In an attempt to define Australian professional psychology's public image, a random sample of Sydney metropolitan area adults and adult clients of psychologists were surveyed to assess their knowledge of and attitudes towards mental health and physical‐health professionals. The community group held more favourable opinions of the physical‐health professionals than the mental health professionals, with psychologists generally rated quite low. The results for the clients were better but not as favourable as psychologists might wish. A multivariate approach was taken to identify the predictors of favourable attitudes towards psychologists and future usage of psychological services. Findings on respondents' health, knowledge, and attitudes are presented and discussed, along with the clients' reactions to their experiences with psychologists.

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