#MentalHealthMonday

5 Different Types mental health professionals in South Africa.

A short thread (4 minute read):

1. Lay Counsellor: These are usually counsellors found in VCT facilities in SA and they usually have a 3-6 month certificate as a qualification. Their job is largely based on pre and post HIV test counselling as well as facilitating the actual HIV testing.

2. Psychometrist: These are professionals who are specifically trained in the usage and interpretation of psychological tests. They usually have a BA Psychology degree and a BA(Honours) Psychology degree plus a 6 month Psychometric certificate after Honours.......

(Cont....) Their job as mentioned above, is to test people's mental functioning, potential, aptitude and severity of mental illness.

3. Registered counsellor: These are professionals who are trained in counselling, basic psychological testing and provisional diagnostics. They go through an intense 4 year Bachelor of Psychology(Hons) degree. Most of their work is based on prevention of mental illness...

(Cont...) but they're also responsible for identifying developed mental conditions and referring to relevant specialists like Psychiatrists and Psychologists. (I am a qualified registered counsellor by the way ).

4. Clinical Psychologist: These are professionals who undergo intensive training in psychological testing, psychotherapy, identification and treatment of Developed mental illness. They do both preventative and curative clinical work....

(Cont...) They go through 2 additional years of intensive training after the undergraduate degree and honours to obtain a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology(6 years in total). I will be starting this course in January .

5. Psychiatrist: These are Medical Doctors who undergo an intense specialty training of an additional 4 years to their 6 year MBCHB degree(10 years in total).

(Cont...) Psychiatrists work hand in hand with Clinical Psychologists but can execute most functions of all the above listed professionals provided that they have ample time.

(Cont...) Although they usually only prefer to administer medical treatment of mental illness like pills and injections. You may only approach psychiatrists with a referral letter from a Registred counsellor, Clinical Psychologist or General Practitioner(GP).

In closing, Psychometrists and Registered Counsellors offer their services at much cheaper rates than Clinical Psychologists but their scope of practice is limited. So choose wisely when in need for services.

#MentalHealthMonday will be back again next Monday