One of the most common questions people have when considering seeing a psychologist 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.
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. While the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends a $267 fee for a standard psychology consultation (typically 45-60 minutes), the average cost to see a psychologist based on our data is $236. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $96 to $310 per session.
The cost of seeing a psychologist varies depending on whether you are seeing a Clinical Psychologist, a General Psychologist (often just called a Psychologist), or a Mental Health Social Worker. 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 in Sydney ranges from $200 to $310, with the average fee being $251.
This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $220 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $96 and the most expensive Psychologist at $300.
Of course, the cost per session is only one part of the equation with the total cost of treatment depending on the number of sessions you have. For example, if you're seeing the average Clinical Psychologist in Sydney at $251 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,510 and $5,020 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $220 per session, the total cost would range from $2,200 to $4,400.
Note the above figures are before any rebates from Medicare, should you be eligible.
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 Clinical Psychologist is $141.85, which means that your out of pocket expense for an average session would be $109.15.
For a General Psychologist, the Medicare rebate is $96.65, which is lower than the rebate for a Clinical Psychologist. However, the average fee for a General Psychologist is also lower, meaning that the out of pocket expense for a General Psychologist is $123.35.
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.
Learn more about Mental Health Care Plans.
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. In general, if you have an MHCP you would use it, as the gap will be lower when using the MHCP vs using your private health insurance.
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.
Now that we have looked at the average cost of seeing a psychologist in Sydney, let's look at the cost of seeing a psychologist in different areas. The information is sunmmarised here but more details are available under each area's subheading.
If you just want to see a quick summary of the different suburbs compared, you can skip to the end of the article.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $253 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $111.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,111.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $253 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 27 practitioners from the suburbs of Newtown, Haberfield, Five Dock, St Peters, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Alexandria, Campsie, Lilyfield, Croydon, Annandale, Marrickville, Balmain and North Strathfield.
For clients in the Inner West who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $111.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $1,111.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $223 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $126.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,263.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner West is $223 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 17 Psychologists from the suburbs of Summer Hill, Burwood, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Alexandria, Dulwich Hill, Rhodes, Lilyfield, Stanmore, Marrickville and Earlwood.
For clients in the Inner West who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $126.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Inner West is $1,263.5.
70% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 20% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Inner West has increased (or become worse) by +0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 44 psychologists located in Newtown, Burwood, Campsie, Rhodes, Stanmore, Croydon, Annandale, Marrickville, Haberfield, Leichhardt, Alexandria, Rozelle, St Peters, Five Dock, Balmain, Summer Hill, Lilyfield, Dulwich Hill, Earlwood and North Strathfield.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $252 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $110.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,101.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $252 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 24 practitioners from the suburbs of Maroubra, Paddington, Edgecliff, Potts Point, Randwick, Woollahra, Surry Hills and Bondi Junction.
For clients in the Eastern Suburbs who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $110.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $1,101.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $222 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $125.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,253.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $222 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 18 Psychologists from the suburbs of Paddington, Potts Point, Double Bay, Woollahra, Randwick, North Bondi, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Bondi Junction.
For clients in the Eastern Suburbs who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $125.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $1,253.5.
79% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 18% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs has decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 38 psychologists located in Paddington, Edgecliff, Potts Point, Double Bay, Woollahra, Randwick, North Bondi, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Bondi Junction.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $238 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $96.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $961.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Hills District is $238 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 9 practitioners from the suburbs of Windsor, Pennant Hills, North Rocks, Box Hill, Castle Hill, Pitt Town, Bella Vista, Marsden Park and Baulkham Hills.
For clients in the Hills District who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $96.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Hills District is $961.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $205 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $108.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,083.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Hills District is $205 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 3 Psychologists from the suburbs of Castle Hill and Rouse Hill.
For clients in the Hills District who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $108.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Hills District is $1,083.5.
56% of psychologists in the Hills District have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 22% of psychologists in the Hills District have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Hills District has decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 9 psychologists located in Rouse Hill, Windsor, Pennant Hills, Box Hill, Castle Hill, Bella Vista and Marsden Park.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $264 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $122.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,221.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $264 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 7 practitioners from the suburbs of Fairlight, Manly, Frenchs Forest, Dee Why and Mona Vale.
