Counselling in Bendigo, VIC
![Photo of Kathryn Anne Fortuna, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc0ff0d3-c0d7-4d03-a61a-7f98e0606d3a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Working with The Anna Centre. Business Development Counsellor. EAP Specialist. Specialising in Relationship Counselling. Your relationship with yourself and others. This includes building strong communication, respect and intimacy. I also support Families, Individuals and Teens to explore their feelings, clear old patterns, ignite self-awareness, build resourcefulness and feel more purposeful. I offer support with relationship building, parenting, clarity of thoughts, addressing behaviours, thought patterns & issues like anxiety & stress.
Working with The Anna Centre. Business Development Counsellor. EAP Specialist. Specialising in Relationship Counselling. Your relationship with yourself and others. This includes building strong communication, respect and intimacy. I also support Families, Individuals and Teens to explore their feelings, clear old patterns, ignite self-awareness, build resourcefulness and feel more purposeful. I offer support with relationship building, parenting, clarity of thoughts, addressing behaviours, thought patterns & issues like anxiety & stress.
![Photo of Veronica A Collins, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2719cf40-de3b-470c-a814-a31a5f0202c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer holistic psychotherapy and counselling to address issues of inner and outer conflict, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, low confidence, grief and loss. By facilitating the expanding of self-awareness there's growth in health and wholeness; becoming more authentic, purposeful & integrated; and creating better harmony within relationships. Offering parent/child relationship work.
I offer holistic psychotherapy and counselling to address issues of inner and outer conflict, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, low confidence, grief and loss. By facilitating the expanding of self-awareness there's growth in health and wholeness; becoming more authentic, purposeful & integrated; and creating better harmony within relationships. Offering parent/child relationship work.
![Photo of Caralyn Collins - Guiding Steps, PsychD, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25df8a2c-2f65-4871-962d-188c6b4d0fcf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I am Caralyn, a Bendigo-based therapeutic counsellor and coach. I truly believe everyone has their own unique capabilities and, with the right level of support, can achieve whatever is important to them through counselling. Guiding Steps is unique in approach incorporating coaching into the counselling plan to ensure the person has the right level of support to learn, implement and build skills they identify during their therapy sessions. I am passionate about tailoring the counselling support to the person’s needs and preferences. My motto is “support is person-first, person-directed and meaningful to them”.
Hi, I am Caralyn, a Bendigo-based therapeutic counsellor and coach. I truly believe everyone has their own unique capabilities and, with the right level of support, can achieve whatever is important to them through counselling. Guiding Steps is unique in approach incorporating coaching into the counselling plan to ensure the person has the right level of support to learn, implement and build skills they identify during their therapy sessions. I am passionate about tailoring the counselling support to the person’s needs and preferences. My motto is “support is person-first, person-directed and meaningful to them”.
![Photo of Mikaela Grant - Care For Your Mind, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b27b6675-be7e-4c19-af28-1254e3cf4cc2/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Care For Your Mind we care about connection and understand the driver of lasting change is determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Care For Your Mind is a private practice located in Bendigo providing counselling and psychological assessments to adults, young people, children and their families. We work with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management, behavioural concerns, grief & loss, sexualised behaviours and trauma presentations.
At Care For Your Mind we care about connection and understand the driver of lasting change is determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Care For Your Mind is a private practice located in Bendigo providing counselling and psychological assessments to adults, young people, children and their families. We work with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management, behavioural concerns, grief & loss, sexualised behaviours and trauma presentations.
![Photo of Lauren Wright, MA, ACA-L3, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fce2ead4-31d1-41c7-90cb-fd2790536065/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about supporting people who have experienced trauma. I am a believer that trauma comes in all different shapes and sizes, and that counselling can support someone to ease the impacts of trauma and retake control of their lives. I enjoy working with people from all different stages of life to find a common ground of trust and support.
I am passionate about supporting people who have experienced trauma. I am a believer that trauma comes in all different shapes and sizes, and that counselling can support someone to ease the impacts of trauma and retake control of their lives. I enjoy working with people from all different stages of life to find a common ground of trust and support.
![Photo of Oli Doyle, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf1de810-b0eb-4901-934a-bf7ec69bb302/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
![Photo of Joni Bennett - Joni Bennett Counselling & Psychotherapy, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad11cdae-ac73-4845-b03f-3f9ce66e8a1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Joni Bennett, a PACFA accredited Counsellor offering individual psychotherapy, marriage counselling and NDIS certified counselling in Bendigo, Victoria.
My name is Joni Bennett, a PACFA accredited Counsellor offering individual psychotherapy, marriage counselling and NDIS certified counselling in Bendigo, Victoria.
