Counselling in Carrara, QLD
![Photo of Elissa Craig - Elissa at Live Happy Hub, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e19bb40e-3eda-4b7d-ad04-449eb7b7cf2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elissa at Live Happy Hub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Carrara, QLD 4211 (Online Only)
Elissa is a warm and empathic therapist, allowing clients to feel seen, heard and accepted. Elissa is passionate about seeing people embrace who they are and to live a life that is nourishing to their soul. Elissa has over 15 years experience working with children, young people, adults and families, both within Australia and overseas, particularly in regards to those who have experienced complex trauma. Elissa works with both adolescents and adults, online, and uses Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat PTSD, trauma, stress, grief, anxiety, and depression.
Elissa is a warm and empathic therapist, allowing clients to feel seen, heard and accepted. Elissa is passionate about seeing people embrace who they are and to live a life that is nourishing to their soul. Elissa has over 15 years experience working with children, young people, adults and families, both within Australia and overseas, particularly in regards to those who have experienced complex trauma. Elissa works with both adolescents and adults, online, and uses Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to treat PTSD, trauma, stress, grief, anxiety, and depression.
![Photo of Kim McWilliam, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc3def38-3528-4d27-b294-c46871b5dc73/1/320x400.jpeg)
If you are wanting to live a better life and need support, then I look forward to talking with you. My professional journey encompasses a diverse range of experiences, including working with people who seek support for stress, anxiety, depression, health issues, adjusting to life changes, parenting support, change to relationships, grief and loss, empty nest, peri and post-menopausal stages, caring for elderly parents etc. My passion lies in working with people of all ages as they navigate life’s challenges and seek positive changes. I have a particular interest in supporting women through mid life and beyond.
If you are wanting to live a better life and need support, then I look forward to talking with you. My professional journey encompasses a diverse range of experiences, including working with people who seek support for stress, anxiety, depression, health issues, adjusting to life changes, parenting support, change to relationships, grief and loss, empty nest, peri and post-menopausal stages, caring for elderly parents etc. My passion lies in working with people of all ages as they navigate life’s challenges and seek positive changes. I have a particular interest in supporting women through mid life and beyond.
![Photo of Georgia Paige Pike - Counselling with Georgia, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feb29c67-9ed0-42b9-92b5-ffa38b62a854/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hey there! My name is Georgia, and I offer safe and caring support for children, adolescents, and parents navigating life's challenges. Whether you are a teenager seeking support for anxiety, a child feeling isolated or struggling with behaviour, or a parent looking for guidance, I am here to help. In my counselling sessions, I believe in a holistic and personalised approach. Each client is unique, and I tailor my services to meet their specific goals. I am committed to creating a warm and non-judgmental space where my clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Hey there! My name is Georgia, and I offer safe and caring support for children, adolescents, and parents navigating life's challenges. Whether you are a teenager seeking support for anxiety, a child feeling isolated or struggling with behaviour, or a parent looking for guidance, I am here to help. In my counselling sessions, I believe in a holistic and personalised approach. Each client is unique, and I tailor my services to meet their specific goals. I am committed to creating a warm and non-judgmental space where my clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
![Photo of Kerrie Lawler, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f2a7bfc-6761-409d-ace6-a8a74d54e93b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our Therapy Place is a warm and welcoming space providing quality therapy to children, adolescents and adults, presenting with anxiety, low mood, school disengagement, emotional dysregulation, low self esteem, poor communication, relationship issues, including learning skills to assist in managing ADHD & autism. With a background in education, I am passionate about working with children, adolescents and families in managing any concerning issues. My approach is one of empathy and understanding, assisting my client to feel empowered and able to employ strategies to manage mood, worries, fears and to value themselves for who they are.
Our Therapy Place is a warm and welcoming space providing quality therapy to children, adolescents and adults, presenting with anxiety, low mood, school disengagement, emotional dysregulation, low self esteem, poor communication, relationship issues, including learning skills to assist in managing ADHD & autism. With a background in education, I am passionate about working with children, adolescents and families in managing any concerning issues. My approach is one of empathy and understanding, assisting my client to feel empowered and able to employ strategies to manage mood, worries, fears and to value themselves for who they are.
![Photo of Sarah Ford, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cdeac424-9a24-449a-bcda-cc8de1cba9dd/2/320x400.png)
My style is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I value building a good rapport with my clients, particularly as I understand that it often feels like stepping into the unknown when coming to an initial session. I work across the lifespan, particularly in the areas of sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety and children's behavioural issues. I support clients to better understand the root of these issues and utilise first-line evidence-based treatments. Interventions often include looking at the way we process our emotions, manage our worries/negative thoughts and shifting the behaviours that keep us in unhelpful cycles.
