How much does therapy cost in Melbourne?

Therapy sessions in Melbourne typically range from $120 to $300 per session, depending on the practitioner's qualifications, experience and specialisation. Psychologists registered with AHPRA tend to sit at the higher end, while counsellors and psychotherapists often charge less. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of around $93 per session for a clinical psychologist or roughly $67 for a registered psychologist, which brings your out-of-pocket costs down considerably. Some Melbourne therapists also offer sliding-scale fees or reduced rates for concession card holders.

What should I look for when choosing a therapist in Melbourne?

Start with qualifications and registration. In Melbourne, look for AHPRA registration if you want a psychologist, or PACFA/ACA membership for counsellors and psychotherapists. Beyond credentials, check whether the therapist has experience with your specific concern, whether that's anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties or something else. The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes, so it's worth having an initial conversation to see if you feel comfortable and understood. Practical factors like location, availability and telehealth options also matter if you want to stick with therapy long enough to see real progress.

How many therapy sessions will I need in Melbourne?

There's no single answer that applies to every Melbourne client. For focused concerns like mild to moderate anxiety or a specific life stressor, many people notice meaningful progress within six to twelve sessions. More complex issues such as trauma, chronic depression or deeply rooted relationship patterns may benefit from longer-term work. Under a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can access up to ten individual sessions per calendar year. Your Melbourne therapist should discuss goals and expected timeframes early on and review progress regularly so you both know how things are tracking.

Can I get Medicare rebates for therapy in Melbourne?

Yes, many Melbourne residents access Medicare rebates for therapy. To qualify, visit your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan or MHTP). This plan entitles you to up to ten Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year with an eligible provider, such as a clinical psychologist, registered psychologist or accredited mental health social worker. The rebate amount varies by provider type but typically covers a meaningful portion of the session fee. Keep in mind that counsellors registered only with PACFA or ACA are not eligible for Medicare rebates, so confirm your Melbourne therapist's registration before booking if rebates matter to you.

Hire the best therapists in Melbourne

Compare trusted Melbourne therapists and get free quotes

Hire the best therapists in Melbourne

Compare trusted Melbourne therapists and get free quotes

Top therapists in Melbourne

ServesMelbourne

Counselling and EMDR Therapy - Supporting adults with trauma, grief, anxiety and emotional recovery. At InFocus Health, we are committed to empowering you with psycho-education and effective strategies. We believe in promoting awareness to ensure that the positive changes you seek are not only achievable but also long-lasting. Your well-being is our priority. Let’s find the right solution for you. Let’s move forward together. Book your free 30 minute phone consult. Please check out my reviews on https://www.infocushealth.com.au/

$135/session

ServesMelbourne

Sessions online, Australia Wide. Pensioner discounts. Free 15 min phone consult to discuss your needs. Life can be a complicated and traumatic experience at times. It can be hard to know how to manage your concerns, or to know how to gain the tools to help you make sense of your issues and improve the quality of your life with more positive results. While counselling can deal with specific life issues, it can also help you find a path to more positive outcomes and to mapping out a plan for your future. I have many years of experience in helping others in their life journey. I would love to hear your story and see how I can help. Relationships and the sense of grief or loss that comes with changes or the loss of a relationship, takes many forms - your relationship with an intimate partner, a friend, a loved pet. This can include death, change or loss. There is also the relationship with your status in life, with the aging process and the changes both mental and physical that come with it, the relationships with your work colleague and perhaps the loss of a job or a lifestyle. Importantly, there is also the relationship with yourself - how you feel about you. You are important and your life matters. Learning how to get what you want out of life, be it in your intimate relationships, at work or in the contentment of who you are. There are many other scenarios. Call me for a free 15 minute chat and tell me just what you are seeking - no obligation.

ServesMelbourne

We are a team of husband and wife. We provide counselling (Henry) and family therapy (Ensaf). Well qualified and experienced ready to assist you to meet your counselling goals.

How much does it cost to hire a therapist in Melbourne?

$120 – $300/session

per project

Find professionals near you

Finding a therapist in Melbourne is easy with Bark

Melbourne is home to one of the largest and most diverse mental health communities in Australia, which means you have plenty of options but finding the right therapist can still feel overwhelming. Whether you're based near Fitzroy, working in the CBD or living closer to Collingwood, there are qualified therapists within reach who specialise in exactly what you need. Bark takes the guesswork out of the process by connecting you with experienced local professionals who can help.

