It depends on what you need help with. A behaviour therapist focuses on practical skills and changing behaviour in everyday life, such as meltdowns, aggression, communication or daily routines. A psychologist focuses on assessment, diagnosis and a person’s thoughts, emotions and mental health, such as anxiety, low mood or trauma.
Many children and adults benefit from both. Knowing what each one does makes it easier to decide where to start.
What does a behaviour therapist do?
A behaviour therapist works out why a behaviour is happening and teaches safer, more useful ways for the person to get their needs met. The work is practical and usually happens where daily life takes place, such as at home, at school or in the community.
Behaviour therapists often work in two main ways. ABA therapy builds skills like communication, play, self-care and following routines through structured, step-by-step teaching. Positive Behaviour Support looks at the reasons behind behaviour such as hitting, running off or self-injury, then changes the environment and teaches new skills so the behaviour is needed less.
A big part of the role is coaching the people around the person. Parents, carers, teachers and support workers learn the same strategies, so progress carries over into everyday routines.
“Behaviour therapist” isn’t a protected title in Australia. Under the NDIS, though, behaviour support assessments and behaviour support plans can only be done by practitioners the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission considers suitable, working for a registered provider.
What does a psychologist do?
A psychologist assesses and treats how a person thinks, feels and behaves. Psychologists often diagnose conditions such as autism, ADHD and intellectual disability, and they provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and difficulties with emotions.
Most psychology sessions involve talking and structured activities, often in a clinic or by telehealth. With children, sessions may also include play-based approaches and guidance for parents.
In Australia, “psychologist” is a protected title. Anyone practising as a psychologist must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, and you can check a psychologist’s registration on the Ahpra public register.
What’s the difference between a behaviour therapist and a psychologist?
| Behaviour therapist | Psychologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Behaviour, skills and daily routines | Thoughts, emotions, mental health and assessment |
| Typical approach | ABA therapy, Positive Behaviour Support, coaching families and schools | Talk-based therapy, psychological assessment, play therapy for children |
| Where sessions happen | Usually at home, school or in the community | Usually in a clinic or by telehealth |
| Diagnosis | Doesn’t diagnose | Can assess and diagnose conditions such as autism and ADHD |
| Protected title | No, but NDIS behaviour support is regulated | Yes, registered with the Psychology Board of Australia |
When a behaviour therapist is usually the better fit
A behaviour therapist is often the right place to start when the main concern is what someone is doing day to day. For example:
- Frequent meltdowns, hitting, biting or throwing things
- Running off, climbing or other unsafe behaviour
- Limited communication, or behaviour being used to communicate needs
- Difficulty with toileting, dressing, eating or sleep routines
- Behaviour at school or kinder that’s affecting learning or friendships
- Families or support workers needing clear, consistent strategies to follow
These are common for autistic children and adults, including people with ASD Level 2, and for children with developmental delay.
When a psychologist is usually the better fit
A psychologist is often the right choice when the main concern is how someone is feeling or thinking. For example:
- Anxiety, worry or panic
- Low mood, depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Trauma or grief
- Low self-esteem or difficulty understanding emotions
- Needing an assessment or diagnosis, such as for autism or ADHD
If someone is at risk of harming themselves or others right now, call 000.
When you might need both
Behaviour and emotions are closely linked, so many people get the best results when a behaviour therapist and a psychologist work together.
For example, an autistic teenager who refuses to go to school might see a psychologist for anxiety, while a behaviour therapist works with the family and school on morning routines and a gradual return to class. A young child might see a psychologist for a diagnostic assessment, then start early childhood intervention and ABA therapy, with a key worker keeping everyone working towards the same goals.
When professionals share goals and talk to each other, the person gets consistent support instead of mixed messages.
Can a psychologist write a behaviour support plan?
Only if the NDIS Commission considers them suitable to work as a behaviour support practitioner. Many behaviour support practitioners have a psychology background, but others come from fields such as social work, occupational therapy, education or applied behaviour analysis. The practitioner’s suitability for behaviour support matters more than their original profession.
How does the NDIS fund behaviour therapy and psychology?
Both can be included in an NDIS plan when they’re reasonable and necessary. Positive Behaviour Support is usually funded under Capacity Building, Improved Relationships. ABA therapy and psychology are usually funded as therapy supports under Capacity Building, Improved Daily Living.
Questions to ask before you choose
Whichever professional you’re considering, these questions can help:
- Are they registered with the NDIS, and with Ahpra if they’re a psychologist?
- Do they have experience with this age group and this diagnosis?
- Where will sessions happen: at home, at school or in a clinic?
- How will they involve family, carers and teachers?
- How will progress be measured and shared with you?
Getting started with Helping Hands Behaviour Support
Helping Hands Behaviour Support (HHBS) is a registered NDIS provider specialising in Positive Behaviour Support, ABA therapy and early childhood intervention. Our behaviour therapists work with children and adults at home or at school, focusing on the practical skills and behaviour changes that make everyday life easier. We work with NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed plans.
If you or someone you care for is an NDIS participant and behaviour is the main concern, call us on 0406 920 296 or send us an enquiry, and our team will help you get started with the right support. Support coordinators can make a referral online.
Note: This article is general information, not a diagnosis, assessment or recommendation for any individual. For advice about a specific person, speak with their GP, paediatrician or treating team.