My style is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I value building a good rapport with my clients, particularly as I understand that it often feels like stepping into the unknown when coming to an initial session. I work across the lifespan, particularly in the areas of sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety and children's behavioural issues. I support clients to better understand the root of these issues and utilise first-line evidence-based treatments. Interventions often include looking at the way we process our emotions, manage our worries/negative thoughts and shifting the behaviours that keep us in unhelpful cycles.
![Photo of James - JJ's Counselling, ACA-L4, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d50603c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
JJ's Counselling is available to offer counselling services to individuals in our community. It is a person-centred therapeutic practice built on the desire to empower people to develop, both personally and professionally, this approach enables the development of a strong rapport with clients, which provides positive results through therapy sessions. JJ's Counselling benefits a diverse number of individuals struggling with a variety of issues which may include: mood disorders, mental health concerns, relationship/social difficulties, personality disorders, trauma, grief and loss, to name but a few.
JJ's Counselling is available to offer counselling services to individuals in our community. It is a person-centred therapeutic practice built on the desire to empower people to develop, both personally and professionally, this approach enables the development of a strong rapport with clients, which provides positive results through therapy sessions. JJ's Counselling benefits a diverse number of individuals struggling with a variety of issues which may include: mood disorders, mental health concerns, relationship/social difficulties, personality disorders, trauma, grief and loss, to name but a few.
![Photo of Siobhan Walsh - Counsellors Gold Coast, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3a4de71-bee8-4dc2-8080-671c07318d2d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counsellors Gold Coast offer affordable counselling and support. We offer after hours and Saturday appointments. Individual counselling is $125/75 mins, couple counselling is $175/75mins We also offer low cost counselling and support to students, low income earners, sole parents. We will work with you regardless of your budget, your health is a priority! Struggling with anxiety, loss, trauma, stress or conflict in your relationships or parenting journey? If you are concerned about your mental health or those of your loved ones in these challenging times then reach out and learn to live the life you desire and deserve.
Counsellors Gold Coast offer affordable counselling and support. We offer after hours and Saturday appointments. Individual counselling is $125/75 mins, couple counselling is $175/75mins We also offer low cost counselling and support to students, low income earners, sole parents. We will work with you regardless of your budget, your health is a priority! Struggling with anxiety, loss, trauma, stress or conflict in your relationships or parenting journey? If you are concerned about your mental health or those of your loved ones in these challenging times then reach out and learn to live the life you desire and deserve.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Senta Sharp - Senta Sharp Counselling, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a18bdaf-ff55-4669-9b60-39259ecd3b74/2/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling overwhelmed, angry, alone, sad or burned out can happen to us all, no matter how successful you are. As a counsellor, I offer support and help to understand your issues, find clarity, make a plan, change direction, feel stronger, and more resilient. I’ll help you cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, difficult relationships, medical issues, chronic pain, weight-loss, identity issues, fertility issues, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Take time to focus on you & your mental health. No referral or health care plan needed, just connect and start this week to live a better, calmer, happier life.
Feeling overwhelmed, angry, alone, sad or burned out can happen to us all, no matter how successful you are. As a counsellor, I offer support and help to understand your issues, find clarity, make a plan, change direction, feel stronger, and more resilient. I’ll help you cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, difficult relationships, medical issues, chronic pain, weight-loss, identity issues, fertility issues, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Take time to focus on you & your mental health. No referral or health care plan needed, just connect and start this week to live a better, calmer, happier life.
![Photo of Gregg Palmer, MA, ACA-L3, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f07970c-6463-461f-a23e-452b20006f03/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gregg Palmer
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nerang, QLD 4211 (Online Only)
I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with an extensive knowledge of working with adults undergoing stress, trauma and crises. I work within a leading edge relational, embodied and psychospiritual context, primarily focused on the unconscious informed by transference and countertransference dynamics. I specialise in working with deep trauma and am skilled at tolerating difficult states, such as profound despair, that, for example, intense self hatred can lead us to. When we lose our own value and meaning in life we can spiral into a black hole.
I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with an extensive knowledge of working with adults undergoing stress, trauma and crises. I work within a leading edge relational, embodied and psychospiritual context, primarily focused on the unconscious informed by transference and countertransference dynamics. I specialise in working with deep trauma and am skilled at tolerating difficult states, such as profound despair, that, for example, intense self hatred can lead us to. When we lose our own value and meaning in life we can spiral into a black hole.
![Photo of Jayne Maree Jones - Let's Get It sorted, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52e2659c-3806-4acc-a486-7359f5c377cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Not sure why you're feeling like you are? Not sure what you need? Wanting to achieve goals but unsure what exactly? By looking at your values first I can assist you to work towards living a life well lived. Values and beliefs work gets to the core of who you are and what you want and why you do or don't live your best life.
