Hi dano,
Firstly you will need a referral from a GP. Do you have a regular doctor? If not that's your first step. Do you know why you need to talk to someone? Do you have an idea of the type/s of treatment you might need for the issues you're facing? Perhaps that's a good starting point for discussing things with your doctor - just be honest, say you don't know where to start in finding the help you need, and go from there.
It's good that you know you need assistance. Everyone is different so your needs aren't the same as anyone else's but you will find the right professional.
Basically, my understanding is that a Registered Psychologist has a different qualification to a Clinical Psychologist but neither can prescribe medication. Their field is in talking through issues and problems and finding ways to help the patient cope with the situation. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has then undertaken further specialist studies in Psychiatry and they can not only provide therapy but also prescribe a range of medications.
I see a GP for my general monitoring and prescription refills. I see a psychologist (Registered) for therapy and that helps with anxiety. I see a psychiatrist for more expert help than what I receive from my GP and psychologist. And it's the psychiatrist who has finally diagnosed me with bipolar disorder, although both other practitioners suspected it was responsible for my symptoms.
