Therapy in Australia costs an average of $270 per session for clinical psychologists and $240 for general psychologists (excluding GST) . Registered counsellors charge $130 per session. Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare provides rebates of $99 for general psychologist sessions and $145 for clinical psychologist sessions, both over 50 minutes. Based on over 2,400 therapist and counsellor quotes on Bark in 2026.

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The catch is that Medicare rebates cover only part of the cost. Out-of-pocket fees still run $75 to $175 per session, depending on who you see. Your $270 clinical psychologist session costs $125 after rebates, while your $240 general psychologist session costs $140.

Here's what each provider type charges across Australian cities, how Medicare rebates work and where to find bulk-billing psychologists who charge no gap fees.

Note: All prices in this guide exclude GST unless stated otherwise.

What does a therapy session cost in Australia?

Clinical psychologists charge $270 per session on average. They've completed 6 to 8 years of university study, including specialised clinical training. Sessions range from $220 to $350 across Australia, depending on experience and location.

General psychologists charge $240 per session on average. They hold a psychology registration after 4 to 6 years of university study. Most charge between $180 and $310 per session.

Registered counsellors charge $130 per session on average. Counselling isn't regulated in Australia, so qualifications and pricing both vary widely. Counsellors typically charge between $100 and $160 per hour.

Session length runs 50 to 60 minutes regardless of provider type. Some therapists offer 30-minute check-ins at reduced rates. Initial assessment sessions sometimes cost $20 to $50 more than follow-up appointments.

The Australian Psychological Society suggests $318 per session for all registered psychologists. Most practitioners charge below this recommended rate. Individual psychologists set their own fees regardless of registration type.

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How much does a counselling session cost in Australia?

Counselling costs $130 per hour on average across Australia. This covers individual sessions for anxiety, stress, relationship problems and life transitions.

A 2021 PACFA survey found 46% of Australian counsellors charge $100 to $160 per hour. Around 24% charge less than $100 per hour. The remaining 30% charge more than $160, with some specialised counsellors reaching $250.

Counsellors don't qualify for Medicare rebates because counselling isn't covered under the Better Access initiative. Only registered psychologists and clinical psychologists qualify. This means you pay the full $130 fee without government subsidies.

Some private health insurance extras policies provide partial rebates for counselling. Bupa, Medibank, HCF and Australian Unity include counselling in select packages. Check your policy to see if your counsellor qualifies for rebates.

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Does Medicare cover therapy in Australia?

Medicare covers registered psychologists and clinical psychologists, but doesn't cover counsellors.

Clinical psychologists provide a Medicare rebate of $145 per session. General psychologists provide a Medicare rebate of $99 per session. These rebates apply to sessions of 50 minutes or longer.

You need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP to access Medicare rebates. Your GP assesses your mental health and refers you to a psychologist. The plan covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Your GP reviews your progress after 6 sessions before approving the remaining 4 sessions. The review ensures the treatment is working. Most GPs complete this review during a standard appointment.

Medicare doesn't cover registered counsellors or psychotherapists. Only practitioners registered with the Psychology Board of Australia qualify for rebates under Better Access.

You still pay gap fees after Medicare rebates. Out-of-pocket costs typically run $75 to $175 per session, depending on your psychologist's fees.

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How much does therapy cost after Medicare rebates?

Clinical psychologist sessions cost $125 out of pocket on average after Medicare rebates.

A clinical psychologist charging $270 per session leaves you with $125 to pay after the $145 Medicare rebate. Sessions costing $220 leave a $75 gap. Sessions at $350 cost $205 out of pocket.

General psychologist sessions cost $140 out of pocket on average after Medicare rebates.

A general psychologist charging $240 per session leaves you with $141 to pay after the $99 Medicare rebate. Sessions costing $190 leave a $91 gap. Sessions at $280 cost $181 out of pocket.

Research from the Australian Health Review shows 69% of Australians pay gap fees for psychology services. The median gap fee sits at $90 across both psychologist types. Gap fees in Sydney and Melbourne typically run $110 to $150, while regional areas average $70 to $100.

Out-of-pocket costs often end up similar whether you see a clinical or general psychologist. Clinical psychologists charge $30 more per session on average. The $46 difference in rebates narrows the actual cost gap to around $15.

The Medicare Safety Net helps once you've spent enough on healthcare. After reaching the threshold, Medicare covers 80% of out-of-pocket costs for additional sessions. The Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold sits at approximately $2,500–$2,800, and is subject to annual CPI adjustment.

What's the difference between psychologists and counsellors in Australia?

Clinical psychologists hold the highest qualifications in mental health treatment.

They've completed a Masters or Doctorate in clinical psychology after their undergraduate degree. The Psychology Board of Australia endorses them to treat complex conditions. They charge $270 per session on average and provide $145 Medicare rebates.

