Australia has a strong network of qualified psychologists offering evidence‑based therapies and support for individuals, families, and organisations. From cognitive behavioural therapy and trauma‑focused treatments to child psychology, couples therapy and workplace wellbeing, these clinics and organisations are dedicated to improving mental health and quality of life. Use our expert‑curated guide to compare their services, then explore our city‑specific links for local shortlists.


Beyond Blue

Nationwide charity providing free 24/7 phone and online counselling for anxiety and depression, along with referrals, crisis lines and mental health information:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Services are delivered by trained counsellors and can be accessed via phone (1300 22 4636), web chat and email.

  • Core services: telephone and online counselling, depression and anxiety support, information resources, referrals:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
  • Clients served: adults, families, anyone seeking confidential mental health support.

Black Dog Institute

Sydney‑based not‑for‑profit and medical research institute specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Their clinics and programs include the Depression and Bipolar Clinic, Psychology Clinic, Child and Adolescent Clinic and Rural & Telepsychiatry Clinic, and they also provide seminars and online tools like myCompass:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

  • Core services: clinical psychology, research programs, digital mental health tools, specialty clinics:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Clients served: adults, adolescents, regional communities, people experiencing mood disorders.

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Largest professional body for psychologists in Australia, providing a “Find a Psychologist” directory that lists thousands of registered psychologists across all states and territories:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. APS also sets professional standards and offers therapy resources and advocacy for mental health.

  • Core services: referral directory, professional standards, therapy resources:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Coverage: nationwide across Australia.

MindSpot Clinic

Government‑funded digital mental health service providing free, confidential online and telephone assessments and treatment programs for Australian adults:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Clinically tested services include CBT‑based courses and access to qualified therapists; 50 % of users experience symptom reduction and 95 % recommend MindSpot:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

  • Core services: online assessments, free psychological treatment programs, phone support, cognitive behavioural therapy:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Clients served: adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and chronic pain:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

headspace

Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation offering early intervention services for 12‑25 year‑olds. Each year it helps thousands of young people via headspace centres, online and phone counselling, and work/study support:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. Services cover mental and physical health, alcohol and drug support and vocational assistance, and are free or low cost:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. eheadspace provides nationwide online and phone support 3 pm–10 pm daily:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

  • Core services: youth counselling, mental and physical health support, alcohol & drug services, work and study programs:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
  • Clients served: young people aged 12‑25 and their families:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

Areas covered in Australia

  • New South Wales: Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong
  • Victoria: Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat
  • Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns
  • Western Australia: Perth, Fremantle
  • South Australia: Adelaide
  • Tasmania: Hobart, Launceston
  • National: telehealth and online therapy available across Australia

Psychological services in Australia

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic and integrative psychotherapy
  • Child and adolescent psychology
  • Trauma therapy (including EMDR)
  • Couples and family therapy
  • Neuropsychological assessments
  • Workplace and occupational psychology
  • Online and telehealth therapy

Find psychologists near you

Browse our city guides for curated shortlists, service overviews and selection tips.


Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to see a psychologist in Australia?

Private psychologists typically charge between $150 and $280 per session. Medicare rebates of $92.90 per session (as of 2025) are available for up to 10 sessions per year when you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared by your GP:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Are psychologists in Australia covered by Medicare?

Yes. With a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Do psychologists in Australia offer online therapy?

Yes. Telehealth and online therapy sessions are widely available across all states, making mental health support more accessible for rural and remote communities.

What’s the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in Australia?

Psychologists provide therapy, counselling and psychological assessments. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication and provide psychiatric treatment alongside therapy.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No. You can book directly with a psychologist. However, a GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates via a Mental Health Treatment Plan:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Are psychologists in Australia licensed?

Yes. Psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Do psychologists work with children and families?

Yes. Many psychologists specialise in child, adolescent and family therapy and offer parent guidance or family counselling.

How long is a therapy session in Australia?

Most sessions last between 50 and 60 minutes, though longer appointments may be available for specific therapies or assessments.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on individual needs. Short‑term therapy may last 6–12 sessions, while long‑term therapy can continue for several months or more.

Does private health insurance cover psychology?

Many private health funds in Australia provide rebates for psychology services, but coverage and limits vary depending on your policy.


Endnotes and source links

  1. Beyond Blue counselling services and contact details: telephone and webchat support, free and nationwide:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
  2. Black Dog Institute description and clinic list:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
  3. APS “Find a Psychologist” directory listing thousands of registered psychologists nationwide:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
  4. MindSpot Clinic services and outcomes: free, confidential therapy with 50 % symptom reduction and 95 % recommendation rate:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
  5. Headspace youth mental health services description and funding:contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}:contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
  6. Medicare rebates: up to 10 sessions per year with GP referral, rebate amounts and Better Access program details:contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
  7. City guides internal links: Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane.