Counselling in Buninyong, VIC

Photo of Michelle Louise Maya - KIT Psychology - Michelle Maya, ACA-L1, Counsellor
KIT Psychology - Michelle Maya
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Hello I'm Michelle. I am an ACA registered counsellor and ICF registered life coach. In my practice, I work alongside young people & adults to support them in navigating life’s challenges, achieving desired improvements in their mental health, wellbeing, relationships and life circumstances. I have a gentle, compassionate nature and provide a comfortable, discreet space where my clients feel safe and supported to share, grow and connect with inner wisdom. My approach is intuitive, flexible and strengths-based, often solution-focussed and always person centred around an individual’s unique interests, values and hopes for the future.
Hello I'm Michelle. I am an ACA registered counsellor and ICF registered life coach. In my practice, I work alongside young people & adults to support them in navigating life’s challenges, achieving desired improvements in their mental health, wellbeing, relationships and life circumstances. I have a gentle, compassionate nature and provide a comfortable, discreet space where my clients feel safe and supported to share, grow and connect with inner wisdom. My approach is intuitive, flexible and strengths-based, often solution-focussed and always person centred around an individual’s unique interests, values and hopes for the future.
(03) 4320 5400 View (03) 4320 5400
Photo of Freya Maberly - Freya's Farm: Animal Assisted Therapy, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Freya's Farm: Animal Assisted Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 2 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, combined with techniques that foster change and growth, with the end goal of increased well being and resilience.
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 2 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, combined with techniques that foster change and growth, with the end goal of increased well being and resilience.
(03) 4320 5775 View (03) 4320 5775
Photo of Maria Marshall - Modern Medicine , MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Modern Medicine
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Dear wonderful human, I aim to utilise an approach that creates a safe, nurturing, and playful environment where you can feel understood and valued. In our sessions, I blend various therapeutic techniques to tailor our work to your unique needs. A trauma-informed approach, which I am dedicated to, means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and creating a safe space where you feel empowered and in control. This approach emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. I aim to provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate your healing journey with resilience and strength.
Dear wonderful human, I aim to utilise an approach that creates a safe, nurturing, and playful environment where you can feel understood and valued. In our sessions, I blend various therapeutic techniques to tailor our work to your unique needs. A trauma-informed approach, which I am dedicated to, means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and creating a safe space where you feel empowered and in control. This approach emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. I aim to provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate your healing journey with resilience and strength.
(03) 4328 2483 View (03) 4328 2483

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jordan Shane Springer - Boundless Minds Therapy, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Boundless Minds Therapy
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Hi, I'm Jordan and I am a registered Psychologist located in Ballarat, Victoria. I work with people over the age of 16 in enhancing the quality of their life, from boosting their confidence, building healthier relationships to finding more meaning and purpose in their lives. Supporting people to achieve their mental health goals by empowering them to overcome personal challenges and build resilience is something I'm passionate about.
Hi, I'm Jordan and I am a registered Psychologist located in Ballarat, Victoria. I work with people over the age of 16 in enhancing the quality of their life, from boosting their confidence, building healthier relationships to finding more meaning and purpose in their lives. Supporting people to achieve their mental health goals by empowering them to overcome personal challenges and build resilience is something I'm passionate about.
(03) 4327 9375 View (03) 4327 9375
Photo of Tanja Ben-Meir, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Tanja Ben-Meir
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I enjoy working with adults of all walks of life, and have gathered experience from young adults in high school settings, across the lifespan, even to the end-of-life stage. I work in a trauma-informed, client centered way integrating approaches from cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, while also utilising experiential and mindful methods.
I enjoy working with adults of all walks of life, and have gathered experience from young adults in high school settings, across the lifespan, even to the end-of-life stage. I work in a trauma-informed, client centered way integrating approaches from cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, while also utilising experiential and mindful methods.
