Therapy
A provisional psychologist is a clinician who has or is nearing completion of their tertiary qualifications and is eligible to undertake a program of supervision (internship) as they develop their applied skills.
Clinical Preparation Time
Provisional Psychologists are allocated a manageable client load with dedicated time to plan and reflect on sessions, discuss with supervisors and research new ideas.
Shorter Wait Times
Provisional Psychologists may have shorter wait times than fully registered clinicians, meaning you may not have to wait as long for therapy. We are aware of the huge demand for psychological services in Australia, so seeing a Provisional Psychologist may give you an opportunity to access therapy faster!
Extensive Supervision
Our Provisional Psychologists receive frequent supervision from Board Approved Supervisors, giving them an opportunity to draw on the experience from senior clinicians. Our Principal Psychologist oversees the treatment process with the aim of ensuring a high standard of care for every client.
Clinician Experience is not an Indicator of Client Outcomes
It is often assumed that psychologists with more experience will achieve better client outcomes, but this is not necessarily the case. Research shows that the best predictor of good client outcomes in therapy is the relationship between the psychologist and the client (Fluckiger et al, 2018). It is important that you are comfortable with your therapist, as this will help you both work towards your goals.
They Have 5+ Years of Training
Provisional Psychologists have been training for over five years, at University and in practice. Provisional Psychologists are in their final stages of training before registration, where they are refining their skills under the guidance of senior clinicians. Having recently completed or still engaged in university studies, Provisional Psychologists are in a good position to be up-to-date with current research and treatment modalities.