How much does it cost to see a psychologist?

See trends for the cost and current waiting list for psychologists in Sydney, split by regions such as the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Inner South and Western Sydney.

This article is based on data from the Help Link psychologist network and is up to date as of November 2024.

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.

How much does it cost to see a psycholgist? (Sydney Wide)

Average Cost of a Psychology Session

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 $235. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $135 to $310 per session.

Varying Costs Depending on the Professional

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 $217 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $135 and the most expensive Psychologist at $300.

Average Total Costs for Different Treatment Lengths

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 $217 per session, the total cost would range from $2,170 to $4,340.

Note the above figures are before any rebates from Medicare, should you be eligible.

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 Clinical Psychologist is $131.65, which means that your out of pocket expense for an average session would be $119.35.

For a General Psychologist, the Medicare rebate is $89.65, 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 $127.35.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Costs and availability by Sydney area

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.

Inner West

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Inner West

Average cost per 50 minute session	$252
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$120.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,203.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $252 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 27 practitioners from the suburbs of Balmain, Croydon, Alexandria, Rozelle, Annandale, Newtown, Lilyfield, North Strathfield, Leichhardt, St Peters, Campsie, Marrickville, Haberfield and Five Dock.

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 $120.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

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 Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $1,203.5.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner West

Average cost per 50 minute session	$221
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$131.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,313.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner West is $221 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 16 Psychologists from the suburbs of Stanmore, Alexandria, Earlwood, Rozelle, Summer Hill, Lilyfield, Leichhardt, Rhodes, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill.

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 $131.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

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 $1,313.5.

Availability of psychologists in the Inner West

73%

of Psychologists

18%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

73% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 18% 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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 44 psychologists located in Balmain, Croydon, Alexandria, Rozelle, Earlwood, Annandale, Summer Hill, Newtown, Lilyfield, North Strathfield, Leichhardt, St Peters, Campsie, Rhodes, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Haberfield and Five Dock.

Eastern Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$252
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$120.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,203.5

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 Randwick, Woollahra, Surry Hills, Maroubra, Paddington, Edgecliff, Potts Point 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 $120.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$216
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$126.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,263.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $216 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 16 Psychologists from the suburbs of Randwick, Woollahra, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Paddington, Double Bay, Potts Point 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 $126.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

75%

of Psychologists

22%

of Psychologists

-0.2

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

75% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 22% 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 -0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 36 psychologists located in Randwick, Woollahra, Surry Hills, Woolloomooloo, Paddington, Edgecliff, Double Bay, Potts Point and Bondi Junction.

Hills District

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Hills District

Average cost per 50 minute session	$238
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$106.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,063.5

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 Marsden Park, Windsor, Pitt Town, North Rocks, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill and Pennant 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 $106.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Hills District

Average cost per 50 minute session	$200
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$110.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,103.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Hills District is $200 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 $110.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Hills District

44%

of Psychologists

33%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

44% of psychologists in the Hills District have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 33% 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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 9 psychologists located in Marsden Park, Windsor, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Box Hill and Pennant Hills.

Northern Beaches

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

Average cost per 50 minute session	$262
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$130.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,303.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $262 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 7 practitioners from the suburbs of Dee Why, Fairlight, Frenchs Forest, Mona Vale and Manly.

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 $130.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

Average cost per 50 minute session	$218
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$128.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,283.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $218 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Brookvale, Manly and Balgowlah.

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 $128.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Northern Beaches

75%

of Psychologists

25%

of Psychologists

+0.2

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

75% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 25% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 12 psychologists located in Dee Why, Fairlight, Forestville, Balgowlah, Frenchs Forest, Mona Vale and Manly.

Western Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$240
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$108.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,083.5

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 Marsden Park, Windsor, Pitt Town, Seven Hills, Castle Hill, Moorebank, Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Putney, Pennant Hills and Liverpool.

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 $108.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$211
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$121.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,213.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $211 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Hoxton Park, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill and Penrith.

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 $121.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Western Suburbs

60%

of Psychologists

27%

of Psychologists

-0.2

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

60% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 27% 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 -0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 15 psychologists located in Marsden Park, Windsor, Rouse Hill, Seven Hills, Castle Hill, Hoxton Park, Moorebank, Bella Vista, Penrith, Box Hill, Putney, Pennant Hills and Liverpool.

Lower North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$250
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$118.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,183.5

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 North Sydney, Crows Nest, Cremorne, St Leonards and Lane Cove.

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 $118.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$225
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$135.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,353.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $225 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 Psychologists from the suburbs of Greenwich, North Sydney, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Neutral Bay and Lane Cove.

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 $135.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Lower North Shore

72%

of Psychologists

28%

of Psychologists

+0.1

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

72% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 28% 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 +0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 25 psychologists located in Greenwich, North Sydney, Crows Nest, Cremorne, St Leonards, Neutral Bay and Lane Cove.

Upper North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$249
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$117.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,173.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $249 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Gordon, Pymble, Hornsby, Lindfield, Wahroonga and Pennant Hills.

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 $117.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$200
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$110.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,103.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $200 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 4 Psychologists from the suburbs of Gordon, Turramurra, South Turramurra and Pymble.

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 $110.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Upper North Shore

69%

of Psychologists

23%

of Psychologists

+0.3

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

69% of psychologists in the Upper North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 23% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.3 weeks. This availability data includes 13 psychologists located in Gordon, Hornsby, South Turramurra, Pymble, Lindfield and Pennant Hills.

Inner South

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Inner South

Average cost per 50 minute session	$282
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$150.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,503.5

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 Redfern and Alexandria.

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 $150.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner South

Average cost per 50 minute session	$206
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$116.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,163.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner South is $206 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 4 Psychologists from the suburbs of Zetland and Alexandria.

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 $116.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Inner South

100%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 6 psychologists located in Redfern, Zetland and Alexandria.

Sutherland Shire

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

Average cost per 50 minute session	$265
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$133.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,333.5

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 $133.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

Average cost per 50 minute session	$211
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$121.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,213.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $211 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Engadine, Cronulla, Caringbah and Hoxton Park.

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 $121.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

83%

of Psychologists

17%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

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, Cronulla, Caringbah and Hoxton Park.

Summary of psychologist cost and availability by Sydney region

Region	Clinical Psychologist	Psychologist	Under 2 wk availability
Inner West	$252	$221	73%
Eastern Suburbs	$252	$216	75%
Hills District	$238	$200	44%
Northern Beaches	$262	$218	75%
Western Suburbs	$240	$211	60%
Lower North Shore	$250	$225	72%
Upper North Shore	$249	$200	69%
Inner South	$282	$206	100%
Sutherland Shire	$265	$211	83%