Not sure why you're feeling like you are? Not sure what you need? Wanting to achieve goals but unsure what exactly? By looking at your values first I can assist you to work towards living a life well lived. Values and beliefs work gets to the core of who you are and what you want and why you do or don't live your best life.
![Photo of Sandy Ogier - Psych-ed Psychology / Sandy Ogier, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c106d4-c769-4026-a5e3-0901bd5ce8ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psych-ed Psychology / Sandy Ogier
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Nerang, QLD 4211
We offer 100% customised treatment plan, combining specific self-exploration and mindfulness, with the result of feeling less stuck and being able to move forward in life using inner strengths long term. A powerful new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research into how the human mind works (3rd wave CBT), called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT, is used to create a meaningful life (perspectives and values) and skills. It has been clinically proven to be successful in a wide range of psychological problems such as Anxiety, trauma, self/shame, depression, stress, bullying, emotions/anger/grief, sleep, and suicidal thoughts.
We offer 100% customised treatment plan, combining specific self-exploration and mindfulness, with the result of feeling less stuck and being able to move forward in life using inner strengths long term. A powerful new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research into how the human mind works (3rd wave CBT), called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT, is used to create a meaningful life (perspectives and values) and skills. It has been clinically proven to be successful in a wide range of psychological problems such as Anxiety, trauma, self/shame, depression, stress, bullying, emotions/anger/grief, sleep, and suicidal thoughts.
![Photo of Caitlin Gleeson, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd011033-e5fa-4147-85ba-70111d8e6af8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin Gleeson is a Clinical Psychologist who works at InMind 4 Health and Robina Private Hospital. Caitlin has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in Hospital and private practice settings. She is passionate about working with clients to assist with increasing psychological and emotional functioning. Caitlin practices primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective.
Caitlin Gleeson is a Clinical Psychologist who works at InMind 4 Health and Robina Private Hospital. Caitlin has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in Hospital and private practice settings. She is passionate about working with clients to assist with increasing psychological and emotional functioning. Caitlin practices primarily from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective.
![Photo of Ashleigh Eljed, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a08146a-5a6f-443f-b972-a9ed84d64dde/1/320x400.jpeg)
Prioritising a client-led, holistic, and compassionate therapeutic style, Ashleigh offers therapy for a broad range of psychological and emotional issues such as, depression, anxiety, panic, worry and stress, adjustment, coping with chronic illness, pain management, emotional regulation, trauma. Ashleigh assists children and adolescents in a range of educational learning difficulties including Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, as well as individuals who have experienced post traumatic stress disorder, complex childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and borderline personality disorder.
Prioritising a client-led, holistic, and compassionate therapeutic style, Ashleigh offers therapy for a broad range of psychological and emotional issues such as, depression, anxiety, panic, worry and stress, adjustment, coping with chronic illness, pain management, emotional regulation, trauma. Ashleigh assists children and adolescents in a range of educational learning difficulties including Intellectual Disability, Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, as well as individuals who have experienced post traumatic stress disorder, complex childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and borderline personality disorder.
![Photo of Robert J Grimes - Love Life Matters, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2c27fa7-e2eb-4a1a-85e4-97a46c0fadf4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Love Life Matters helps individuals and couples to work through relationship issues in the areas of commitment, communication, emotional connection, sexual intimacy, dealing with emotional hurts, conflict and crisis.
Love Life Matters helps individuals and couples to work through relationship issues in the areas of commitment, communication, emotional connection, sexual intimacy, dealing with emotional hurts, conflict and crisis.
![Photo of Daniel McStay, PsychD, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39f42294-c336-4058-9e33-a864f241a827/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name's Danny and i'm a Registered Psychologist. Sometimes we all need a little bit of help. My goal is to assist others on their journey towards personal growth, self-discovery and mental wellbeing. I provide a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Hi, my name's Danny and i'm a Registered Psychologist. Sometimes we all need a little bit of help. My goal is to assist others on their journey towards personal growth, self-discovery and mental wellbeing. I provide a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
![Photo of Melanie Henry - Healing Hearts Counselling, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a723499c-5004-447f-9350-409ded45e9d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Hearts Counselling is a private counselling service that supports families, teens and children that have experienced trauma or are trying to navigate difficult life challenges. Melanie has over 22 years experience of working with and supporting families. Melanie can support families, children and adults around challenges related to life cycle transitions, relationship challenges, identity formation, trauma, anxiety, school refusal and emotional regulation. As well as offering parenting support through various parenting programs, psycho education and filal play therapy.
