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 $240. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $96 to $360 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 $360, with the average fee being $257.
This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $223 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $96 and the most expensive Psychologist at $320.
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 $257 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,570 and $5,140 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $223 per session, the total cost would range from $2,230 to $4,460.
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 $115.15.
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 $126.35.
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 | $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 30 practitioners from the suburbs of Alexandria, Balmain, St Peters, Newtown, Croydon, Annandale, Marrickville, Petersham, Lilyfield, Rozelle, Five Dock, North Strathfield, Leichhardt, Haberfield and Campsie.
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.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $229 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $96.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $132.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,323.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner West is $229 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 20 Psychologists from the suburbs of Alexandria, Balmain, Summer Hill, Rhodes, Newtown, Dulwich Hill, Stanmore, Annandale, Marrickville, Lilyfield, Rozelle, Earlwood, Leichhardt and Campsie.
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 $132.35. 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 $1,323.5.
74% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 16% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 50 psychologists located in Summer Hill, St Peters, Newtown, Marrickville, Petersham, Leichhardt, Rhodes, Stanmore, Croydon, Five Dock, Campsie, Balmain, Earlwood, North Strathfield, Alexandria, Dulwich Hill, Annandale, Lilyfield and Rozelle.
| 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 Randwick, Woollahra, Potts Point, Maroubra, Waverley, Paddington, Bondi Junction, Surry Hills and Edgecliff.
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.
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 $1,141.5.
| 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 Eastern Suburbs is $221 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 19 Psychologists from the suburbs of Randwick, Double Bay, Woollahra, Potts Point, Darlinghurst, North Bondi, Paddington, Woolloomooloo, Bondi Junction and Surry Hills.
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 $124.35. 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 $1,243.5.
81% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 16% 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 43 psychologists located in Randwick, Double Bay, Woollahra, Potts Point, Darlinghurst, Waverley, North Bondi, Paddington, Woolloomooloo, Bondi Junction, Surry Hills and Edgecliff.
| 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 Hills District is $255 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 practitioners from the suburbs of Box Hill, Pitt Town, Marsden Park, North Rocks, Bella Vista, Windsor, Castle 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 $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 Hills District is $1,131.5.
| 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 Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and Bella Vista.
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.
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 $1,433.5.
52% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.3 weeks. This availability data includes 21 psychologists located in Box Hill, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Windsor, Castle Hill and Pennant Hills.
| 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 Frenchs Forest, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Fairlight 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 $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 | $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 Dee Why, Brookvale, Newport, 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 $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 Northern Beaches is $1,253.5.
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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 15 psychologists located in Frenchs Forest, Forestville, Dee Why, Newport, Mona Vale, Fairlight, Manly and Balgowlah.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $257 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $141.85 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $115.15 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,151.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $257 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 14 practitioners from the suburbs of Box Hill, Pitt Town, Liverpool, Seven Hills, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Windsor, Castle Hill, Moorebank, Putney and Pennant 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 $115.15. 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 $1,151.5.
| 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 Rouse Hill, Hoxton Park, Penrith, Bella Vista 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.
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 $1,413.5.
59% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 30% 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 +0.5 weeks. This availability data includes 27 psychologists located in Box Hill, Liverpool, Rouse Hill, Penrith, Seven Hills, Hoxton Park, Marsden Park, Bella Vista, Windsor, Castle Hill, Moorebank, Putney and Pennant Hills.
| 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 Crows Nest, Cremorne, Lane Cove, St Leonards, Willoughby 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.
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 $1,171.5.
| 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 Crows Nest, Lane Cove, Neutral Bay, Greenwich, 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 $124.35. 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 $1,243.5.
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 Crows Nest, Cremorne, Lane Cove, Middle Cove, St Leonards, Willoughby, North Sydney, Neutral Bay and Greenwich.
| 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 Hornsby, Pymble, Gordon, 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 $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 Upper North Shore is $1,131.5.
| 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 Turramurra, Hornsby, Asquith, South Turramurra, 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 $98.35. 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 $983.5.
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 Hornsby, Asquith, South Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon, Lindfield and Pennant Hills.
| 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 | $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 Alexandria, Zetland and Mascot.
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.
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 $1,223.5.
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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 8 psychologists located in Alexandria, Redfern, Zetland and Mascot.
| 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 | $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, Engadine, Caringbah 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 $119.35. 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 $1,193.5.
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, Engadine, Caringbah and Cronulla.
| Region | Clinical Psychologist | Psychologist | Under 2 wk availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner West | $255 | $229 | 74% |
| Eastern Suburbs | $256 | $221 | 81% |
| Hills District | $255 | $240 | 52% |
| Northern Beaches | $264 | $222 | 73% |
| Western Suburbs | $257 | $238 | 59% |
| Lower North Shore | $259 | $221 | 73% |
| Upper North Shore | $255 | $195 | 75% |
| Inner South | $282 | $219 | 100% |
| Sutherland Shire | $265 | $216 | 86% |
