How Much Does it Cost to See a Psychologist in Australia in 2026?
Seeing a psychologist in Australia typically costs between $200 and $300 per session in private practice. If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a Mental Health Care Plan) from your GP, a Medicare rebate of $101.55 can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. This article breaks down what you can expect to pay, how funding options work, and how to access them.
Last reviewed: July 2026.
What Does a Psychology Session Cost?
Psychology session fees in Australia vary depending on the psychologist’s experience, location, and practice model.
For most private psychologists, session fees typically sit between $200 and $300. Professional bodies suggest higher rates: the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends $318 and the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) recommends $330 for a standard session in 2026. Many psychologists charge below this rate, particularly in regional areas or telehealth-based practices.
Fees can also differ depending on whether you’re seeing a general psychologist or a clinical psychologist (a psychologist with an endorsed area of practice in clinical psychology). Clinical psychologists have completed additional postgraduate training and often charge at the higher end of the private fee range.
In 2026, Veronica West charges $230 per standard session.
What Is the Medicare Rebate for Psychology?
If you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on psychology sessions. For a full walkthrough, see how Medicare covers psychology sessions in Australia.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a referral document prepared by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. It allows you to access Medicare-subsidised sessions with a registered psychologist.
How to Access a Mental Health Treatment Plan
To get a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you’ll need to:
- Book an appointment with your GP (let them know you’d like to discuss a referral for psychology)
- Talk through your mental health concerns
- Your GP will assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate
- If so, they’ll prepare the plan and provide you with a referral to a psychologist
The current Medicare rebate for a standard psychology session with a general psychologist is $101.55 per session in the 2026/2027 financial year.
This rebate is typically processed after your appointment, with the remaining gap fee payable.
Number of Sessions
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare allows access to:
- Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year
- Up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year
Sessions are typically provided in two stages, with a GP review required partway through before the remainder can be accessed.
What Is the Gap Fee?
The gap fee is the difference between your psychologist’s session fee and the Medicare rebate. It’s the amount you pay out of pocket.
For example: if a psychologist charges $230 per session and the Medicare rebate is $101.55, the gap fee is $128.45.
Gap fees vary depending on the psychologist’s fee. Some services offer a reduced gap for people in financial hardship. It’s worth asking directly if this is something you need to explore.
What About Bulk Billing?
Some psychologists and mental health providers offer bulk-billed sessions, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the session. Bulk billing is typically reserved for people who have difficulty covering gap fees, including healthcare card and pension card holders.
Bulk billing availability and criteria vary between providers and aren’t offered everywhere. If cost is a genuine concern, it’s worth contacting providers directly to ask about their options.
Are There Other Funding Options?
Beyond Medicare, psychology sessions may also be funded through:
- Private health insurance: Some extras cover policies include psychology. Rebate amounts vary significantly between funds and policies. Check directly with your insurer before your first session.
- NDIS: If your NDIS plan includes support for improved daily living or improved health and wellbeing, psychology sessions may be fundable. NDIS pricing is set by the NDIA and differs from standard private fees. The page on psychology for NDIS participants explains how NDIS funding works for psychology.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Many employers offer short-term funded psychology sessions to employees at no cost. These are usually limited to a set number of sessions per year.
- Workers’ compensation and third-party schemes: If your concerns are related to a workplace injury or other incident, treatment may be covered under a relevant scheme.
Eligibility for each of these depends on your individual circumstances.
Does Online Therapy Cost the Same as In-Person?
Online therapy (also called telehealth) usually costs the same as an in-person session, since most psychologists charge one session fee whichever format you use. The Medicare rebate applies to online sessions in the same way, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. If you are weighing up the two formats, online versus in-person therapy covers the practical differences.
What Does Seeing a Psychologist Actually Involve?
Understanding what you’re paying for can help you decide whether it’s the right step.
A psychology session typically involves:
- Talking with a registered psychologist about what’s been going on for you
- Working together to understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour
- Learning evidence-based strategies for managing specific challenges
- Reviewing progress and adjusting the approach over time
The number of sessions that’s useful varies by person and by what you’re working on. Your psychologist will be able to talk through an estimated timeframe once they understand your situation.
If you’re weighing up whether therapy is the right option, the Is Therapy Right for You? article covers some of the most common questions people have before getting started.
If you’re considering working with a psychologist and want to know more, you can read about Veronica’s therapy approach, visit the Fees and Funding page, or get in touch with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a psychologist cost in Australia?
Most private psychologists charge between $200 and $300 per session. Professional bodies suggest higher rates: the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends $318 and the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) recommends $330 for a standard session in 2026. Fees vary by psychologist, location, and experience.
What is the Medicare rebate for psychology in 2026?
The Medicare rebate for a standard session with a general psychologist is $101.55 per session in the 2026/2027 financial year. To access the rebate, you need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare covers up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year. A GP review is required partway through to access the full allocation.
What is the gap fee for psychology?
The gap fee is the difference between the psychologist’s session fee and the Medicare rebate. For example, with a $230 session fee and a $101.55 rebate, the gap fee is $128.45.
Can I claim psychology on private health insurance?
Some extras cover policies include psychology. Rebate amounts vary significantly between funds and policies. Check directly with your insurer before your first session. For more detail, see claiming psychology on private health insurance.
Do psychologists bulk bill?
Some psychologists offer bulk-billed sessions (no out-of-pocket cost) for people who meet certain criteria, such as healthcare or pension card holders. Bulk billing isn’t available at all practices. Contact your preferred provider to ask.
How much does online therapy cost in Australia?
Online therapy with a psychologist usually costs the same as an in-person session. The Medicare rebate applies to online sessions too, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.
What’s the difference between a general psychologist and a clinical psychologist?
Both are registered with AHPRA. A clinical psychologist has an endorsed area of practice in clinical psychology, requiring additional postgraduate training. Clinical psychologists often charge higher fees, and the Medicare rebate for clinical psychologists is also higher than for general psychologists.