Healing Hearts Counselling is a private counselling service that supports families, teens and children that have experienced trauma or are trying to navigate difficult life challenges. Melanie has over 22 years experience of working with and supporting families. Melanie can support families, children and adults around challenges related to life cycle transitions, relationship challenges, identity formation, trauma, anxiety, school refusal and emotional regulation. As well as offering parenting support through various parenting programs, psycho education and filal play therapy.
![Photo of Michelle van Namen - Integrated Health Specialists, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67eaf09a-a045-4d10-9c61-3fee0a3876f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Integrated Health Specialists is a well-established psychology and wellness clinic, located in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. Michelle has over 25 years experience helping clients to improve their mental health, overcome life’s challenges, and improve overall quality of life. Providing many services to adults including psychology, counselling, life coaching, hypnotherapy, EFT, NLP and weight loss programs, just to name a few. Areas of specialisations are stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, obesity, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insomnia, perfectionism, OCD, and relationship challenges.
Integrated Health Specialists is a well-established psychology and wellness clinic, located in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. Michelle has over 25 years experience helping clients to improve their mental health, overcome life’s challenges, and improve overall quality of life. Providing many services to adults including psychology, counselling, life coaching, hypnotherapy, EFT, NLP and weight loss programs, just to name a few. Areas of specialisations are stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, obesity, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, insomnia, perfectionism, OCD, and relationship challenges.
![Photo of Natalie Ann Wood - Cogni Academy Pty Ltd, MC, ACA-L4, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84498128-55eb-44d2-ae81-3d2a5379aeaa/1/320x400.jpeg)
The people I speak with may have work or personal issues or a combination of both of these, and symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ASD/ADHD, BPD, perinatal and sensory processing concerns. The therapeutic goal will be to reduce these symptoms and improve relationships with self, beliefs and others. My ideal client will want to practice active coping skills plus other relevant relationship skills because they desire to connect with a greater sense of safety, security and acceptance.
The people I speak with may have work or personal issues or a combination of both of these, and symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ASD/ADHD, BPD, perinatal and sensory processing concerns. The therapeutic goal will be to reduce these symptoms and improve relationships with self, beliefs and others. My ideal client will want to practice active coping skills plus other relevant relationship skills because they desire to connect with a greater sense of safety, security and acceptance.
![Photo of Pamela Chetty (Gold Coast), MSc, ACA-L4, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9df43ec6-0a9c-4c1f-8d1c-3020bd868d07/2/320x400.jpeg)
Healthy relationships are an integral part of living a fulfilled life. When we face life’s challenges, however, we may resort to unhealthy ways of dealing with it like belittling each other or not validating a partner’s emotions (to name a few). Couples counselling is an extremely useful tool for repairing and strengthening your relationship. As your couples/sex therapist, I can help with: Reconnecting to create security and safety in the relationship; Rebuilding trust and safety after an affair/infidelity; Communication issues; Couple goals/vision; Sex and intimacy issues; Parenting issues; Co-parenting; Separation and transition.
Healthy relationships are an integral part of living a fulfilled life. When we face life’s challenges, however, we may resort to unhealthy ways of dealing with it like belittling each other or not validating a partner’s emotions (to name a few). Couples counselling is an extremely useful tool for repairing and strengthening your relationship. As your couples/sex therapist, I can help with: Reconnecting to create security and safety in the relationship; Rebuilding trust and safety after an affair/infidelity; Communication issues; Couple goals/vision; Sex and intimacy issues; Parenting issues; Co-parenting; Separation and transition.
![Photo of Zea Eagle, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f34f75ab-f16d-4e14-bd13-7c563b1c2467/1/320x400.jpeg)
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 20 years experience and offering Medicare Rebates, I typically see adult individuals and couples with relationship issues, infidelity, depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss and grief, trauma and PTSD. I am passionate about helping people who want to feel better, build resilience, and learn to thrive despite adversity. There is always hope.
As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with more than 20 years experience and offering Medicare Rebates, I typically see adult individuals and couples with relationship issues, infidelity, depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss and grief, trauma and PTSD. I am passionate about helping people who want to feel better, build resilience, and learn to thrive despite adversity. There is always hope.
See more therapy options for Carrara
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Carrara, QLD
< 10
Counsellors in Carrara, QLD who prioritize treating:
86% | Depression |
86% | Anxiety |
71% | Coping Skills |
71% | Self Esteem |
71% | Stress |
71% | Life Transitions |
57% | Parenting |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
75% | Bupa |
75% | Medibank Private |
50% | Other |
How Counsellors in Carrara, QLD see their clients
58% | In Person and Online | |
42% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
86% | Female | |
14% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Carrara?
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.