Public perceptions of four mental health professions: A survey of knowledge and attitudes to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and counsellors

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Abstract
A survey of knowledge and attitudes towards lour mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and counsellors) collected data from 502 respondents representative of Australian society. Results indicated that the four professions were perceived as providing fairly distinct services to the public and fell into two sub‐groups: (1) psychologists and psychiatrists as private‐practice and fee‐demanding professionals who study human behaviour and thoughts, and (2) social workers and counsellors as public‐utility non‐fee‐demanding professionals who are more practical and help the average person solve emotional problems. Data on value, status, familiarity and approachability are discussed.