Counselling vs therapy: Guide to finding the right support

Seeking mental health support is a big and brave step. It might feel uncomfortable at first (or even throughout the process), but one thing’s for sure: it’s never wrong to help yourself cope and heal.

If you’ve started exploring your options, you’re probably confused about counselling and mental health therapy. Are they the same? How do you choose the right support?

This resource will break down the basics of counselling and therapy, so you can choose for yourself and begin your guided healing journey.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a short-term, solution-focused approach to mental health and wellbeing. It’s a safe, non-judgmental space to talk things through, especially when you feel overwhelmed or when you don’t know how you feel anymore.

It’s a collaboration between you and your counsellor, and it can be helpful when you’re dealing with:

• relationship struggles (breakups, conflicts, family issues)

• work-related stress or career transitions

• grief and loss

• anger issues

• low self-esteem

• everyday stress and challenges

A counsellor may use techniques like active listening, talk therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in a counselling session. Depending on your situation, you may see a counsellor alone, with another person (like a partner or family member), or in a group setting. Sessions can be online or in person.

Who provides counselling?

Counsellors, psychologists, and social workers may provide counselling services.

Counselling isn’t government-regulated in Australia, so anyone can call themselves a counsellor even without formal training. However, you’ll find that many counsellors have extensive educational backgrounds, training, and even multiple specialisations. 

To avoid the guesswork and ensure you're getting professional support, look for a counsellor who is registered with ACA or PACFA. These peak bodies set ethics, training, accreditation, and ongoing learning standards for registered counsellors.

Here at Talked, we ensure quality by only working with counsellors with ACA Level 3+ or PACFA clinical registration.

What is therapy?

Therapy (or mental health therapy) is about digging deeper—helping you understand your emotions, behaviours, triggers, and patterns. Unlike counselling, which tackles immediate challenges, therapy is longer-term and focuses on more complex mental health concerns.

Therapy can help if you’re struggling with:

• anxiety or depression

• unstable emotions or mood disorders

• trauma, PTSD, or unresolved emotional pain

• unhealthy thought or behaviour patterns

• recurring relationship struggles

• a sense of being stuck or lost

• personality disorders

• any complex mental health conditions

Therapy is typically more structured than counselling and involves evidence-based approaches like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Who provides therapy?

In Australia, therapy can be provided by qualified counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists. These professionals have extensive training in assessing and treating mental health conditions, often working with people with clinical diagnoses or more persistent mental health concerns.

Among these mental health professionals, only psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications.

Counselling vs therapy comparison

If you're still wondering whether you need counselling or therapy, here’s a quick comparison that can help:

Even with these differences, both counselling and therapy offer a safe space to share your thoughts and seek guidance.

Some people start with counselling and later transition to therapy, and vice versa. The key is to start and commit to doing the inner work, even when, and especially when, it’s hard.

How to access counselling and therapy in Australia

You can access counselling and therapy through Medicare, private health insurance, community services, or online platforms.

Most online therapy providers can process your Medicare rebate and insurance claim for you, but the right option ultimately depends on your needs, comfort level, budget, and whether you’re seeking short-term or long-term support.

Use Medicare rebates & private health cover

• A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP can give you Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per year with a psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist.

• Counselling isn’t covered by Medicare, but some private health insurance plans offer rebates for sessions with registered counsellors or psychologists.

• If you have an NDIS plan, it may cover therapy services.

Explore low-cost or free support options

• Community health centres and non-profits provide free or low-cost counselling.

• Crisis hotlines like Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offer immediate emotional support.

• Online platforms like Talked connect you with professionals for more flexible and affordable options.  You can even access free initial consultations to meet professionals and find someone you feel truly comfortable with.

Check for professional credentials

Since counselling isn’t regulated by the Australian government—and because you deserve high-quality support—it’s important to check a professional’s credentials before booking a session. Beyond their experience and your personal preferences, it’s ideal to look for:

• Counsellors registered with PACFA or ACA

• Psychologists registered with AHPRA

• Psychiatrists who are medical doctors and can prescribe medication

Find support that feels right for you

Both counselling and therapy can be incredibly helpful, but you need to take the first step to start feeling better. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, Talked can help connect you with qualified, supportive mental health professionals who meet industry standards. You don’t have to do this alone—help is here whenever you need it.