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 February 2025.

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 $236. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $96 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 $252.

This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $219 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $96 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 $252 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,520 and $5,040 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $219 per session, the total cost would range from $2,190 to $4,380.

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 $141.85, which means that your out of pocket expense for an average session would be $110.15.

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 $122.35.

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

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 $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 Inner West is $1,101.5.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner West

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 Inner West is $222 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 17 Psychologists from the suburbs of Stanmore, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Summer Hill, Lilyfield, Earlwood, Marrickville, Rhodes, Burwood, Alexandria and Rozelle.

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 $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 Inner West is $1,253.5.

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 45 psychologists located in Stanmore, Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Earlwood, Campsie, St Peters, Haberfield, Newtown, Annandale, Lilyfield, Alexandria, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Croydon, Five Dock, Rhodes, Burwood and North Strathfield.

Eastern Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

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 Eastern Suburbs is $253 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 25 practitioners from the suburbs of Edgecliff, Woollahra, Paddington, Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, Randwick and Maroubra.

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 $111.15. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $141.85.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

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, Woollahra, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills, Double Bay, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, North Bondi, Randwick and Darlinghurst.

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.

Availability of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

77%

of Psychologists

21%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

77% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 21% 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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 39 psychologists located in Edgecliff, Woollahra, Paddington, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills, Double Bay, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, North Bondi, Randwick and Darlinghurst.

Hills District

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Hills District

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, North Rocks, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Pitt Town, Pennant Hills, Box Hill 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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Hills District

Average cost per 50 minute session	$200
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$103.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,033.5

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 $103.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

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 Windsor, Castle Hill, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Pennant Hills, Box Hill and Rouse Hill.

Northern Beaches

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

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 Manly, Mona Vale, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest and Fairlight.

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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

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 5 Psychologists from the suburbs of Brookvale, Balgowlah 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 $121.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Northern Beaches

75%

of Psychologists

25%

of Psychologists

-0.1

weeks shorter 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 12 psychologists located in Manly, Forestville, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Frenchs Forest, Fairlight and Balgowlah.

Western Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

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

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

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

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 $114.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Western Suburbs

60%

of Psychologists

27%

of Psychologists

unchanged 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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 15 psychologists located in Windsor, Castle Hill, Liverpool, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Pennant Hills, Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Penrith, Hoxton Park, Putney, Moorebank and Seven Hills.

Lower North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

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

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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

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 St Leonards, Lane Cove, North Sydney, Greenwich, Neutral Bay and Crows Nest.

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.

Availability of psychologists in the Lower North Shore

69%

of Psychologists

31%

of Psychologists

+0.3

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

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

Upper North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

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 Pymble, Lindfield, Wahroonga, Hornsby, Pennant Hills 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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$200
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$103.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,033.5

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 South Turramurra, Turramurra, Gordon 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 $103.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Upper North Shore

69%

of Psychologists

23%

of Psychologists

unchanged 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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 13 psychologists located in Pymble, South Turramurra, Lindfield, Hornsby, Pennant Hills and Gordon.

Inner South

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Inner South

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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner South

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 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 $137.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

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 Zetland, Alexandria and Redfern.

Sutherland Shire

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

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.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

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, Hoxton Park, Cronulla and 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 $114.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

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, Hoxton Park, Cronulla and Caringbah.

Summary of psychologist cost and availability by Sydney region

Region	Clinical Psychologist	Psychologist	Under 2 wk availability
Inner West	$252	$222	73%
Eastern Suburbs	$253	$222	77%
Hills District	$238	$200	44%
Northern Beaches	$264	$218	75%
Western Suburbs	$240	$211	60%
Lower North Shore	$250	$224	69%
Upper North Shore	$251	$200	69%
Inner South	$282	$234	100%
Sutherland Shire	$265	$211	83%