![Photo of Dr Jessica Griffith, PsychD, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e482299-254b-41f0-acc6-f75f77ac190e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Jessica Griffith
Psychologist, PsychD, MAPS
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you or a loved one struggling with emotional dysregulation, mood swings, behavioural difficulties or serious mental illness? I am experienced with complex presentations including psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, challenging behaviours, autism, intellectual disability, attachment difficulties and parenting support; my approach involves collaborative problem solving and trauma informed and neurodiversity-affirming support.
Are you or a loved one struggling with emotional dysregulation, mood swings, behavioural difficulties or serious mental illness? I am experienced with complex presentations including psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, challenging behaviours, autism, intellectual disability, attachment difficulties and parenting support; my approach involves collaborative problem solving and trauma informed and neurodiversity-affirming support.
![Photo of Harrison Carter - Get Psych'd Youth Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b239e494-9c4c-4ed8-bd50-87d33151d24f/2/320x400.png)
At Get Psych'd we're all about reaching and enriching the lives of young people. Get Psych'd is a youth and young adults psychology practice in Bendigo supporting young people to overcome challenges and build a healthy mindset.
At Get Psych'd we're all about reaching and enriching the lives of young people. Get Psych'd is a youth and young adults psychology practice in Bendigo supporting young people to overcome challenges and build a healthy mindset.
![Photo of Sylvia Charlton, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02eca51c-370b-45e0-8406-617753a8196d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sylvia Charlton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Do you experience the impact of past trauma in your day to day life? Do you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or are triggered by certain things associated with memories from events that happened in the past? I can help you to understand your autonomic nervous system and why you experience defensive reactions such as fight, flight and freeze in certain situations long after the traumatic event happened. I can help you to recognise when the triggers impact your nervous system and your reaction to them. We can work towards returning the trauma to the past where it belongs, and restore your felt sense of safety.
Do you experience the impact of past trauma in your day to day life? Do you experience flashbacks, nightmares, or are triggered by certain things associated with memories from events that happened in the past? I can help you to understand your autonomic nervous system and why you experience defensive reactions such as fight, flight and freeze in certain situations long after the traumatic event happened. I can help you to recognise when the triggers impact your nervous system and your reaction to them. We can work towards returning the trauma to the past where it belongs, and restore your felt sense of safety.
![Photo of Kristian Holth - Holth Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e17233b-0fb8-4c00-bcc2-364fbd7c4fa4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristian is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and to ultimately live a meaningful life. He helps neurotypical and neurodiverse adolescents and adults with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, life adjustment, chronic health conditions, and issues particularly impactful for minority groups. He also has experience working with individuals with functional neurological disorders, epilepsy, acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions.
Kristian is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and to ultimately live a meaningful life. He helps neurotypical and neurodiverse adolescents and adults with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, life adjustment, chronic health conditions, and issues particularly impactful for minority groups. He also has experience working with individuals with functional neurological disorders, epilepsy, acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions.
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Melanie Brae Young - Less Travelled Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Melanie. You can call me Mel. I’m a counsellor, artist, educator and traverser of life paths less travelled. I work with people who feel out of step with the norm, who are not following the expected ‘life script’, and who want to embrace their uniqueness and craft an authentic and meaningful life - but feel stuck in making this happen. You don’t have to do this alone.
Hi, I’m Melanie. You can call me Mel. I’m a counsellor, artist, educator and traverser of life paths less travelled. I work with people who feel out of step with the norm, who are not following the expected ‘life script’, and who want to embrace their uniqueness and craft an authentic and meaningful life - but feel stuck in making this happen. You don’t have to do this alone.
![Photo of Elizabeth Holmquest - Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy , AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8a033d8a-4efb-4cdf-b0f5-d0faba261a69/1/320x400.png)
Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
![Photo of Pip (Hannah) Fell, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17b2709f-a71b-48e9-9d4d-fa7437b4e56a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pip (Hannah) Fell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550 (Online Only)
My name is Pip (Hannah) Fell and I am a registered counselling psychologist. I have worked extensively in private practice, community health, trauma rehabilitation services and fertility services around Melbourne since 2015. I have experience working with people who encounter a broad range of mental health issues, including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship difficulties, trauma, identity matters, fertility concerns, and personality disorders.
My name is Pip (Hannah) Fell and I am a registered counselling psychologist. I have worked extensively in private practice, community health, trauma rehabilitation services and fertility services around Melbourne since 2015. I have experience working with people who encounter a broad range of mental health issues, including but not limited to; anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationship difficulties, trauma, identity matters, fertility concerns, and personality disorders.
