A Registered Counsellor has completed at least a four-year Psychology degree and a 720 hour supervised internship in counselling. Registered Counsellors cannot make diagnoses, and must refer more complex cases to Psychologists.

Professional Psychologists in South Africa have completed a Masters degree in Psychology (5-6 years), one year’s supervised internship post, and a published Master’s dissertation (research study). Clinical Psychologists also complete one year of community service. Psychologists conduct psychotherapy, assessments, and wider systemic interventions, at times.

Ultimately, every Psychology professional registered with the HPCSA is ethically responsible to work within their particular areas of skill, expertise, and competencies, which are determined by their training, supervision and experience. This applies to Registered Counsellors and all categories of Psychologists (e.g. Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists, Neuropsychologists etc.)