How much does therapy cost in Australia?

The typical cost of mental health therapy in Australia ranges from $90 to $350 per session. The price depends on several factors, including the type of therapy, your therapist’s specialisation or practice endorsement, and whether you access rebates through Medicare or private health insurance.

With a Mental Health Care Plan and a Medicare-accredited therapist, the government can cover some of your therapy fees, leaving you with an out-of-pocket cost of $80 to a little over $100 per session—or even less if you choose a bulk-billing therapist.

Let’s talk about the different cost factors in mental health therapy below.

Factors affecting mental health therapy costs

1. APS pricing benchmark

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) publishes a National Schedule of Suggested Fees, which many psychologists use as a pricing guide. For 2024 and 2025, the APS recommends $311 for a standard 46-60 minute session with a registered psychologist.

While many therapists set their own rates below or above this benchmark, it still serves as a reference point for psychologist fees across Australia. It's important to note that these are suggestions, not fixed prices, and therapists may adjust their rates based on their location, expertise, and their clients’ financial situation.

2. Session format

The format of your therapy session, in terms of who attends and how it’s delivered, plays a big role in determining therapist fees.

• Individual therapy is the most common and typically costs $90 to $300+ per session. These sessions are generally eligible for Medicare rebates.

• Couples and family therapy aren’t covered by Medicare, even if each person has a mental health plan from their GP. Sessions with a counsellor can cost under $200, while sessions with a psychologist typically range from $200 to $350 or higher, depending on the therapist’s experience and specialisation.

• Group therapy is generally more affordable, averaging $30 to $80 per person. It’s ideal for shared support or skill-building.

• The delivery method also matters. Online therapy or telehealth is often more affordable and accessible, while in-person sessions may cost the same or higher, depending on clinic overheads and policies.

3. Session duration and frequency

Most therapy appointments are 50 to 60 minutes long. However, some sessions (usually couples counselling or individual trauma therapy) may be longer and cost more.

The frequency of your sessions also affects the overall cost. Fortnightly sessions are common for ongoing care, while some people opt for monthly appointments as a form of mental health maintenance. Your therapist will recommend how often you should meet (especially if you have a diagnosed mental health condition), but you can also meet them more frequently if that helps you feel more balanced.

Some private practice therapists may offer discounted packages for prepaid sessions. This may reduce your therapy costs over time, but that still depends on their rate, which could be significantly higher than the benchmark.

4. Therapist type and qualifications

Therapy costs often reflect a therapist’s qualifications, experience, Medicare eligibility, and area of expertise. You’ll come across different types of therapists—counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers—each with varying fee structures.

Counsellors are usually more affordable because their profession is not regulated in Australia, making them a great option for general support. In contrast, psychiatrist and psychologist appointments are typically more expensive but are eligible for higher Medicare rebates.

Keep in mind that higher fees don’t always mean better outcomes. The best therapist for you is someone qualified to help with your concerns and someone you feel comfortable with.

When you book therapy through Talked, you’ll see the full session cost upfront, along with how much Medicare will cover (if applicable).

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Higher fees don’t always mean better outcomes. The best therapist for you is someone qualified to help with your concerns and someone you feel comfortable with.

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5. Appointment schedule

The time and day you book your appointment can also affect the final price. Many therapists charge more for after-hours sessions (after 5pm), weekend appointments, and public holiday sessions.

Some time slots, particularly evenings and Saturdays, are in high demand and may come with a surcharge of $20 or more, depending on the therapist or clinic. If you have flexibility, booking during standard business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) is usually the most cost-effective option.

6. Medicare and private health insurance cover

Government and private health rebates can significantly reduce the cost of therapy.

• Medicare rebates -  If you’re eligible, you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per year with a psychologist, an accredited mental health social worker, or an occupational therapist. Note that Medicare does not cover couples therapy, family therapy, coaching, or sessions with non-registered counsellors—even if they’re highly qualified.

• Private health insurance - If you have extras cover, your insurer may cover part of your session fee, especially for services not eligible under Medicare. It’s advisable to check your policy or contact your insurer directly for accurate details

7. Psychology clinic or service provider

The clinic or platform you use can also influence counselling session costs and psychologist fees. Some clinics have their own fee structures, cancellation policies, or package discounts that affect the final session cost.

• Private practices often set their own rates, which can vary depending on the experience of the therapist and their location (metro vs regional).

• Public or community clinics may offer bulk-billing or lower-cost sessions but often have longer wait times.

• Online therapy platforms like Talked offer session-based pricing with flexibility and no upfront payments.

• Subscription-based services like BetterHelp charge a weekly or monthly fee. While this model can offer convenience, it may end up being more expensive than paying per session—especially if you don’t use all the features or you can’t commit to doing weekly sessions.

Next step: Book a session with a qualified therapist

Now that you understand therapist costs and the factors affecting their pricing structures, the next step is to find a therapist who aligns with your needs, preferences, and goals. With Talked, you can explore your options and even meet therapists for free until you find the right fit.

While therapy can feel costly at first glance, Medicare rebates and flexible online options are making mental health support more accessible and affordable.

References

• Australian Psychological Society. (2025). How much does a psychologist cost? Retrieved from https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs

• Australian Psychological Society. (2025). Which type of psychologist is right for me? Retrieved from https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists

• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. (2025). Therapy costs. Retrieved from https://pacfa.org.au/portal/portal/Community/Therapy-Costs.aspx

• Services Australia. (2025). Mental health care and Medicare. Retrieved from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092