For clients in the Northern Beaches who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $122.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $1,221.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $218 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $121.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,213.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $218 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 Psychologists from the suburbs of Balgowlah, Brookvale, Manly and Dee Why.
For clients in the Northern Beaches who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $121.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $1,213.5.
77% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 23% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Northern Beaches has decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 13 psychologists located in Fairlight, Manly, Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Balgowlah, Dee Why and Mona Vale.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $240 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $98.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $981.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $240 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Windsor, Pennant Hills, Liverpool, Putney, Box Hill, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Pitt Town, Seven Hills, Marsden Park, Moorebank and Baulkham Hills.
For clients in the Western Suburbs who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $98.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $981.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $214 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $117.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,173.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $214 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Castle Hill, Penrith, Hoxton Park and Rouse Hill.
For clients in the Western Suburbs who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $117.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $1,173.5.
67% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 20% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Western Suburbs has decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 15 psychologists located in Hoxton Park, Penrith, Rouse Hill, Windsor, Pennant Hills, Liverpool, Box Hill, Castle Hill, Putney, Bella Vista, Seven Hills, Marsden Park and Moorebank.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $250 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $108.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,081.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $250 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 15 practitioners from the suburbs of Lane Cove, Crows Nest, Cremorne, North Sydney and St Leonards.
For clients in the Lower North Shore who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $108.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $1,081.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $224 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $127.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,273.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $224 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 Psychologists from the suburbs of Lane Cove, Crows Nest, Greenwich, Neutral Bay, North Sydney and St Leonards.
For clients in the Lower North Shore who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $127.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $1,273.5.
69% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 31% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Lower North Shore has increased (or become worse) by +0.3 weeks. This availability data includes 26 psychologists located in Lane Cove, Crows Nest, Greenwich, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, North Sydney and St Leonards.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $251 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $109.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,091.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $251 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Wahroonga, Hornsby, Pennant Hills, Lindfield, Pymble and Gordon.
For clients in the Upper North Shore who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $109.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $1,091.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $208 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $111.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,113.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $208 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of South Turramurra, Hornsby, Pymble, Gordon and Turramurra.
For clients in the Upper North Shore who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $111.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $1,113.5.
71% of psychologists in the Upper North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 21% of psychologists in the Upper North Shore have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Upper North Shore has has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 14 psychologists located in South Turramurra, Hornsby, Pennant Hills, Lindfield, Pymble and Gordon.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $282 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $140.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,401.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner South is $282 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 2 practitioners from the suburbs of Alexandria and Redfern.
For clients in the Inner South who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $140.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner South is $1,401.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $234 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $137.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,373.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner South is $234 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 4 Psychologists from the suburbs of Alexandria and Zetland.
For clients in the Inner South who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $137.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Inner South is $1,373.5.
100% of psychologists in the Inner South have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 0% of psychologists in the Inner South have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Inner South has decreased (or become better) by -0.3 weeks. This availability data includes 6 psychologists located in Alexandria, Redfern and Zetland.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $265 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $123.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,231.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $265 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 1 practitioners from the suburbs of Caringbah.
For clients in the Sutherland Shire who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $123.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Clinical Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $1,231.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $211 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $114.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,143.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $211 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Engadine, Caringbah, Hoxton Park and Cronulla.
For clients in the Sutherland Shire who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHCP) from their GP, the average out of pocket cost per session is $114.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide for up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. This means that the total out of pocket cost for a 10 session MHCP for clients seeing a Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $1,143.5.
83% of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 17% of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire have a waiting list of 3-6 weeks.
Over the past 3 months, the average waiting list for psychologists in the Sutherland Shire has has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 6 psychologists located in Engadine, Caringbah, Hoxton Park and Cronulla.
| Region | Clinical Psychologist | Psychologist | Under 2 wk availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner West | $253 | $223 | 70% |
| Eastern Suburbs | $252 | $222 | 79% |
| Hills District | $238 | $205 | 56% |
| Northern Beaches | $264 | $218 | 77% |
| Western Suburbs | $240 | $214 | 67% |
| Lower North Shore | $250 | $224 | 69% |
| Upper North Shore | $251 | $208 | 71% |
| Inner South | $282 | $234 | 100% |
| Sutherland Shire | $265 | $211 | 83% |