![Photo of Marley Wood - Your Wise Counselling](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65e999b6-e62f-4209-8cc1-87aac74db508/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been privileged to meet people from all walks of life who have added so much value to both my personal and professional development. I have worked within the Community Services and Mental Health Services Sector now for approximately 19 years. Over this time, I have met and supported people living in nursing homes who were at their end stage of life, people with differing abilities, and individuals that are confined within the Victorian prison system. I have also facilitated men’s behaviour change programs for both mandated and non-mandated members, supporting them to understand the differences between abusive and non-abusive
I have been privileged to meet people from all walks of life who have added so much value to both my personal and professional development. I have worked within the Community Services and Mental Health Services Sector now for approximately 19 years. Over this time, I have met and supported people living in nursing homes who were at their end stage of life, people with differing abilities, and individuals that are confined within the Victorian prison system. I have also facilitated men’s behaviour change programs for both mandated and non-mandated members, supporting them to understand the differences between abusive and non-abusive
![Photo of Terry Gaechter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e26f5bd-fcbb-4b74-bdc9-864476257a7b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Terry Gaechter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Waitlist for new clients
I come to the therapeutic space with a deep curiosity about life and the people I meet there, their stories, their lives, their relationships with others and most importantly with themselves. I join with you and guide you to discover the more hidden parts of yourself that you haven’t yet explored or have only touched on. Perhaps there’s a difficult or recurring issue from your personal or professional life that you would like to address. It could be grief, loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, dissociation, historical or current trauma, life transition, identity or relationship issues, or even existential questions and concerns.
I come to the therapeutic space with a deep curiosity about life and the people I meet there, their stories, their lives, their relationships with others and most importantly with themselves. I join with you and guide you to discover the more hidden parts of yourself that you haven’t yet explored or have only touched on. Perhaps there’s a difficult or recurring issue from your personal or professional life that you would like to address. It could be grief, loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, dissociation, historical or current trauma, life transition, identity or relationship issues, or even existential questions and concerns.
![Photo of Defah Dattner - Golden Point Counselling, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ea47e03-2b4b-4bdc-b5c4-e429c975cb36/2/320x400.jpeg)
Golden Point Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker/Therapist (Medicare available), practicing in Bendigo & Online. I specialise in supporting women, young adults and Neurodivergent clients. I help those seeking affirming or positive counselling for ADHD & Autism, Trauma, Family Violence and Mental Health. I work with the complexity of issues presenting across these areas and support people to understand and develop effective coping strategies for associated trauma and other mental health challenges. I am passionate about working with clients who have felt excluded from therapy or have struggled to feel 'seen and heard' in their lives.
![Photo of Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fd35a01-9588-4bc2-b1a3-fe0248663743/2/320x400.png)
Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bendigo, VIC 3550
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
![Photo of Wayne Featherstone, PhD, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54d4b0c9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and Counsellor with more than 40 years’ experience. I now work exclusively in private practice as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and as a registered Mental Health Provider through the Better Access to Mental Health Programme. Previously, I spent many years working in a wide variety of psychiatric settings including Adult Inpatient Services, Mental Health Outpatient Clinics and, more recently, Primary Mental Health contexts.I have a strong interest in literary and artistic modes of expressing and working through emotional conflicts.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and Counsellor with more than 40 years’ experience. I now work exclusively in private practice as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and as a registered Mental Health Provider through the Better Access to Mental Health Programme. Previously, I spent many years working in a wide variety of psychiatric settings including Adult Inpatient Services, Mental Health Outpatient Clinics and, more recently, Primary Mental Health contexts.I have a strong interest in literary and artistic modes of expressing and working through emotional conflicts.
![Photo of San Leenstra, MA, AThR, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f133daf-2079-48d0-aad3-97d0abb6d39a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working collaboratively and believe in balancing honesty with warmth and care, being straight forward as well as gentle, kind and non-judgemental. I work client-centred, with unconditional positive regard and allow each perspective to be heard, valued and taken seriously. I support each individual to explore their own unique way of being in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I invite you to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth in a safe, supportive environment where your voice matters.
I am passionate about working collaboratively and believe in balancing honesty with warmth and care, being straight forward as well as gentle, kind and non-judgemental. I work client-centred, with unconditional positive regard and allow each perspective to be heard, valued and taken seriously. I support each individual to explore their own unique way of being in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I invite you to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth in a safe, supportive environment where your voice matters.
See more therapy options for Bendigo
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Bendigo, VIC
60+
Average cost per session
$162
Counsellors in Bendigo, VIC who prioritize treating:
89% | Anxiety |
83% | Depression |
80% | Self Esteem |
75% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Stress |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
56% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
70% | Medicare Rebates |
48% | Bupa |
48% | NDIS |
How Counsellors in Bendigo, VIC see their clients
65% | In Person and Online | |
35% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Bendigo?
Search for nearby psychologists or counsellors by inputting your city, suburb, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. Psychologists must be registered in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Most Social Workers listed in the directory are members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in Australia.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Australia could be between $100 and $250. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the ACA, PACFA, or the APS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others or when a minor is in danger, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.