General psychologists completed 4 to 6 years of university training in psychology. They're registered with the Psychology Board but don't hold a clinical endorsement. They charge $240 per session on average and provide $99 Medicare rebates.

Registered counsellors don't need specific qualifications because counselling isn't regulated in Australia. Many hold diplomas or degrees in counselling. Requirements differ from one counsellor to another. They charge $130 per session on average and don't qualify for Medicare rebates.

The extra training for clinical psychologists focuses on complex conditions like PTSD, severe depression and personality disorders. General psychologists treat common issues like stress, anxiety and mild to moderate depression. Counsellors typically help with life transitions, grief and everyday emotional challenges.

Your GP recommends the right provider type when creating your Mental Health Treatment Plan. They assess your needs and refer you accordingly.

How much does therapy cost in different Australian cities?

Sydney psychologists typically charge $270 per session. Some Sydney clinics charge up to $350 for clinical psychologist sessions. The higher cost reflects CBD operating expenses and strong demand from Sydney's population.

Melbourne psychologists charge $265 per session on average. Out-of-pocket costs with Medicare run $95 to $120 per session at most Melbourne practices. Inner-city Melbourne psychologists charge similar rates to those in Sydney.

Brisbane psychologists charge $250 per session on average. Many Brisbane practitioners charge below the APS recommended rate of $318. Out-of-pocket costs after Medicare rebates run $85 to $105 per session.

Perth clinical psychologists charge $280 per session on average. General psychologists in Perth charge $250 per session. Perth's smaller population of psychologists creates higher demand and pricing.

Adelaide psychologists charge $260 per session across both clinical and general psychologists. Regional Victorian and NSW areas charge $235 per session on average. Regional areas typically charge 10% to 15% less than capital cities.

Telehealth has reduced geographic pricing differences significantly. Most psychologists charge identical rates whether you attend in person or online. This means regional Australians access city psychologists at consistent rates without travel costs.

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Does telehealth therapy cost less than in-person sessions?

Telehealth therapy costs the same as in-person sessions at most Australian practices.

Psychologists charge identical rates whether you attend online or in their clinic. New Vision Psychology in Sydney charges $260 for registered psychologists and $300 for clinical psychologists, regardless of format. Perennial Psychology in Melbourne charges $210 to $260 per session for both delivery methods.

Medicare rebates apply equally to telehealth and in-person sessions. You'll receive the same $145 rebate for clinical psychologists or $99 for general psychologists. The rebate amount doesn't change based on delivery format.

Telehealth saves money in other ways, even though session fees stay the same. You avoid travel costs, parking fees and time off work. A Melbourne session requiring $15 parking and 90 minutes travel time saves you real money.

Regional Australians access city psychologists without driving hours for appointments. A Ballarat resident can see a Melbourne psychologist via telehealth at the same $265 rate. They save $40 petrol and 3 hours of driving time.

After-hours fees apply to both formats at most practices. Evening sessions after 5pm typically cost $20 to $40 more. Weekend appointments sometimes attract similar surcharges.

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Is counselling covered by Medicare in Australia?

Counselling isn't covered by Medicare in Australia.

The Better Access initiative covers registered psychologists and clinical psychologists but excludes counsellors. Only practitioners registered with the Psychology Board of Australia qualify for Medicare rebates.

This exclusion exists because counselling isn't regulated in Australia. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor regardless of qualifications or training. Medicare only subsidises services from registered health professionals with standardised qualifications.

You'll pay the full counselling fee without any Medicare rebate. A $130 counselling session costs the full $130 out of pocket. Compare this to a $240 psychologist session costing $141 after the $99 Medicare rebate.

Private health insurance extras policies sometimes cover counselling. Bupa, Medibank, AHM, HCF, NIB and Australian Unity include counselling in some extras packages. Rebate amounts and annual limits differ by policy.

Check your extras cover before booking counselling sessions. Call your insurer to confirm your counsellor qualifies and what rebate you'll receive. Most insurers require counsellors to hold specific accreditations from PACFA or ACA.

Some Australians choose counsellors despite no Medicare rebates. Counsellors cost less than psychologists even without rebates after 10 sessions. Others prefer counsellors' approaches or find psychologist wait lists too long.

What affects therapy costs in Australia?

Provider qualifications create the biggest cost differences.

Clinical psychologists charge $270 per session because they've completed 6 to 8 years of specialised training. General psychologists charge $240 after 4 to 6 years of study. Registered counsellors charge $130 with varied training backgrounds.

Experience and specialisation increase fees within each provider type. A clinical psychologist with 20 years treating eating disorders might charge $320 per session. A newly registered psychologist might charge $190 to build their practice.

