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Behavioural Psychologist

Behavioural Psychologists help clients, including children and adults, improve their behaviour using therapies like CBT and attachment theories.

How do I become a behavioural psychologist

Get qualified to work as a behavioural psychologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The average salary for registered Behavioural Psychologists is $83,200 per annum. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate and research qualifications in behavioural science and psychotherapy.

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There are no clear employment figures for Behavioural Psychologists working in Australia. They work for healthcare organisations, non-profits and NGOs, large corporations, corrective services institutions, and government agencies. Some Behavioural Psychologists work in private practice.

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To become a Behavioural Psychologist you must complete a Bachelor’s degree in psychology approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Examples include: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Psychological Science, and Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology). Once you have your degree, the next steps to registration with APAC involve:

  1. Completing a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology.
  2. Undertaking a one-year internship,
  3. Passing the National Psychology Exam.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

How to start a career in counselling

7th September 2020

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

15th September 2022

What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

25th October 2022

Behavioural Psychologist careers

Behavioural Psychologists are registered psychologists who help their clients make meaningful and positive changes in their behaviour. They use attachment theories and psychotherapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support children, adolescents, parents, and teachers, as well as adult clients.

As a Behavioural Psychologist you could be helping parents distinguish between naughty behaviour and mental health problems in their child, helping a client with autism develop the skills to make social connections, helping an adult resolve anger issues that originate from childhood trauma, helping a child manage Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or attending an international conference for qualified psychologists.