(03) 9118 9020 View (03) 9118 9020
Photo of Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Nina Isabella - Womanly Counsellor
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
Twenty years of specialist experience supporting women navigating challenges of perinatal mental health; motherhood; menopausing; endometriosis, inflammatory and chronic illness; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Fundamental life transitions can bring feelings of loss; grief; anxiety; depression; and questioning our sense of identity and purpose. I love drawing on a rich suite of therapeutic tools - empathetic counselling; mindfulness; breathwork and therapeutic yoga for intrinsically trauma informed explorations of the unique physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural, environmental, social factors influencing your wellbeing.
(03) 4422 4945 View (03) 4422 4945
Photo of Steph Biggs, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Steph Biggs
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Online Only
Steph Biggs Psychology is a telehealth-only private practice offering support for people wishing to more completely understand their unique strengths and challenges. My aim is to help you explore and heal from the things getting in the way of living a fulfilled, meaningful and contented life. I am an AHPRA-registered psychologist with nearly two decades of clinical experience across the public and private mental health, alcohol and other drug, and emergency services sectors.
Steph Biggs Psychology is a telehealth-only private practice offering support for people wishing to more completely understand their unique strengths and challenges. My aim is to help you explore and heal from the things getting in the way of living a fulfilled, meaningful and contented life. I am an AHPRA-registered psychologist with nearly two decades of clinical experience across the public and private mental health, alcohol and other drug, and emergency services sectors.
(03) 8400 0728 View (03) 8400 0728
Photo of Barbara Grace, MA, Psychotherapist
Barbara Grace
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Relationship troubles? Wondering if anything or anyone could help? You may be feeling alone, and doubtful - full of worry, guilt or shame at being here. But hearing more anger or blame as you withdraw emotionally only prolongs the problem & often makes things worse. It's lonely being in a relationship where the other person no longer feels 'present'. Ignoring the problems doesn't work, rather it pushes them underground where they fester. At this point you may be feeling raw, stressed, isolated, fearful or disillusioned. Tears & frustration one minute, anger the next. If rekindling love and connection is important to you, let's talk.
Relationship troubles? Wondering if anything or anyone could help? You may be feeling alone, and doubtful - full of worry, guilt or shame at being here. But hearing more anger or blame as you withdraw emotionally only prolongs the problem & often makes things worse. It's lonely being in a relationship where the other person no longer feels 'present'. Ignoring the problems doesn't work, rather it pushes them underground where they fester. At this point you may be feeling raw, stressed, isolated, fearful or disillusioned. Tears & frustration one minute, anger the next. If rekindling love and connection is important to you, let's talk.
(03) 9070 5773 View (03) 9070 5773
Photo of Tamzin Rasmussen, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Tamzin Rasmussen
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I am a registered Psychologist and a Gestalt psychotherapist, specialising in a holistic and integrative approach to mental health. With over 25 years of experience in the fields of psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, and supervision, I am dedicated to providing a supportive and insightful therapeutic journey for each of my clients. My commitment is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment where clients can gain clarity, develop self-awareness, and find meaningful ways to address their concerns.
I am a registered Psychologist and a Gestalt psychotherapist, specialising in a holistic and integrative approach to mental health. With over 25 years of experience in the fields of psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, and supervision, I am dedicated to providing a supportive and insightful therapeutic journey for each of my clients. My commitment is to provide a compassionate and empowering environment where clients can gain clarity, develop self-awareness, and find meaningful ways to address their concerns.
(03) 4320 5424 View (03) 4320 5424
Photo of Kelly Celeste Nadarajan - KIT Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
KIT Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a clinical psychologist offering therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing within my practice at KIT Psychology. I have a special interest in neurodiversity (including ADHD and Autism) and enjoy using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies and EMDR therapy.
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a clinical psychologist offering therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing within my practice at KIT Psychology. I have a special interest in neurodiversity (including ADHD and Autism) and enjoy using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies and EMDR therapy.
