Counselling in Malvern, VIC
![Photo of Dr Jo-Anne Zappia, MBBS, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf03d07a-088a-4a43-a0d7-10355349d150/3/320x400.jpeg)
You may be lonely, sad or disappointed. You may be scared and uncertain. You may be at your wit's end or feeling totally burnt out. Or maybe you are struggling to get yourself out of bed in the morning, to take care of yourself or your family. Maybe you find yourself crying or feeling frustrated and angry. Life can be challenging on many levels, and being able to talk through your problems with a trusted professional who can help you untangle the issues can lead to a more happy, fulfilling and productive future. We will work at your pace, and I will support you in reaching your goals.
You may be lonely, sad or disappointed. You may be scared and uncertain. You may be at your wit's end or feeling totally burnt out. Or maybe you are struggling to get yourself out of bed in the morning, to take care of yourself or your family. Maybe you find yourself crying or feeling frustrated and angry. Life can be challenging on many levels, and being able to talk through your problems with a trusted professional who can help you untangle the issues can lead to a more happy, fulfilling and productive future. We will work at your pace, and I will support you in reaching your goals.
![Photo of Nicky Jacobs, PhD, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49172822-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Clinical and Counselling psychologist with over 30 years experience working extensively with Individuals, Couples and Adolescents. My areas of expertise include: Relationships and Interpersonal Issues; Anxiety/Depression management; Conflict resolution and Mediation; Self-esteem and Assertiveness Training; Stress Management; Bullying - School and Workplace; Gender/ Sexuality Concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Adjusting to Transitions and Life Change; Grief and Loss ; Anger Management; and Parenting Skills.
I am a Clinical and Counselling psychologist with over 30 years experience working extensively with Individuals, Couples and Adolescents. My areas of expertise include: Relationships and Interpersonal Issues; Anxiety/Depression management; Conflict resolution and Mediation; Self-esteem and Assertiveness Training; Stress Management; Bullying - School and Workplace; Gender/ Sexuality Concerns; Trauma/PTSD; Adjusting to Transitions and Life Change; Grief and Loss ; Anger Management; and Parenting Skills.
![Photo of Dr. Cecile Boganin, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74ab2540-9dea-491d-be16-c336d5ceb782/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cecile is a warm and caring Clinical Psychologist and EMDR consultant, with a particular interest in working with people who had a difficulty and/or traumatic childhood. She has experience working in the public and community mental health sectors, and is therefore highly skilled working with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who experience a range of emotional and psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood/complex trauma, grief, dissociation, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, identity confusion, interpersonal conflict and relationship problems, self-harm and personality disorders.
Cecile is a warm and caring Clinical Psychologist and EMDR consultant, with a particular interest in working with people who had a difficulty and/or traumatic childhood. She has experience working in the public and community mental health sectors, and is therefore highly skilled working with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who experience a range of emotional and psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood/complex trauma, grief, dissociation, adjustment difficulties, life transitions, identity confusion, interpersonal conflict and relationship problems, self-harm and personality disorders.
![Photo of Renee Kharsas, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fa16ab8-225a-477d-a56b-de8435bf0454/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is my hope that when someone spends time in the therapy room with me that our relationship feels honest, authentic and safe. During a therapy session you’ll encounter a mix and variety of therapeutic approaches including couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and emotion-focused therapy, to name a few. I have a special interest in relationships, life transitions, grief and parenting. I genuinely love my work and I’ve always, for as long as I can remember, been interested in people’s stories and how they think, feel, behave and relate.
It is my hope that when someone spends time in the therapy room with me that our relationship feels honest, authentic and safe. During a therapy session you’ll encounter a mix and variety of therapeutic approaches including couples and family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and emotion-focused therapy, to name a few. I have a special interest in relationships, life transitions, grief and parenting. I genuinely love my work and I’ve always, for as long as I can remember, been interested in people’s stories and how they think, feel, behave and relate.
![Photo of Dr Gávi Ansara, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4753b34b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working together to overcome oppression & help you to thrive. I often work with people in D/s relationships, non-binary folks, sex workers, & autistic people. I have 20 years of international experience in Anti-Oppressive Practice. I am a Full Clinical PACFA Registrant, an AAFT-registered Clinical Family Therapist, and an AAFT-accredited Clinical Supervisor. I am recognised by Pink Therapy as an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex, & Relationship Diversities Therapist (AAGSRDT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma & Dissociation (CCTP-II) & Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP).
I enjoy working together to overcome oppression & help you to thrive. I often work with people in D/s relationships, non-binary folks, sex workers, & autistic people. I have 20 years of international experience in Anti-Oppressive Practice. I am a Full Clinical PACFA Registrant, an AAFT-registered Clinical Family Therapist, and an AAFT-accredited Clinical Supervisor. I am recognised by Pink Therapy as an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex, & Relationship Diversities Therapist (AAGSRDT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma & Dissociation (CCTP-II) & Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP).
![Photo of Cathy Roberts, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be2253f3-0e76-450c-8298-0f7ec90c0488/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cathy provides collaborative, evidence-based and individual psychological support to adults of all ages. Cathy provides a warm and supportive approach to create the conditions where change can occur. Cathy supports clients seeking help for a range of issues, from every day concerns to more complex mental health conditions.
Cathy provides collaborative, evidence-based and individual psychological support to adults of all ages. Cathy provides a warm and supportive approach to create the conditions where change can occur. Cathy supports clients seeking help for a range of issues, from every day concerns to more complex mental health conditions.
![Photo of Dianne Mawby, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8722f176-a6bd-4b28-93ad-16e3a42031bc/3/320x400.jpeg)
You might be experiencing stress, anxiousness, low mood, irritability, or feelings of low motivation or apathy and would like to find ways to improve your mental health. Perhaps, your child or teenager is experiencing these kinds of unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour. To live with more peace and more purpose, seeking professional psychological help can be the first step. Specific goals that you and the psychologist set for sessions help to establish a pathway for change and this can help you, your child or adolescent notice personal growth.
You might be experiencing stress, anxiousness, low mood, irritability, or feelings of low motivation or apathy and would like to find ways to improve your mental health. Perhaps, your child or teenager is experiencing these kinds of unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour. To live with more peace and more purpose, seeking professional psychological help can be the first step. Specific goals that you and the psychologist set for sessions help to establish a pathway for change and this can help you, your child or adolescent notice personal growth.
![Photo of Niloofar Danaei, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f6e70f6-8e51-4865-b7d2-f5f81b6b66ae/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychology registrar and qualified Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in providing Psychotherapy sessions. I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals affected by traumatic experiences, using a trauma-informed lens to guide their healing journey. Additionally, I have substantial experience and genuine interest in assisting individuals dealing with depressive symptoms, anxiety-related issues, interpersonal difficulties, loss, grief, bereavement, work-related stress (including burn-out and compassion fatigue), psychosomatic issues and life transitions.
I am a registered Psychologist, Clinical Psychology registrar and qualified Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in providing Psychotherapy sessions. I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals affected by traumatic experiences, using a trauma-informed lens to guide their healing journey. Additionally, I have substantial experience and genuine interest in assisting individuals dealing with depressive symptoms, anxiety-related issues, interpersonal difficulties, loss, grief, bereavement, work-related stress (including burn-out and compassion fatigue), psychosomatic issues and life transitions.
![Photo of Julianne Read - Keystone Psychology, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f9728e3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
At Keystone Psychology we believe that every child deserves to live a healthy and happy life. We are forensic psychologists and our expertise is in the assessment and treatment of children and young people who engage in a range of sensitive and complex behaviours including high risk behaviours that may, if left unaddressed, have negative impacts on their future. This includes behaviours that are disrespectful, inappropriate, problematic and or harmful; as well as physical/sexual violence. Our clients may have also experienced abuse and are seeking a personalised approach for therapy. We help our clients get back on track.
At Keystone Psychology we believe that every child deserves to live a healthy and happy life. We are forensic psychologists and our expertise is in the assessment and treatment of children and young people who engage in a range of sensitive and complex behaviours including high risk behaviours that may, if left unaddressed, have negative impacts on their future. This includes behaviours that are disrespectful, inappropriate, problematic and or harmful; as well as physical/sexual violence. Our clients may have also experienced abuse and are seeking a personalised approach for therapy. We help our clients get back on track.
