What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

Understanding the Role of a Clinical Psychologist

A clinical psychologist is a trained mental health professional who helps people navigate psychological distress, emotional challenges, and behavioural patterns that may be holding them back. They work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to assess, diagnose, and treat a range of mental health concerns. Their expertise lies in applying evidence-based therapies to help people build coping strategies, improve well-being, and make meaningful changes in their lives.

At Cova Psychology, our clinical psychologists in Melbourne provide therapy for concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and neurodivergence. Our approach is compassionate and personalised—we take the time to understand each person’s unique experiences and work together to develop effective strategies for support. 

How Do Clinical Psychologists Differ From Other Mental Health Professionals?

It’s common to wonder about the differences between clinical psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, and general psychologists. While all these professionals support mental health, their training and scope of practice vary.

• Clinical psychologists undergo extensive training in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based therapy. They complete at least six years of university study, including postgraduate training and supervised practice.

• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can prescribe medication and often work with individuals experiencing severe or complex conditions.

• General psychologists also provide therapy but may not have the same level of clinical training in diagnosing and treating complex mental health conditions.

• Counsellors offer supportive talk therapy but do not typically diagnose or treat clinical disorders.

If you’d like a deeper breakdown, our blog on key distinctions between psychologists and therapists explores this topic further.

What Conditions Do Clinical Psychologists Treat?

Clinical psychologists support a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety disorders – generalised anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and phobias.

• Depression and mood disorders – persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and related mood concerns.

• Trauma and PTSD – including complex trauma (C-PTSD) and childhood trauma.

• Personality-related concerns – such as borderline personality disorder and patterns of emotional dysregulation. Learn more about treatment for borderline personality disorder.

• Relationship challenges – including attachment issues, communication struggles, and couples therapy.

• Neurodivergence – support for ADHD and autism spectrum conditions.

• Self-esteem and identity struggles – such as perfectionism and body image concerns.

• Workplace stress and burnout – including career-related anxiety and vicarious trauma.

If any of these resonate with you, a clinical psychologist can help you explore your experiences, develop new coping strategies, and regain confidence in your mental health. You can also learn more about the range of services we offer at Cova Psychology.

What Therapies Do Clinical Psychologists Use?

Every person is unique, so therapy is tailored to individual needs. Some of the most effective evidence-based approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps people identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, replacing them with healthier ways of thinking and responding. It is widely used for anxiety, depression, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Learn more about CBT and how it works.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories, particularly those linked to trauma and PTSD. It can be an effective approach for healing from past experiences. Find out more about EMDR therapy.

Schema Therapy

Schema therapy explores deep-seated beliefs formed in childhood that may be affecting current relationships and emotions. It is particularly useful for personality-related concerns and persistent emotional difficulties. Read about schema therapy and how it works.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages psychological flexibility by helping individuals accept difficult emotions while focusing on meaningful life values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress management.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises, help individuals manage stress and emotional regulation by increasing present-moment awareness.

What Happens in a Therapy Session With a Clinical Psychologist?

If you’re considering therapy, you might wonder what to expect. Sessions vary based on individual needs, but some common elements include:

Initial Assessment

Your first session involves an open conversation about your concerns, history, and goals for therapy. This helps your psychologist tailor an approach that best supports you.

Developing a Treatment Plan

Together, you and your psychologist will discuss therapy goals and strategies. This may include specific exercises, thought-challenging techniques, or coping skills to practise between sessions.

Ongoing Therapy Sessions

Regular sessions focus on exploring thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while working towards positive change. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your psychologist will provide guidance, insights, and techniques to help you feel more in control of your mental health.

Reviewing Progress

Therapy is an evolving process. Over time, your psychologist will review progress with you and adjust the approach as needed to ensure you’re getting the most from your sessions.