Which Practitioner can best support my child to thrive?
Understanding the different professionals who help with feelings, behaviour, and brain health.
At Cambridge Educational Psychology Services (CEPS), we are psychologists who are specialists in developmental and educational psychology. We are working hard to secure other specialties in our practice.
We know it can be confusing to determine which professional is best for your child, so we have created a handy guide below.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any additional advice or guidance.
Life Coach
What do they do?
Life coaches help people set goals and feel more confident. Some may talk about emotions, but they are not trained in mental health and can’t diagnose or treat problems. Anyone can call themselves a life coach.
Training: Very mixed – some do a short online course, others have no formal training
Registered with: No official government body
Law: Not regulated – no rules about who can use the title
Note: It’s important to check what training and experience a life coach has before trusting their advice.
Counsellor
What do they do?
Counsellors talk with people about problems in their life and help them find their own solutions. They offer a safe space to talk about worries and make decisions.
Training: Usually 3–4 years, often at a private training college or university
Registered with: New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) or other voluntary bodies
Law: Not regulated by the government, but follow professional codes of ethics
Psychologist
What do they do?
Psychologists help people understand how they think, feel, and behave. They don’t prescribe medicine. Instead, they use talking tools, assessments, and science to help people learn ways to feel better, learn better, or cope better.
Note: Only psychologists can give a formal diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) using DSM-5 criteria.
Different types:
Educational Psychologist – works with children and young people in learning settings (that’s us at CEPS!). At CEPS, we are educational psychologists – we focus on helping children and young people thrive in their learning, friendships, and emotional wellbeing.
Clinical Psychologist – supports people with more serious mental health problems (like depression, trauma, or eating disorders)
Registered Psychologist – a general term. All educational and clinical psychologists must be registered. Always check what area they specialise in
Training: 6–8 years of university + practical experience
Registered with: New Zealand Psychologists Board
Law: Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
Psychiatrist
What do they do?
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medicine. Some do therapy too.
Training: 13+ years (medical degree + psychiatry training)
Registered with: Medical Council of New Zealand
Law: Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
Paediatrician
What do they do?
Paediatricians are doctors who work with children’s health. Some paediatricians focus on children’s development and behaviour (e.g., autism, ADHD).
Training: 13+ years (medical degree + paediatrics training)
Registered with: Medical Council of New Zealand
Law: Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
Summary Table – Who’s Who in Mental Health & Learning
At CEPS we know that it can be hard to navigate the system. A psychology report from CEPS can diagnose specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia, and identify Giftedness and Twice-exceptional learners. We can also assess for more general cognitive and behavioural challenges that your child may be experiencing.
We can undertake initial assessments for ADHD and Autism; however, these are considered medical conditions and as a result can only be diagnosed and medication prescribed by a Healthcare professional such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist. These are accessible in private practice or via the Child Development Centre in Hamilton.
Cambridge Educational Psychology Services
Freephone: 0800 730 700
Mobile: 021 730 700
Email: enquiries@ceps.co.nz
Emergency Support Contacts
CEPS does not provide crisis support services. For any life-threatening emergencies, please dial 111.