Session length affects the total cost. Standard sessions run 50 to 60 minutes. Some psychologists offer 30-minute sessions at $120 to $150. Extended 90-minute sessions cost $350 to $450. Medicare rebates only apply to sessions of 50 minutes or longer.

Location makes some difference, though less than many expect. Sydney psychologists charge $20 to $50 more than those in Brisbane. Perth psychologists charge $30 to $40 more than Adelaide practitioners. Telehealth reduces this gap.

Time of day affects pricing at some practices. After-hours appointments after 5pm cost $20 to $40 more per session. Weekend appointments attract similar surcharges. Standard business hours offer the lowest rates.

Bulk-billing psychologists charge no gap fees because they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment. Clinical psychologists receive $145 while general psychologists receive $99. These psychologists often have wait lists of 4 to 12 weeks.

Initial assessment sessions sometimes cost more than ongoing sessions. Some psychologists charge $280 to $350 for first appointments involving detailed assessments. Follow-up sessions then cost their standard $240 to $270 rate.

The type of therapy doesn't usually affect pricing. Cognitive behavioural therapy costs the same per session as acceptance and commitment therapy. The psychologist's hourly rate stays consistent regardless of therapeutic approach.

Where can I find affordable therapy in Australia?

Medicare-subsidised psychology provides the most affordable option for most Australians.

Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access 10 subsidised psychology sessions per year. This reduces clinical psychologist costs to $125 per session. General psychologist costs drop to $140 per session.

Bulk-billing psychologists charge no gap fees at all. They accept the $145 or $99 Medicare rebate as full payment. Ask your GP for bulk-billing referrals in your area. Search online directories like the APS Find a Psychologist tool filtering for bulk-billing practitioners.

Headspace offers free mental health support for Australians aged 12 to 25. They provide counselling, psychological therapy and psychiatric support at over 150 centres. No Medicare rebate or gap fees apply. Walk-in and booked appointments are both available.

Medicare Mental Health Centres provide free psychology and psychiatry services. The government opened these centres across Australia in 2025. Search the Department of Health website to find your nearest centre.

University psychology clinics offer low-cost therapy with trainee psychologists supervised by experienced practitioners. Sessions cost $50 to $100 at most university clinics. The University of Melbourne charges $50 per session, while Sydney University charges $60.

Community health centres employ psychologists who bulk bill or charge reduced fees based on income. Contact your local community health service to ask about mental health support. Many offer bulk-billing psychology to concession card holders.

Employee assistance programs provide free counselling through many workplaces. Most EAPs offer 3 to 6 free sessions per year. Sessions remain confidential from your employer. Check with your HR department about accessing your company's EAP.

Online therapy platforms sometimes cost less than traditional practices. Some platforms offer subscription models with unlimited messaging plus monthly video sessions. Prices typically run $150 to $200 per month.

Phone and text services provide free crisis support. Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) offer immediate help. Use these services while arranging ongoing therapy.

What's included in a therapy session?

Therapy sessions run 50 to 60 minutes of face-to-face time with your therapist. The first session involves assessment, history-taking and goal-setting. You'll discuss your background, current concerns and what you want to achieve.

Subsequent sessions focus on therapeutic interventions and progress review. Psychologists use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or EMDR. You'll work through strategies, practice new skills and review homework from previous sessions.

Psychologists provide treatment planning, progress notes and ongoing assessment between sessions. Many spend 10 to 15 minutes after each session writing progress notes. This administrative time is included in your session fee.

Session fees cover the appointment time only. Additional services like report writing, phone consultations or letters cost extra. Most psychologists charge $180 to $250 per hour for detailed report preparation.

Letters to employers or insurance companies typically cost $80 to $150. Phone consultations between sessions cost $50 to $100 per 15 minutes. Ask your psychologist about additional service fees during your first appointment.

Cancellation policies apply at most practices. Cancelling with less than 24 hours' notice typically incurs a $100 to $150 fee. Some psychologists charge the full session fee for same-day cancellations.

How can I reduce therapy costs?

Access your Medicare-funded sessions first. Ten subsidised sessions reduce your annual costs by $990 for general psychologists or $1,453 for clinical psychologists. Book an appointment with your GP to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Check your private health insurance extras cover. Many policies rebate $60 to $120 per psychology session up to annual limits. Combined with Medicare, this substantially lowers out-of-pocket expenses. Call your insurer to confirm coverage.

Consider registered counsellors after exhausting Medicare sessions. At $130 per session, counsellors cost half the price of psychologists. They work well for ongoing support after your initial 10 subsidised sessions.

University training clinics provide heavily discounted sessions with supervised provisional psychologists. Sessions cost $50 to $100 compared to $240 to $270 at private practices. The supervisors ensure clinical quality despite lower fees.

Ask about sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. Many psychologists offer $20 to $50 discounts for students, pensioners and healthcare card holders. Some reserve a few spots for reduced-fee clients.

