? Are psychologists in demand? What does the average day look like as a psychologist? This article answers these questions with insights from a registered clinical psychologist, examining possible study pathways towards this growing profession.
Is there demand for psychologists?
Australia’s demand for psychologists is strong, with a 13.3 per cent projected increase in job opportunities leading into 2026. Among other benefits – including the ability to practise in an endorsed area, flexible work and a rewarding vocation – there are numerous reasons to pursue a career as a psychologist.
Psychologists work in various settings and practise in different areas of endorsement. With many types of psychologists and multiple responsibilities, summing up psychology as a career can be complex. Generally, a psychologist helps people understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, using counselling and treatments to support their clients.
A day in the life of a psychologist
Doctor Jon Finch is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of the Centre for Clinical Psychology, focusing on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. With 20 years of experience, he shares his insight into psychology as a career and what a day in his professional life in private practice entails.
The average morning
In the morning, Jon begins by assessing the day ahead, which usually involves seeing five clients. Sometimes, he does this with the assistance of a supervisor to determine how he’ll tackle his appointments. “My first appointment is a consultation with my supervisor to look at my cases and understand my approach,” he says.
From there, Jon is ready to start seeing patients. “First, I have a telehealth appointment with a new client. This client is dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and they want to learn more about whether therapy would work for them.”
Jon follows a fairly standard process for new clients. “After receiving a GP referral from their doctor, we get a general idea of what a new client might be coming to see us for,” he says. “The first few sessions I spend with them will be about me as a therapist understanding what’s going on and what the person wants to have changed,” he says.
New clients can then decide whether to keep working with a psychologist, with recurrent appointments scheduled to suit their needs if they feel it’s a good fit.
After each appointment, Jon allows himself ten minutes between clients to write notes and refresh. Sticking to the appointment time and remaining punctual for clients is important. “Following a break, I see another client in person at my office, treating them with trauma therapy.”
After this, Jon takes a break for lunch.
Having a break
During his lunch break, Jon debriefs with his peers and coworkers. This safe space where they can discuss their work provides an opportunity for reflection and release.
As a sedentary career involving a lot of sitting, Jon believes regular exercise is an essential element of self-care for psychologists. He rides his bike to work today, emphasising the importance of checking in with oneself mentally and emotionally as often as possible.
“Managing burnout as a psychologist is a vital part of my work,” Jon says. “It’s easy to give your time and effort to your clients but forget that you might need some time and effort for yourself.”
In the afternoon
On this particular afternoon, Jon spends the rest of his day supervising new psychologists. “I go over their cases, what the progress is, how they understand this client’s problem, and then how they are helping them move forward. Supervising new psychologists is one part of how we protect clients and is a duty of care to ensure we’re practising within our limitations. It’s a kind of self-care process as well as a learning process.”
Jon believes psychology is a satisfying and stimulating career and feels rewarded at the end of the day. “The reward for me is seeing people get better,” Jon says. “Through the process of treatment, they are back into life going into the CBD, having coffee with somebody, enjoying themselves, returning to work when they couldn’t work, reconnecting with their partner and kids. And that’s really nice to be part of.”
Studying psychology: training and education requirements
The career pathways for a psychologist can vary, including if they choose to study in an area that leads to practice endorsement. However, the requirements for registration are strict. In Australia, a minimum six-year sequence of training and education is required. This includes a:
- three-year accredited undergraduate bachelor’s degree with or without relevant psychology units studied
- fourth year of accredited psychology studies
- internship pathway or postgraduate study pathway
- final undertaking of a registrar course, giving eligibility for endorsement in an approved area of practice
Still wondering, should I study psychology? Exploring the possible educational pathways is next
Psychology courses in Australia
GlobalHealth Education partners with Australian universities who deliver postgraduate psychology courses. Depending on your current position on the path towards becoming a registered psychologist, there are numerous study options that can help you progress.
Edith Cowan University’s Graduate Certificate in Psychology is an eight-month, part-time course providing foundational psychology studies and requires no bachelor’s degree to enrol.
From there, a course like James Cook University’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) helps you work towards becoming a registered psychologist. This is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Exploring psychology as a career
Psychology can be a good career for those wanting a rewarding and challenging vocation that offers many opportunities. Take the first step towards your new career and check out the GlobalHealth Education psychology courses that can get you there.
