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DEEP DIVE: Should becoming a psychologist be easier?

November 13, 2026 · 19 min

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Australia is in a mental health crisis and needs more psychologists.

So, is the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist too long and convoluted?

Current students say the system isn’t working.

But there’s a proposal to streamline training from six years to five.

In this week's deep dive, we hear from students and established psychologists about the industry's bottlenecks and whether these proposed reforms will actually bring about change.

Guests:

  • Dr Kelly Gough, President of the Australian Psychological Society
  • Leanne Clarke OAM, Sydney-based psychologist

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