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 $233. However, many psychologists charge less than this, depending on their level of training, with a range of $135 to $310 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 $210 to $310, with the average fee being $248.
This compares to the average cost of (General) Psychologists in Sydney of $215 for a standard 50 minute session with the cheapest practitioner coming in at $135 and the most expensive Psychologist at $290.
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 $248 per session for a typical course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (about 10-20 sessions), you could expect to pay between $2,480 and $4,960 in total. For a General Psychologist charging $215 per session, the total cost would range from $2,150 to $4,300.
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 $131.65, which means that your out of pocket expense for an average session would be $116.35.
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 $125.35.
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 | $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 23 practitioners from the suburbs of Rozelle, Annandale, Lilyfield, Haberfield, Leichhardt, North Strathfield, Newtown, St Peters, Balmain, Campsie, Croydon, Marrickville and Five Dock.
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.
| 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 Inner West is $218 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 13 Psychologists from the suburbs of Rhodes, Earlwood, Rozelle, Stanmore, Lilyfield, North Strathfield, Dulwich Hill, Alexandria and Summer Hill.
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 $128.35. 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 $1,283.5.
70% of psychologists in the Inner West have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 19% 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 37 psychologists located in Rhodes, Rozelle, Earlwood, Lilyfield, Annandale, Haberfield, Leichhardt, North Strathfield, Newtown, St Peters, Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Campsie, Croydon, Alexandria, Summer Hill, Marrickville and Five Dock.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $246 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $131.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $114.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,143.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Eastern Suburbs is $246 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 19 practitioners from the suburbs of Paddington, Woollahra, Surry Hills, Maroubra, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, Randwick 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 $114.35. 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 Eastern Suburbs is $1,143.5.
| 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 11 Psychologists from the suburbs of Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, Randwick and Woollahra.
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.
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 $1,173.5.
72% of psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 24% 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 decreased (or become better) by -0.2 weeks. This availability data includes 25 psychologists located in Paddington, Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Potts Point, Randwick and Woollahra.
| 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 9 practitioners from the suburbs of Baulkham Hills, Pitt Town, Windsor, Bella Vista, Box Hill, North Rocks, Castle Hill, North Parramatta 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 $106.35. 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 Hills District is $1,063.5.
| 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.
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 $1,153.5.
43% of psychologists in the Hills District have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 29% 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 7 psychologists located in Windsor, Bella Vista, Box Hill, Castle Hill, North Parramatta and Pennant Hills.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $259 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $131.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $127.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,273.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Northern Beaches is $259 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 7 practitioners from the suburbs of Manly, Mona Vale, Fairlight, Dee Why 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 $127.35. 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 Northern Beaches is $1,273.5.
| 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 Manly, Brookvale 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 $128.35. 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 Northern Beaches is $1,283.5.
83% of psychologists in the Northern Beaches have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 17% 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 12 psychologists located in Manly, Mona Vale, Forestville, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Dee Why and Frenchs Forest.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $241 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $131.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $109.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,093.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $241 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Baulkham Hills, Putney, Pitt Town, Liverpool, Windsor, Bella Vista, Moorebank, Box Hill, Macquarie Park, Castle Hill, Seven Hills 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 $109.35. 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 Western Suburbs is $1,093.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $217 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $89.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $127.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,273.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Western Suburbs is $217 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 $127.35. 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 Western Suburbs is $1,273.5.
50% of psychologists in the Western Suburbs have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 33% 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 -0.6 weeks. This availability data includes 12 psychologists located in Putney, Penrith, Liverpool, Windsor, Bella Vista, Moorebank, Box Hill, Macquarie Park, Castle Hill, Seven Hills and Pennant Hills.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $251 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $131.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $119.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,193.5 |
The average cost to see a Clinical Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $251 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 12 practitioners from the suburbs of Crows Nest, Cremorne, St Leonards, Lane Cove 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 $119.35. 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 Lower North Shore is $1,193.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $226 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $89.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $136.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,363.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Lower North Shore is $226 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 7 Psychologists from the suburbs of Neutral Bay, St Leonards, North Sydney, Lane Cove and Greenwich.
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 $136.35. 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 Lower North Shore is $1,363.5.
61% of psychologists in the Lower North Shore have a waiting list of less than 2 weeks. 39% 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 -0.3 weeks. This availability data includes 18 psychologists located in Crows Nest, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, St Leonards, Lane Cove, North Sydney and Greenwich.
| 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 Upper North Shore is $247 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 practitioners from the suburbs of Gordon, Pymble, Lindfield, Hornsby, 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 $115.35. 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 Upper North Shore is $1,153.5.
| 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.
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 $1,173.5.
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 has remained unchanged. This availability data includes 11 psychologists located in South Turramurra, Gordon, Lindfield, Hornsby and Pennant Hills.
| 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 Inner South is $247 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 11 practitioners from the suburbs of Gordon, Pymble, Lindfield, Hornsby, Wahroonga and Pennant Hills.
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 $115.35. 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 South is $1,153.5.
| Average cost per 50 minute session | $206 |
| Medicare Rebate with MHCP | $89.65 |
| Gap payment after Medicare rebate | $116.35 |
| Total gap 10 session MHCP | $1,163.5 |
The average cost to see a Psychologist in the Inner South is $206 for a standard 50 minute consultation. This data is based on 4 Psychologists from the suburbs of 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 $116.35. 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 South is $1,163.5.
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 4 psychologists located in Zetland and Alexandria.
| 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.
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 $1,333.5.
| 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 Cronulla, Caringbah 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.
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 $1,183.5.
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 Cronulla, Caringbah and Engadine.
| Region | Clinical Psychologist | Psychologist | Under 2 wk availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner West | $248 | $218 | 70% |
| Eastern Suburbs | $246 | $207 | 72% |
| Hills District | $238 | $205 | 43% |
| Northern Beaches | $259 | $218 | 83% |
| Western Suburbs | $241 | $217 | 50% |
| Lower North Shore | $251 | $226 | 61% |
| Upper North Shore | $247 | $207 | 73% |
| Inner South | $247 | $206 | 100% |
| Sutherland Shire | $265 | $208 | 75% |
