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 June 2026.

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 $239. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $96 to $360 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 $360, with the average fee being $256.

This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $224 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $96 and the most expensive Psychologist at $320.

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 $256 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,560 and $5,120 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $224 per session, the total cost would range from $2,240 to $4,480.

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 $114.15.

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 $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	$255
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$141.85
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$113.15
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,131.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $255 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 29 practitioners from the suburbs of Rozelle, Marrickville, Five Dock, Balmain, Haberfield, Croydon, Annandale, Alexandria, Newtown, St Peters, Lilyfield, Campsie, Leichhardt 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 $113.15. 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 $1,131.5.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner West

Average cost per 50 minute session	$228
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
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 $228 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 19 Psychologists from the suburbs of Rozelle, Marrickville, Stanmore, Balmain, Annandale, Earlwood, Summer Hill, Dulwich Hill, Newtown, Rhodes, Alexandria, Lilyfield and Leichhardt.

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 $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 $1,313.5.

Availability of psychologists in the Inner West

73%

of Psychologists

17%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

73% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 17% 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 48 psychologists located in Rozelle, Marrickville, Stanmore, Balmain, Five Dock, Croydon, Annandale, Earlwood, Summer Hill, Dulwich Hill, Rhodes, Newtown, Alexandria, St Peters, Lilyfield, Campsie, Leichhardt and North Strathfield.

Eastern Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$256
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$141.85
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$114.15
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,141.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $256 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 27 practitioners from the suburbs of Potts Point, Bondi Junction, Paddington, Maroubra, Surry Hills, Edgecliff, Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick.

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 $114.15. 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	$225
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$128.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,283.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $225 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 19 Psychologists from the suburbs of Potts Point, Bondi Junction, Paddington, Double Bay, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, North Bondi, Woollahra, Woolloomooloo and Randwick.

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 $128.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

81%

of Psychologists

17%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

81% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 17% 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 42 psychologists located in Potts Point, Bondi Junction, Paddington, Double Bay, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, North Bondi, Edgecliff, Woollahra, Woolloomooloo, Waverley and Randwick.

Hills District

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Hills District

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 Hills District is $252 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 10 practitioners from the suburbs of Box Hill, Marsden Park, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Pitt Town, Bella Vista, Castle Hill and North Rocks.

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 $110.15. 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	$240
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$143.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,433.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Hills District is $240 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 14 Psychologists from the suburbs of Bella Vista, 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 $143.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Hills District

50%

of Psychologists

35%

of Psychologists

+0.4

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

50% of psychologists in the Hills District have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 35% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.4 weeks. This availability data includes 20 psychologists located in Box Hill, Marsden Park, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Bella Vista, Rouse Hill and Castle 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 Fairlight, Dee Why, Manly, Mona Vale and Frenchs Forest.

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	$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 Northern Beaches is $222 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 8 Psychologists from the suburbs of Brookvale, Balgowlah, Dee Why, Newport 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 $125.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Northern Beaches

73%

of Psychologists

27%

of Psychologists

-0.1

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

73% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 27% 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 15 psychologists located in Fairlight, Forestville, Balgowlah, Dee Why, Newport, Manly, Mona Vale and Frenchs Forest.

Western Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

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 Western Suburbs is $250 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 13 practitioners from the suburbs of Box Hill, Marsden Park, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Liverpool, Pitt Town, Moorebank, Bella Vista, Seven Hills, Putney and Castle 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 $108.15. 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	$238
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$141.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,413.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $238 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 16 Psychologists from the suburbs of Hoxton Park, Bella Vista, Rouse Hill, Penrith and Castle 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 $141.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Western Suburbs

58%

of Psychologists

31%

of Psychologists

+0.6

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

58% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 31% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.6 weeks. This availability data includes 26 psychologists located in Box Hill, Marsden Park, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Hoxton Park, Liverpool, Moorebank, Bella Vista, Seven Hills, Rouse Hill, Putney, Penrith and Castle Hill.

Lower North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$259
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$141.85
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$117.15
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,171.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $259 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 18 practitioners from the suburbs of Cremorne, Willoughby, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Crows Nest and North Sydney.

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 $117.15. 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	$221
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$124.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,243.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $221 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 Psychologists from the suburbs of Greenwich, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Neutral Bay, Crows Nest and North Sydney.

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 $124.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Lower North Shore

73%

of Psychologists

27%

of Psychologists

+0.2

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

73% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 27% 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 +0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 30 psychologists located in Cremorne, Willoughby, Middle Cove, Greenwich, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Crows Nest, Neutral Bay and North Sydney.

Upper North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$255
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$141.85
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$113.15
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,131.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $255 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 13 practitioners from the suburbs of Pymble, Pennant Hills, Wahroonga, Hornsby, Gordon and Lindfield.

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 $113.15. 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	$195
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$98.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$983.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $195 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 Psychologists from the suburbs of Pymble, South Turramurra, Hornsby, Asquith, 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 $98.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Upper North Shore

75%

of Psychologists

19%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

75% of psychologists in the Upper North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 19% 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 16 psychologists located in Pymble, Pennant Hills, South Turramurra, Lindfield, Hornsby, Asquith 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 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 $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	$219
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$122.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,223.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner South is $219 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 Psychologists from the suburbs of Mascot, 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 $122.35. 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 8 psychologists located in Mascot, Zetland, Redfern and Alexandria.

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	$216
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$96.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$119.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,193.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $216 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 Psychologists from the suburbs of Hoxton Park, Cronulla, Engadine 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 $119.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $96.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

86%

of Psychologists

14%

of Psychologists

-0.2

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

86% of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 14% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 7 psychologists located in Hoxton Park, Cronulla, Engadine and Caringbah.

Summary of psychologist cost and availability by Sydney region

Region	Clinical Psychologist	Psychologist	Under 2 wk availability
Inner West	$255	$228	73%
Eastern Suburbs	$256	$225	81%
Hills District	$252	$240	50%
Northern Beaches	$264	$222	73%
Western Suburbs	$250	$238	58%
Lower North Shore	$259	$221	73%
Upper North Shore	$255	$195	75%
Inner South	$282	$219	100%
Sutherland Shire	$265	$216	86%