Choosing a therapist can feel confusing. Psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, psychiatrists… the options are many, and the system doesn’t always make it easier to understand.
Since the Better Access scheme began, more people have been able to access support. At the same time, it has also created a particular way of thinking about therapy—often shorter-term, structured, and symptom-focused.
But therapy is something else as well.
It is a relationship.
And that matters more than anything else.
What is the Better Access (Medicare) Scheme?
In Australia, you can access up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year through a GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
This allows you to see:
- Psychologists
- Mental health social workers
- Some occupational therapists
Medicare rebates (approx.)
- Clinical psychologist: ~$137
- General psychologist: ~$93
- Social worker/OT: ~$82–$85
Most therapists charge above the rebate, so there is usually a gap fee.
The limitations of Medicare-funded therapy
The scheme can be incredibly helpful—but it’s important to understand what it does and doesn’t offer.
- 10 sessions is often not enough for deeper work
- Therapy is often structured and short-term
- You may not find the right relational fit straight away
- The focus is often on symptom reduction rather than long-term change
- Trauma work takes time
This doesn’t mean it’s not useful. It just means it’s one kind of therapy.
What kinds of therapy are available?
Psychologists
Often trained in:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Evidence-based, structured approaches
Many psychologists also pursue further training in deeper or relational work—but this is not always part of core training and often it is not covered by Medicare.
Psychotherapists
Trained in:
- Long-term, in-depth therapy
- Relational and psychodynamic approaches
- Somatic and body-based work
Training typically includes:
- Postgraduate study
- Ongoing supervision
- Personal therapy
Sessions are usually weekly and focus on the therapeutic relationship over time.
Counsellors
- Often more short- to medium-term support
- Relational and practical
- Similar fee range to psychotherapists
Psychiatrists
- Medical doctors
- Can prescribe medication
- Some offer psychotherapy
How much does therapy cost in Australia?
Psychologists
- ~$250–$320 per session
- Medicare rebate reduces cost for first 10 sessions
Psychotherapists
- ~$180–$250 per session
- No Medicare rebate, but often similar yearly cost overall
Counsellors
- ~$120–$200+ per session
Psychiatrists
- ~$250–$500+ per session (rebates available)
What actually makes therapy work?
Across all modalities, one factor consistently stands out:
The relationship.
Not the technique. Not the label.
The experience of being:
- seen
- understood
- taken seriously
Research—including recent work on lived experience in complex conditions—continues to highlight that healing happens within a relational context, not in isolation .
How to choose the right therapist
Instead of focusing only on modality, consider:
- Do I feel safe enough to be real here?
- Does this person listen and respond, not just apply a method?
- Can I imagine staying in this process over time?
- Do they have ongoing training and supervision?
- Have they done their own therapy?
You are not choosing a technique.
You are choosing a relationship.
Final thoughts
Therapy is not only about understanding yourself differently.
It is about experiencing yourself differently—within a relationship that can hold, respond, and make sense of what has been difficult to carry alone.
Take your time when choosing.
It matters.