![Photo of Dr Geraldine Lockley, PsychD, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1facab37-301a-4379-9f64-3432c7b4a7b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Geraldine Lockley
Psychologist, PsychD, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
Malvern, VIC 3144
I work with adults who are looking for support to improve their mental health and sense of wellbeing. I support people who are 'feeling stuck' in dealing with relationship challenges, anxiety and worry, low mood and stress and burnout, amongst other things. We will work to understand unhelpful patterns and make positive change.
I work with adults who are looking for support to improve their mental health and sense of wellbeing. I support people who are 'feeling stuck' in dealing with relationship challenges, anxiety and worry, low mood and stress and burnout, amongst other things. We will work to understand unhelpful patterns and make positive change.
![Photo of Daniel Leung - Allied Psychology Group, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfba3009-6ad9-48f7-973c-9549eeaf91e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel Leung - Allied Psychology Group
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Malvern, VIC 3144
Dr Daniel Leung is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist and PsyBA-Approved Supervisor who has worked in hospital, university, and community mental health settings. He has experience providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals as well as facilitated group-based therapy programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings designed to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. He primarily works with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD), depression, complex trauma and PTSD, and substance use issues.
Dr Daniel Leung is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist and PsyBA-Approved Supervisor who has worked in hospital, university, and community mental health settings. He has experience providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals as well as facilitated group-based therapy programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings designed to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. He primarily works with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD), depression, complex trauma and PTSD, and substance use issues.
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![Photo of Dr Melanie Bertino - Dr Mel Bertino Worksafe & TAC Clinical Psychology, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/659c52f5-44f0-4076-a8bf-cc49ea3e4481/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Mel Bertino Worksafe & TAC Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Malvern, VIC 3144
I specialize in treating adult clients who have had motor vehicle injury or workplace injury and who have PTSD and/or chronic pain as a result. I charge no additional out of pocket costs for TAC or Worksafe clients. I have extensive experience with treating TAC and Worksafe clients for PTSD, anxiety relating to the accident, persistent pain following the accident, and often with related stress, sleep, relationship and/or mood problems. I also see Medicare clients with similar presenting concerns.
I specialize in treating adult clients who have had motor vehicle injury or workplace injury and who have PTSD and/or chronic pain as a result. I charge no additional out of pocket costs for TAC or Worksafe clients. I have extensive experience with treating TAC and Worksafe clients for PTSD, anxiety relating to the accident, persistent pain following the accident, and often with related stress, sleep, relationship and/or mood problems. I also see Medicare clients with similar presenting concerns.
![Photo of Bridgitte Booth, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbae6634-3f05-4990-b7f3-6d6a87c8f7b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Bridgitte and I am a Clinical Psychologist. Throughout my career, I have worked with both adolescents and adults in a range of settings, including, public mental health, private practice and in schools. When approaching therapy I have a collaborative and strengths based approach, with a strong emphasis on helping clients build confidence and develop practical strategies to manage what ever challenges they are facing. I am conversational and realistic in my approach to therapy and look forward to learning about the individual person to ensure support can be tailored to the person.
Hi, my name is Bridgitte and I am a Clinical Psychologist. Throughout my career, I have worked with both adolescents and adults in a range of settings, including, public mental health, private practice and in schools. When approaching therapy I have a collaborative and strengths based approach, with a strong emphasis on helping clients build confidence and develop practical strategies to manage what ever challenges they are facing. I am conversational and realistic in my approach to therapy and look forward to learning about the individual person to ensure support can be tailored to the person.
![Photo of Chris Bolton, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a7428d7-405d-47e6-ae25-64266bcf2c33/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Bolton
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Malvern, VIC 3144
I place an emphasis on a respectful relationship where thoughts and feelings are treated with sensitivity and honesty. I provide a supportive and relaxed environment, and believe that no thought or feeling deserves judgment in therapy. I enjoy helping people with anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, trauma, problems with assertiveness, anger, behavioural problems, and relationship issues. I hope to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential.