How to find a therapist in Melbourne

Tell us what you're looking for. Answer a few short questions about the type of therapy you need, whether that's individual counselling, couples work, support for a child or something more specific.
Receive responses from Melbourne therapists. We'll match your request with qualified therapists across Melbourne who have the right experience for your situation.
Compare and choose. Review qualifications, read about each therapist's approach and get in touch directly. There's no obligation to book.

Therapy services in Melbourne

Melbourne's mental health sector is well-resourced, and local therapists offer a broad range of support. Here's what you can expect to find:

Anxiety, depression, and mood support. Evidence-based therapy for generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, depression and mood-related concerns. Melbourne therapists commonly use CBT, ACT and other structured approaches to help clients develop practical coping strategies.
Trauma and PTSD. Specialist approaches including EMDR, trauma-focused CBT and somatic therapy for processing trauma and building resilience. Melbourne has a strong concentration of practitioners with advanced training in trauma-focused modalities.
Couples and relationship counselling. Support for communication difficulties, conflict resolution, trust repair and strengthening partnerships. Whether you're working through a rough patch or addressing long-standing patterns, Melbourne therapists can help you and your partner move forward.
Child, adolescent, and family therapy. Age-appropriate therapy for children and teens, including behavioural concerns, school-related anxiety and family dynamics. Melbourne family therapists understand the specific pressures facing Victorian families and tailor their approach to suit.

Why use Bark to find a therapist in Melbourne

Compare with confidence. You'll hear from several Melbourne therapists so you can weigh up qualifications, specialisations and fees side by side.
One request, multiple options. No need to spend hours searching directories or calling clinics in Fitzroy and Collingwood. Post once and let therapists come to you.
No obligation. Browse responses, ask questions and only commit when you've found the right match for you.

Find therapists near Melbourne

Therapists in Brunswick Therapists in South Yarra Therapists in Preston Therapists in Hawthorn Therapists in Cheltenham

Verified reviews for therapists in Melbourne

The average rating for therapists on Bark is 4.95. These reviews are from verified members of the Bark community who have hired a therapist.

by James

24 Feb 2025

Did the program and achieved all goals we had planed out over the first session including quitting smoking caffeine eating healthy and even loosing 9kg all in all great program and verry helpful would recommend

The New Paradigm Institute

by Rebecca

7 Oct 2024

I was at a very low point in my life when I reached out to Jo. Since then, she has taken my partner and I in with open arms and has given us amazing advice and made a “scary” thing turn into something we look forward to. Her caring, selfless spirit and loveable compassionate personality makes her an amazing candidate for any counselling or support needs. Whether you are struggling, just need someone to talk to, or just want to explore counselling services, Jo is your go to! Every word we speak is listened to and built upon in a positive way. Jo understands people in a different way than most. 10000000% recommend anyone to take the leap and book in with Jo.

Evoke Counselling & Support Services

by Jamie Renee Dawson

22 May 2024

Rebecca is extremely kind and empathetic, she had a consultation with me to organise my first appointment and she was very understanding, patient and calming. Very grateful!

REBECCA SMALL

by Sam Walsh

3 Sep 2024

Very kind and nice they help with ur problems and will find the right solution for you

Roya Counselling

by Aziz Kermani

9 Feb 2025

After a year of sessions, when Saba asked if I’d be open to sharing my thoughts on my experience, all I could think was—yes! So many things I once believed were unchangeable, just part of who I am and where I come from, became so fluid once I had the opportunity to really look at them. With Saba’s guidance, I’ve learned that it’s possible to care for others and myself at the same time. I’ve learned the value of progress, not perfection. I’ve learned how to honor my personal boundaries based on my values while still loving and having compassion for those who matter to me. I’m so grateful for this journey and the growth it’s brought into my life.

