Clinical psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken additional advanced training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders.
Clinical psychology is a science-based profession which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically based distress or dysfunction. Find out more in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Duration: 4 Years
Bachelors degree lasts 4 years and covers the scientific underpinnings of Psychology.
This includes all aspects of the broad discipline of Psychology, including research methods, sensation & perception, abnormal psychology, social psychology, personality, and theories of learning (just to name a few). T
he top students in the first 3 years are offered a place in an Honours program.
Duration: 1 Year
Honours Degree is a one year intensive research thesis and is graded on class system 1st, 2a, 2b and 3.
The Honours program also includes units (not research only) usually concerning methodology and assessment.
1st Class grade is the usual requirement for entry in Clinical Psychology Masters. Often individuals who wish to be researchers or academics only gain 1st class and enter a PhD program without doing a Masters Degree.
Duration: 2 years + 2 years Registrarship
A Master of Psychology (Clinical) is an advanced 2 year degree which is highly competitive to gain entry (only a very small percentage of applicants are accepted). MPsych requires training in Psychological Diagnosis, Treatment as well as 3 Internships at various Hosptials and other facilities. A thesis is also required.
Following Completion of MPsych, 2 More years of Registrarship under the supervision of a senior Clinical Supervision is required to become a Clinical Psychologist
Duration Approximately 5 Years
A PhD is optional and is the highest degree offered by University. Completion of a PhD requires substantive and original research and typically takes place over 3 to 5 years full time (but can take up to 9 years). On completion the examiners are usually renowned in their field and if the thesis meets high standard the title of Dr is conferred.
There are other Doctoral Degrees such as Doctor of Psychology (DPsych), however these have now been phased out, and the preference is for PhD to be the standard doctoral degree.
Psychology in Australia has moved to a 5 + 1 year model for psychologists and a 6 + 2 registrarship model for endorsement in a specialty area. Under this model, all psychologists now require a Masters Degree.
Cygnet Clinic provides a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to psychological care. Therapists work alongside individuals to understand their needs, strengths, and goals, and support them at a pace that feels safe. A range of therapies are offered, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills training, Schema Therapy, trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, and compassion- and mindfulness-based approaches. These therapies help with managing emotions, improving coping, processing past experiences, and building resilience and wellbeing.
Support is available for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family stress, emotional overwhelm, neurodiversity-related concerns, grief, and life transitions. The clinic focuses on creating a safe, respectful, and non-judgemental environment, where people feel understood and empowered to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
We are one of the few private psychology clinics with integrated psychiatry working collaboratively with our psychology team to provide gold-standard in psychological healthcare
Cygnet Clinic provides comprehensive and specialised psychological assessment services, delivered by experienced registered and endorsed psychologists with advanced expertise in trauma and Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) matters. Assessments are conducted using validated psychometric tools, structured clinical interviews, and a trauma-informed approach that is sensitive to the person’s lived experience. We assess a wide range of areas including cognitive functioning, neurodevelopmental conditions (such as Autism and ADHD), personality and emotional functioning, trauma impacts, and mental health concerns across the lifespan.
Our reports are clear, detailed, and professionally structured for clinical, legal, educational, and medico-legal purposes, including Criminal Injuries Compensation claims. Cygnet clinicians have extensive experience in writing complex reports for legal and compensation contexts, providing well-reasoned formulations, diagnosis where appropriate, and evidence-based recommendations for treatment and support needs.
We ensure reports are both clinically meaningful and legally suitable, translating psychological findings into practical next steps that assist individuals, referring professionals, legal representatives, and decision-makers.
Cygnet Clinic provides comprehensive education, supervision, and workforce development services to support psychologists, allied health professionals, and community organisations. Our senior clinicians are highly experienced in advanced therapeutic models, trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental and personality assessment, and Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) reporting. We offer individual and group clinical supervision, registrar program supervision for endorsement pathways, and tailored training workshops for teams. Our approach emphasises reflective practice, clinical confidence, professional identity formation, and practical skills development that can be applied directly in real-world settings.
We also work with external agencies, including health services, legal practices, schools, government departments, and community organisations seeking specialist input into psychosocial safety, trauma recovery planning, and assessment processes. Our consultancy support includes case formulation, treatment planning guidance, staff training in trauma-informed practice/ All training and consultation services are delivered collaboratively, aiming to strengthen service capacity, improve psychological outcomes, and promote ethical, evidence-based practice across systems of care.