How Expensive Is Mental Health Therapy In Australia?

Written By

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Fact Checked

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Seeking mental health treatment can be a daunting prospect, especially when considering the potential costs involved.

This guide breaks down the pricing landscape for therapy services in Australia and provides tips for finding affordable support.



Average Costs for Common Mental Health Professionals

A group of mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, are gathered around a table discussing average costs and fees for their services

The hourly rates for mental health professionals can vary significantly depending on qualifications, experience, location, and other factors:

ProfessionalAverage Hourly Rate
Psychologist$150-$250
Psychiatrist$250-$400
Counsellor$100-$180
Accredited Social Worker$100-$150
Mental Health Nurse$80-$150

Rates are generally higher in metro areas compared to regional/rural areas.

More experienced professionals often charge higher fees

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✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

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Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Therapy

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Several important considerations impact the overall fees and out-of-pocket expenses for mental health treatment:

Type of Professional

  • Psychiatrists complete extra medical training, allowing them to prescribe medication
  • Psychologists have extensive study in therapeutic techniques and assessments
  • Counsellors and social workers provide counselling with varying degrees of training

Location and Setting

  • Metropolitan practices may have higher administrative costs factored into their rates
  • Inpatient hospital treatment is significantly more expensive compared to outpatient therapy

Duration and Frequency

  • Most professionals charge pro-rata based on the length of each session
  • Weekly therapy is typically more affordable than intensive treatment

Using Medicare and Health Insurance Rebates

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Medicare Rebates

  • Rebates of up to $84.80 are available for mental health treatment by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists
  • GP Mental Health Treatment Plans required
  • Only 10 sessions per calendar year funded

Comparison of Rebates

Rebate TypeOverview
MedicareUp to $84.80 per session, 10 sessions per year
Basic Private Health Insurance$20-$40 per session, 15-20 sessions per year
Intermediate Private Health Insurance$50-$80 per session, 20-40 sessions per year
Top Private Health Insurance$100+ per session, 40+ sessions per year

Private Health Insurance Extras Cover

  • Many policies provide partial rebates for therapy by certain professionals
  • Rebate amounts vary significantly based on level of cover
  • Annual limits apply based on individual policies

Initial Consultation and Ongoing Session Fees

The first appointment often costs more than subsequent sessions:

  • Initial consultations range from $150-$400 depending on the provider
  • Ongoing sessions may be shorter (50 mins) and cheaper from $100-$300 per meeting

Weekly therapy can become financially taxing over time. Consider whether intensive or intermittent treatment better suits your budget and needs.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
betterhelp review

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K credentialed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as 65 USD/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Strategies for Affordable Mental Health Care

Compare Providers Accepting Rebates

Maximize value by seeing providers who utilize Medicare and health insurance rebates to reduce fees.

Find Therapists Offering Discounted Rates

Some professionals provide sliding scale fees or low-cost treatment for financial hardship cases.

Online Platforms With Competitive Pricing

Reputable online therapy through services like BetterHelp.com offers greater flexibility.

Access Community Mental Health Clinics

Effective therapy requires finding the right balance between affordability and quality care from trusted professionals.

Seek financial assistance where eligible and research all options to invest in your mental wellbeing. Some public, university, and NGO-run practices offer free or discounted treatment.

Take Away – Prioritizing Accessible Mental Health Support

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Effective therapy requires finding the right balance between affordability and quality care from trusted professionals.

Seek eligible financial assistance and research all options to invest in your mental well-being.

The costs of mental health treatment can appear prohibitive, but utilizing rebates and discounts can make therapy more accessible. Key takeaways include:

  • Leverage Medicare and private health insurance to reduce fees where possible
  • Compare costs across different providers to maximize value
  • Consider professionals offering sliding scale rates or low fees
  • Online therapy platforms provide flexible and affordable options
  • Community clinics provide free or subsidized treatment in some cases

While quality care should be the top priority, cost inevitably factors into mental health decisions. Seeking help need not be financially debilitating with so many discounts and supports available.

Those struggling with their budget should explore all avenues before abandoning the prospect of therapy.

Support is out there in various forms – it comes down to researching the options thoroughly and determining the most suitable balance for your needs and finances.

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Mental illness costs economy $220 billion a year, report finds | ABC News

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About the author

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Mindful living for a happier, healthier you. I’m a medical writer, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a mental health advocate in Warsaw, Poland, with nine years working as a therapist. I hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology degree from the University of Warsaw. I specialize in writing about mental health, using my experiences and academic background to educate and inspire others. In my free time, I volunteer at a Disability Learning Center and go for nature walks. My writing aims to break down mental health stigma and help others feel understood. Social connections are vital to mental well-being, and I am dedicated to fostering communities of support and empathy. By sharing knowledge and personal insights, I strive to create a more compassionate world. Social

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