Faheem Transpersonal Therapy and Coaching

by Nav

19 Feb 2025

I am 35 years old, and I’ve been working with Nic for the past six months, and I can honestly say that his coaching has completely transformed my life. Before starting, I struggled with ADHD and often felt overwhelmed, unable to cope with daily challenges. Nic not only provided practical strategies to help me navigate these struggles, but he also recommended an incredible institution for professional support and guided me through the entire process. What sets Nic apart is his personable, kind, and patient approach. He creates a completely non-judgmental space, which allowed me to open up about things I was previously too afraid to admit. That trust and understanding made all the difference in my progress. Now, six months later, I’ve successfully completed my first course, gained confidence in myself, improved my concentration, and become more present in my daily life. One of my biggest breakthroughs was finally finishing a one-year VET course that I had put off for nearly ten months, along with completing major renovations that had been piling up. Thanks to Nic’s guidance and support, I was able to tackle both in a short amount of time—something I never thought possible before. If you’re looking for an ADHD coach who genuinely cares and can help you take real, actionable steps toward a better life, I cannot recommend Nic enough. His support has been invaluable, and I’m incredibly grateful for the positive impact he’s had on my journey.

Mindstate Consulting

by Daniella

26 Jan 2025

Nicholas is such a great help and is very easy to talk to and get along with. He is very understanding and always provides such helpful solutions to any issues I have. I truly appreciate his help and think he is wonderful at his job. Would highly recommend for anyone who is nervous to talk to someone or just wants to try someone new!!

Mindstate Consulting

by FIM

22 Oct 2024

I have been seeing Leanne for 3+ months, and I would truly recommend her therapy sessions. From the very first session, I felt comfortable to talk about anything. Her understanding and insightful approach has created a place for me to explore my thoughts and feelings without feeling judged. Leanne has an incredible talent for asking the right questions, which has helped me gain clarity on issues I’ve been struggling with. She offer practical tools and techniques that I can easily apply in my everyday life, making our sessions both meaningful and actionable. I truly appreciate her professionalism and commitment to my healing process and sustaining it in the future.

Leanne May Therapy

by Helen Sawyer

13 Feb 2025

I had 10 sessions with Rachel Sietzema to address some long standing behaviours that were affecting the quality of my relationships with my loved ones. Rachel and I connected instantly and I was able to trust her and be honest with her from day one. Rachel tuned into me and supported me with tenderness, compassion, wisdom and professionalism, while guiding me through a process that allowed me to face up to my responsibilities for my feelings, thoughts and actions. She employed a range of techniques to help me access my deepest emotions and beliefs and gave me the courage to make permanent changes to the way I operated. Rachel always knew where we were with the therapy process even when we had a longer than usual break. I could have gone on seeing her forever and I'm sure we would have always found something to work on but I finished seeing her when I felt confident that I had achieved my therapeutic goals. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Rachel, for your guidance. I would highly recommend you to anyone who wants to be heard and is willing to make changes in their lives.

UchangeU - Rachel Sietzema

by Grace

11 Jul 2025

I’ve recently finished my time in therapy with Rachel, and it’s been truly life-changing. From the very beginning, I felt supported and seen. I especially loved attending sessions in person—it helped me feel more connected and present throughout the process. Therapy with Rachel completely shifted how I see myself and my relationships. I hadn’t realised how anxious and disconnected I was until I began this journey. With her guidance, I learned how to regulate my emotions, stay grounded, and connect more deeply with who I am. One of the most empowering outcomes was finding the clarity and strength to leave a relationship that wasn’t serving me—something I never thought I could do. Now, I feel freer, more social, and at peace with the unknown. I’ve come to terms with my past and developed a real sense of self-compassion. I’m incredibly grateful for Rachel’s support and couldn’t recommend her more highly.

UchangeU - Rachel Sietzema

FAQs

In Melbourne, the key distinction is training and registration. Psychologists complete a minimum of six years of university study and must be registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), which means they can provide Medicare-rebated sessions under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Counsellors typically hold qualifications accredited through PACFA or ACA and are not AHPRA-registered, so their sessions are generally not covered by Medicare. Both can deliver excellent outcomes, and many Melbourne clients choose a counsellor when they want flexible, relationship-focused support without needing a GP referral first.

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Hire the best therapists in Melbourne

Hire the best therapists in Melbourne

Top therapists in Melbourne

InFocus Health

Counselling Calma

Practical Wisdom Consulting and Family Therapy