In Queensland at present, anyone can legally call themselves a Counsellor or Psychotherapist. People who use these terms do not have to be registered with any regulative body or possess any minimum level of qualification.

Both psychiatrists and psychologists must possess the required university qualifications and be registered with the Health Professionals Registration Board in their relevant state to be able to call themselves a psychiatrist or psychologist and to be legally able to practice. There is a public register in each state which enables anyone to check that somebody calling themselves a psychologist or psychiatrist is registered with the relevant authority. In Queensland you can access this register at www.psychologyboard.qld.gov.au and then by following the instructions at ‘check registration’.