I place an emphasis on a respectful relationship where thoughts and feelings are treated with sensitivity and honesty. I provide a supportive and relaxed environment, and believe that no thought or feeling deserves judgment in therapy. I enjoy helping people with anxiety, phobias, OCD, depression, trauma, problems with assertiveness, anger, behavioural problems, and relationship issues. I hope to offer people an opportunity to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering, to build skills to regulate anxiety, to gain stability in relationships, and to heal and unlock potential.
![Photo of Alexandra Barry, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22516e4c-4c6e-4d7f-9364-04c3262bb159/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a registered psychologist with experience working with young and older adults who are seeking support for the impacts of sexual trauma, abuse and neglect, family and intimate partner violence, and relationship difficulties. I'm particularly passionate about normalising the distress we may experience in response to our environment and internal worlds, and reducing the blame we place on ourselves for how we adapt in these moments.
I'm a registered psychologist with experience working with young and older adults who are seeking support for the impacts of sexual trauma, abuse and neglect, family and intimate partner violence, and relationship difficulties. I'm particularly passionate about normalising the distress we may experience in response to our environment and internal worlds, and reducing the blame we place on ourselves for how we adapt in these moments.
![Photo of Natalie Chionh, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96acafd1-dcd0-41f6-b843-8118bb42b940/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie is a registered psychologist with a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-based interventions as well as drawing from Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, developing a unique therapeutic plan for each client. Natalie works with clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, domestic violence and personality disorders. She works with teenagers & adults in 1:1 therapy sessions.
Natalie is a registered psychologist with a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-based interventions as well as drawing from Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, developing a unique therapeutic plan for each client. Natalie works with clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, domestic violence and personality disorders. She works with teenagers & adults in 1:1 therapy sessions.
![Photo of Nicolas Kipris, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54e81fd9-2d10-4033-8101-0d81a8fdefbb/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an eclectic psychotherapist and draw from a variety of disciplines including psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness.
I am an eclectic psychotherapist and draw from a variety of disciplines including psychodynamic theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness.
![Photo of Jeremy Neumann, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7f2cca2-8dfb-4fda-9fbf-d594f8aa2c3f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
![Photo of Genevieve(Gen) O'Dwyer, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15487608-06c8-4972-8c4f-32fb14227249/2/320x400.jpeg)
Genevieve (Gen) is a Clinical Psychologist who, in addition to her private practice, works in the public adult mental health system. She has prior experience working in private hospital, and forensic and community mental health settings, providing individual and group therapy. Gen enjoys working with adults and late adolescents who experience a range of mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)/trauma, personality disorders and/or identity disturbance, low self-esteem, and grief and loss.
Genevieve (Gen) is a Clinical Psychologist who, in addition to her private practice, works in the public adult mental health system. She has prior experience working in private hospital, and forensic and community mental health settings, providing individual and group therapy. Gen enjoys working with adults and late adolescents who experience a range of mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)/trauma, personality disorders and/or identity disturbance, low self-esteem, and grief and loss.
![Photo of Jordana Mac, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb82889d-f64d-47f1-9111-239186986dfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordana is a Clinical Psychologist with training in both cognitive behavioural therapies and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Jordana draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to tailor the therapy to the unique needs, aspirations and goals of each client. Jordana helps individuals address their difficulties through the development of a deeper understanding of themselves, their past and present experiences, and their unconscious motivations. She recognises each client’s individuality and helps them create meaningful lives.
Jordana is a Clinical Psychologist with training in both cognitive behavioural therapies and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Jordana draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to tailor the therapy to the unique needs, aspirations and goals of each client. Jordana helps individuals address their difficulties through the development of a deeper understanding of themselves, their past and present experiences, and their unconscious motivations. She recognises each client’s individuality and helps them create meaningful lives.
See more therapy options for Malvern
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Malvern, VIC
100+
Average cost per session
$200
Counsellors in Malvern, VIC who prioritize treating:
90% | Anxiety |
82% | Depression |
78% | Self Esteem |
78% | Stress |
71% | Relationship Issues |
68% | Trauma and PTSD |
62% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
67% | Medicare Rebates |
53% | Bupa |
43% | Medibank Private |
How Counsellors in Malvern, VIC see their clients
93% | In Person and Online | |
7% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
77% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Malvern?
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.