If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering… How much does it cost? Is therapy expensive?
With the need for mental health support increasing each year, it’s important to understand how much psychologists are charging and whether you may be able to access more affordable sessions.
In Melbourne, the average cost of therapy ranges between $100 – $350 per 50 to 60-minute session. These therapy fees vary depending on the type of service, the psychologist’s experience, your location, and whether you’re eligible for rebates through Medicare or other funding bodies.
Factors Affecting Therapy Costs
APS Pricing Guidelines
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) National Schedule of Suggested Fees 2025-2026 recommends that registered psychologists charge $318 for the standard 46 to 60-minute consultation. While this is a suggestion only, some psychologists may use this as a benchmark when setting their fees.
Medicare Rebates
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you are eligible for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. This means that you don’t have to pay the full session fee because Medicare can cover some of it.
How much rebate you get depends on the psychologist’s qualifications. If you’re seeing a Clinical Psychologist, you get $145.25 back from Medicare. However, if you’re seeing a General Psychologist, you get $98.95 back.
At Nestara Psychology, our Clinical Psychologist charges $260 to $300 depending on the day and time of your appointment. This means that you get $145.25 back from Medicare, resulting in an out-of-pocket fee between $114.75 to $154.75.
Private Health Insurance or Other Third Parties
You may be eligible for rebates if you have private health insurance. Make sure you contact them to figure out how much they can cover.
Alternatively, if you’re receiving funding from other third parties like WorkCover, NDIS or TAC, you may have zero or little out-of-pocket fees, depending on whether your funding body can cover all or some of your therapy costs. Always double check with them and get clarity on this before your first session.
Session Format
The type of service you’re receiving may impact how much you’re paying. Individual sessions can range between $100 to $350, while couples or family therapy may range from $200 to $350, depending on the psychologist’s qualifications and experience. It’s important to keep in mind that while individual sessions can be covered by Medicare, couples and family therapy are not, even if each person has their own Mental Health Care Plan.
Furthermore, whether you’re seeing the psychologist in person or via Telehealth may also affect therapy costs. Sometimes, Telehealth can be cheaper but it’s best to check with your psychologist or the clinic.
There’s also group therapy which typically costs around $40 to $120 per session. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can receive rebates for up to 10 group sessions per calendar year (on top of the 10 individual sessions). Check with your psychologist or clinic to find out how much out-of-pocket fee you’d have to pay.
Psychologist’s Experience and Qualifications
Psychologists with more years of experience, advanced certifications, or niche interest may charge higher fees.
Locations
Fees in inner-city Melbourne may be higher than in suburban or regional areas.
Appointment Schedule
Psychologists practicing after hours or on weekends may charge a higher fee due to the high demand. If you’re available on the weekdays and during business hours, it would probably be the most cost-effective option.
Low-Cost and Free Options
If these private therapy costs feel out of reach, you may be able to explore other options such as: community health services, university training clinics, or bulk-billing psychologists (though this is quite rare right now).
At Nestara Psychology, we offer a lower-cost option for students resulting in an out-of-pocket fee as low as $50. Please get in touch if you are interested in this option. If you’re not studying and still require a lower-cost option, do not hesitate to contact us and we’ll see what we can do for you.
Final Thoughts
Therapy in Melbourne can be a significant financial investment, but there are pathways to make it more affordable. Understanding your options can help you access the right services for your financial needs.
Remember that how much you can benefit from a therapy session does not depend on the amount you’re paying. It also comes down to the therapeutic fit, the therapist’s experience and background, as well as availability and consistency.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider:
- Seeing your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan
- Researching therapists in your local area
- Asking local clinics and psychologists about their session fees, rebates, and potential low-cost options
Written by Luvena Susanto, Clinical Psychologist