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 December 2023.

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 $234. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $115 to $300 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 $210 to $300, with the average fee being $247.

This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $212 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $115 and the most expensive Psychologist at $290.

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 $247 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,470 and $4,940 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $212 per session, the total cost would range from $2,120 to $4,240.

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 $131.65, which means that your out of pocket expense for an average session would be $115.35.

For a General Psychologist, the Medicare rebate is $89.65, 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	$248
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$116.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,163.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $248 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 22 practitioners from the suburbs of St Peters, Campsie, Haberfield, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Five Dock, North Strathfield, Annandale, Balmain, Lilyfield, Newtown and Croydon.

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 $116.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

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 Clinical Psychologist in the Inner West is $1,163.5.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner West

Average cost per 50 minute session	$216
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$126.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,263.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner West is $216 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 8 Psychologists from the suburbs of Rozelle, Alexandria, North Strathfield, Rhodes, Stanmore and Lilyfield.

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 $126.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

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 $1,263.5.

Availability of psychologists in the Inner West

72%

of Psychologists

14%

of Psychologists

+0.1

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

72% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 14% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 29 psychologists located in St Peters, Campsie, Haberfield, Rozelle, Newtown, Alexandria, Five Dock, Marrickville, North Strathfield, Rhodes, Annandale, Balmain, Lilyfield, Leichhardt and Croydon.

Eastern Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$248
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$116.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,163.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $248 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 19 practitioners from the suburbs of Potts Point, Randwick, Edgecliff, Maroubra, Paddington, Bondi Junction, Woollahra 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 $116.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$207
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$117.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,173.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $207 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 9 Psychologists from the suburbs of Potts Point, Randwick, Bondi Junction, Woollahra 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 $117.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs

68%

of Psychologists

27%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

68% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 27% 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 22 psychologists located in Potts Point, Randwick, Edgecliff, Paddington, Bondi Junction, Woollahra and Surry Hills.

Hills District

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Hills District

Average cost per 50 minute session	$238
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$106.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,063.5

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 8 practitioners from the suburbs of North Rocks, Baulkham Hills, Box Hill, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Castle Hill, Bella Vista and Pitt Town.

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 $106.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Hills District

Average cost per 50 minute session	$205
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$115.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,153.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Hills District is $205 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 2 Psychologists from the suburbs of Castle 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 $115.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Hills District

33%

of Psychologists

33%

of Psychologists

-0.5

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

33% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.5 weeks. This availability data includes 6 psychologists located in Box Hill, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Castle Hill and Bella Vista.

Northern Beaches

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

Average cost per 50 minute session	$252
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$120.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,203.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $252 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 practitioners from the suburbs of Fairlight, Manly, Frenchs Forest and Dee Why.

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 $120.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Northern Beaches

Average cost per 50 minute session	$218
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$128.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,283.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the 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 $128.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Northern Beaches

80%

of Psychologists

20%

of Psychologists

-0.2

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

80% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 20% 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 -0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 10 psychologists located in Manly, Balgowlah, Fairlight, Frenchs Forest, Forestville and Dee Why.

Western Suburbs

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$242
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$110.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,103.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $242 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 10 practitioners from the suburbs of Baulkham Hills, Moorebank, Box Hill, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Pitt Town, Seven Hills and Macquarie 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 $110.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Western Suburbs

Average cost per 50 minute session	$197
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$107.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,073.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $197 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 3 Psychologists from the suburbs of Castle Hill and Penrith.

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 $107.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Western Suburbs

40%

of Psychologists

40%

of Psychologists

-0.8

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

40% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 40% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.8 weeks. This availability data includes 10 psychologists located in Moorebank, Box Hill, Pennant Hills, Windsor, Castle Hill, Bella Vista, Penrith, Seven Hills and Macquarie Park.

Lower North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$247
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$115.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,153.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $247 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Cremorne, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Saint Leonards 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 $115.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Lower North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$225
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$135.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,353.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $225 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 6 Psychologists from the suburbs of Lane Cove, Neutral Bay, 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 $135.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Lower North Shore

59%

of Psychologists

35%

of Psychologists

-0.1

weeks shorter vs 3 months ago

59% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 35% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.1 weeks. This availability data includes 17 psychologists located in Cremorne, St Leonards, Lane Cove, Saint Leonards, North Sydney and Neutral Bay.

Upper North Shore

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$245
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$113.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,133.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $245 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 practitioners from the suburbs of Lindfield, Gordon, Pennant Hills, Wahroonga, Hornsby 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 $113.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Upper North Shore

Average cost per 50 minute session	$207
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$117.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,173.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Upper North Shore is $207 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 3 Psychologists from the suburbs of South Turramurra, Turramurra 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 $117.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Upper North Shore

73%

of Psychologists

18%

of Psychologists

+0.2

weeks longer vs 3 months ago

73% of psychologists in the Upper North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 18% 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 increased (or become worse) by +0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 11 psychologists located in Lindfield, Gordon, Pennant Hills, Hornsby and South Turramurra.

Inner South

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Inner South

Average cost per 50 minute session	$245
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$113.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,133.5

The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Inner South is $245 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 practitioners from the suburbs of Lindfield, Gordon, Pennant Hills, Wahroonga, Hornsby and Pymble.

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 $113.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Inner South

Average cost per 50 minute session	$182
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$92.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$923.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner South is $182 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 3 Psychologists from the suburbs of Alexandria and Zetland.

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 $92.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

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 3 psychologists located in Alexandria and Zetland.

Sutherland Shire

Cost of Clinical Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

Average cost per 50 minute session	$265
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$131.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$133.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,333.5

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 $133.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Clinical Psychologist Medicare rebate of $131.65.

Cost of (General) Psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

Average cost per 50 minute session	$208
Medicare Rebate with MHCP	$89.65
Gap payment after Medicare rebate	$118.35
Total gap 10 session MHCP	$1,183.5

The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Sutherland Shire is $208 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 3 Psychologists from the suburbs of Caringbah, Cronulla and Engadine.

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 $118.35. This is the gap payment after receiving the Psychologist Medicare rebate of $89.65.

Availability of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire

75%

of Psychologists

25%

of Psychologists

unchanged vs 3 months ago

75% of psychologists in the Sutherland Shire have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 25% 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 4 psychologists located in Caringbah, Cronulla and Engadine.

Summary of psychologist cost and availability by Sydney region

Region	Clinical Psychologist	Psychologist	Under 2 wk availability
Inner West	$248	$216	72%
Eastern Suburbs	$248	$207	68%
Hills District	$238	$205	33%
Northern Beaches	$252	$218	80%
Western Suburbs	$242	$197	40%
Lower North Shore	$247	$225	59%
Upper North Shore	$245	$207	73%
Inner South	$245	$182	100%
Sutherland Shire	$265	$208	75%