How Much Will It Cost to See a Psychologist?

One of the most common questions people have when considering therapy is, "How much will it cost?" It's an important query as understanding the financial commitment can help you plan effectively and alleviate potential stress. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential costs involved when seeing a psychologist, along with information about various payment options and financial support available.

Average Cost of a Psychology Session

In Australia, the cost of seeing a psychologist can vary widely based on several factors such as the psychologist's level of experience, the length and type of the session, and the location of their practice. According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the recommended fee for a standard psychology consultation (typically 45-60 minutes) is $267. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with average fees often ranging from $100 to $200 per session.

Varying Costs Depending on the Professional

In Australia, the cost of seeing a mental health professional can vary significantly depending on their qualifications and the length and type of the session. For instance, Clinical Psychologists, who have undergone additional years of training and specialisation, often charge more than General Psychologists.

A session with a Clinical Psychologist can range from $200 to $250, while a General Psychologist might charge anywhere between $125 and $200 per session. Mental health Social Workers, another type of mental health professional, often have lower rates, typically ranging from $60 to $150 per session.

Average Total Costs for Different Treatment Lengths

The total cost of treatment will depend on the number of sessions you have. For example, if you're seeing a Clinical Psychologist at $200 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2000 and $4000 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $150 per session, the total cost would range from $1500 to $3000. For a Mental Health Social Worker at $100 per session, you'd be looking at $1000 to $2000 in total.

Medicare Rebates with a Mental Health Care Plan

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, you can access a Medicare rebate for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. The Medicare rebate for a standard consultation with a psychologist is $88.25 at the time of writing, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

For example, if your psychologist charges $150 per session and you have a MHCP, you will pay $150 upfront but can claim back $88.25 from Medicare, making your actual cost $61.75.

It's important to note that to access this rebate, you must have a valid MHCP and see a psychologist who is registered with Medicare.

Private Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, it may include cover for psychology services. The amount you can claim back depends on your level of cover and the terms of your insurance policy. It's important to contact your insurance provider to find out what your policy covers before starting therapy.

Remember that you cannot use both Medicare and private health insurance to cover the same service. You need to decide whether to use your MHCP (if you have one) and claim a Medicare rebate, or use your private health insurance.

Low-Cost Options

For those who might find the cost of therapy prohibitive, there are several low-cost options available. Some psychologists offer a sliding scale fee structure, which means they adjust their fees based on the client's income.

Community health centres often provide mental health services, including psychology, at a reduced cost or even free of charge. Additionally, online therapy platforms can sometimes offer more affordable rates than traditional in-person therapy.

Some non-profit organizations and universities also offer free or low-cost therapy services, often provided by psychologists-in-training under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Conclusion

While the cost of seeing a psychologist can vary, there are numerous options available to help manage these costs. Medicare rebates, private health insurance, and low-cost therapy options can all make psychology services more accessible.

Remember that investing in your mental health is a valuable commitment to your overall wellbeing. If you're struggling with the cost, speak with potential psychologists about your concerns as they may be able to suggest affordable options or payment plans.

Always feel empowered to discuss fees upfront to prevent unexpected costs and to help plan your financial commitment to therapy.

Footnotes

1. Psychology.org.au. (2021). Recommended schedule of fees for psychological services. Australian Psychological Society. Retrieved from https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/23c6a11b-2600-4e19-9768-2719334c7c94/20APS-Recommended-Fees-1-July-2021.pdf ↩
2. Healthdirect.gov.au. (2021). Psychologists. Healthdirect Australia. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychologists ↩
3. Servicesaustralia.gov.au. (2021). Mental health care and Medicare. Services Australia. Retrieved from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/if-you-need-mental-health-support/mental-health-care-and-medicare ↩
4. Privatehealth.gov.au. (2021). What is covered by private health insurance?. Australian Government Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/what_is_covered/private_health.htm ↩
5. Psychology.org.au. (2021). Low-cost APS member services for the public. Australian Psychological Society. Retrieved from https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/what-psychologists-do/Low-cost-APS-member-services-for-the-public ↩