Book during standard business hours rather than after-hours appointments. After-hours sessions cost $20 to $40 more per session. Morning and early afternoon appointments typically cost less.

Split therapy across calendar years to maximise Medicare subsidies. Starting in November or December gives you 10 sessions before year-end. You access another 10 subsidised sessions from 1 January.

What should I ask before booking therapy?

Confirm the session cost and whether the therapist bulk bills. Ask about gap fees after Medicare rebates. A psychologist charging $270 leaves you with a $125 gap after clinical rebates.

Check their current availability and waiting time. Some psychologists have wait lists of 4 to 12 weeks. Others can see you within days. Ask if they offer urgent appointments for crisis situations.

Confirm their qualifications and AHPRA registration for Medicare eligibility. All registered psychologists have an AHPRA number. Clinical psychologists hold an additional clinical endorsement. Counsellors aren't AHPRA registered and don't qualify for Medicare.

Ask about their experience treating your specific concerns. A psychologist specialising in eating disorders brings different expertise than one focused on relationship counselling. Match their experience to your needs.

Discuss their therapeutic approach and typical treatment length. CBT typically runs 12 to 16 sessions. Psychodynamic therapy often continues longer. Ask how they'll measure progress and when they review treatment plans.

Find out if they offer telehealth or in-person only. Telehealth provides flexibility for busy schedules. In-person sessions suit those preferring face-to-face contact.

Confirm session duration and whether initial assessments cost more than standard sessions. Most initial sessions cost the same $240 to $270 rate. Some charge $20 to $50 more for extended first appointments.

Clarify cancellation policies and fees for missed appointments. Most psychologists charge full fees for same-day cancellations. Some offer flexibility for emergency situations.

When should I choose a psychologist versus a counsellor?

Choose a registered psychologist for diagnosed mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression or PTSD. Psychologists conduct formal assessments, provide diagnoses and deliver evidence-based psychological treatments. Medicare rebates make psychologists more affordable for the first 10 annual sessions.

Select a registered counsellor for relationship issues, stress management, grief or life transitions. Counsellors excel at supportive therapy and practical coping strategies. They're more cost-effective for ongoing support beyond 10 sessions annually.

Clinical psychologists suit complex presentations like trauma, personality disorders or treatment-resistant conditions. Their advanced training justifies higher fees of $270 per session. The Medicare rebate for clinical psychologists is $145 for 50-minute sessions or longer, compared to $99 for general psychologists.

Your GP helps determine which provider suits your situation. They assess your symptoms and needs when creating your Mental Health Treatment Plan. Take their recommendation seriously based on their clinical judgement.

Consider trying a general psychologist first before stepping up to a clinical psychologist. Many people achieve excellent outcomes with general psychologists at lower out-of-pocket costs. You can always change providers if needed.

Counsellors work well if you don't qualify for Medicare rebates or prefer less clinical approaches. They often have shorter wait times than psychologists. Some people prefer counsellors' focus on practical strategies over clinical interventions.

How long does therapy typically take?

Short-term focused therapy runs 6 to 12 sessions for specific issues. Mild anxiety, stress management and adjustment issues often resolve within this timeframe. Your 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions cover typical short-term treatment.

Moderate therapy extends to 12 to 24 sessions for more complex concerns. Long-standing anxiety, relationship patterns and moderate depression fall into this category. You'll need to self-fund sessions beyond your 10 Medicare sessions.

Long-term therapy spans 6 to 12 months for complex trauma, personality issues or severe mental illness. Treatment typically involves 20 to 50 sessions. This costs $2,500 to $6,250 out of pocket after Medicare rebates.

Evidence-based treatments like CBT often show results within 12 to 20 sessions. Trauma-focused therapy works gradually because processing difficult experiences takes time. Your psychologist discusses expected treatment length during initial sessions.

Your psychologist reviews progress regularly to ensure therapy remains beneficial. Reviews typically occur every 6 to 8 sessions. They'll discuss whether continuing makes sense or if you've reached appropriate stopping points.

Many therapists support maintenance sessions after intensive treatment. Monthly check-ins help maintain progress and prevent relapse. These cost $240 to $270 per session without Medicare subsidies after your initial 10 sessions.

Therapy in Australia costs $270 per session for clinical psychologists, $240 for general psychologists and $130 for counsellors on average. Medicare rebates reduce the out-of-pocket cost to $125 to $140 per session for your first 10 annual sessions. Sydney and Perth charge 10% to 15% more than Brisbane and regional areas.

If you need ongoing support for diagnosed mental health conditions, book a GP appointment to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This provides you with up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions. For ongoing support beyond 10 sessions, registered counsellors offer cost-effective alternatives at $130 per session.

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