(03) 4320 5444 View (03) 4320 5444
Photo of Nicki Paull, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Nicki Paull
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maddingley, VIC 3340
Hello. If you’re searching for a new and effective way of coping with stress, burnout, anxiety or complex trauma recovery, third-wave psychology might be the secret ingredient you’re looking for (mindfulness combined with traditional talk therapy). Maybe you’re suffering the horrible confusion and pain of narcissistic abuse or bullying. I can help. I have lived experience and in-depth understanding of what you’re going through. I’ve published a book, a podcast, blog and recently a short article in Australian Counselling Journal.
Hello. If you’re searching for a new and effective way of coping with stress, burnout, anxiety or complex trauma recovery, third-wave psychology might be the secret ingredient you’re looking for (mindfulness combined with traditional talk therapy). Maybe you’re suffering the horrible confusion and pain of narcissistic abuse or bullying. I can help. I have lived experience and in-depth understanding of what you’re going through. I’ve published a book, a podcast, blog and recently a short article in Australian Counselling Journal.
(03) 4320 5004 View (03) 4320 5004
Photo of Terry Gaechter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Terry Gaechter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I come to the therapeutic space with a deep curiosity about life and the people I meet there, their stories, their lives, their relationships with others and most importantly with themselves. I join with you and guide you to discover the more hidden parts of yourself that you haven’t yet explored or have only touched on. Perhaps there’s a difficult or recurring issue from your personal or professional life that you would like to address. It could be grief, loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, dissociation, historical or current trauma, life transition, identity or relationship issues, or even existential questions and concerns.
I come to the therapeutic space with a deep curiosity about life and the people I meet there, their stories, their lives, their relationships with others and most importantly with themselves. I join with you and guide you to discover the more hidden parts of yourself that you haven’t yet explored or have only touched on. Perhaps there’s a difficult or recurring issue from your personal or professional life that you would like to address. It could be grief, loss, depression, anxiety, addiction, dissociation, historical or current trauma, life transition, identity or relationship issues, or even existential questions and concerns.
(07) 4520 6046 View (07) 4520 6046
Photo of Tegan Campbell - Tegan Campbell Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Tegan Campbell Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Online Only
As a neuroaffirming clinician I take a client centred and strengths approach, respecting your unique neurotype and what works best for you! What might we talk about in therapy? Almost anything! Perhaps it's stress, anxiety or depression, your neurodivergent identity (ADHD/Autism), the assessment process (I can provide post diagnosis support/coaching for ADHD and Autism), the executive functions of the brain or substance use difficulties. Or maybe its parent support (raising neurodivergent children), strategies for time management, procrastination, emotion regulation or values identification...the list goes on!
As a neuroaffirming clinician I take a client centred and strengths approach, respecting your unique neurotype and what works best for you! What might we talk about in therapy? Almost anything! Perhaps it's stress, anxiety or depression, your neurodivergent identity (ADHD/Autism), the assessment process (I can provide post diagnosis support/coaching for ADHD and Autism), the executive functions of the brain or substance use difficulties. Or maybe its parent support (raising neurodivergent children), strategies for time management, procrastination, emotion regulation or values identification...the list goes on!
(07) 4515 2398 View (07) 4515 2398
Photo of Brianna King - Light the Way Counselling, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Light the Way Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you looking to break free from unhelpful cycles? Do you want to understand & therefore be in control of your inner experience? Do you want to be more authentically connected in your life & relationships? Are you sick of things as they are? Well, I love helping people with this! I offer a combination of both talk therapy & somatic therapy. I also offer a 12 session structured program that comes with in-between session work to really dig in & dive deep into your subconscious conditioning/programming. 'Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life & you'll call it fate.' - Carl Jung.
Are you looking to break free from unhelpful cycles? Do you want to understand & therefore be in control of your inner experience? Do you want to be more authentically connected in your life & relationships? Are you sick of things as they are? Well, I love helping people with this! I offer a combination of both talk therapy & somatic therapy. I also offer a 12 session structured program that comes with in-between session work to really dig in & dive deep into your subconscious conditioning/programming. 'Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life & you'll call it fate.' - Carl Jung.
(08) 9932 0333 View (08) 9932 0333
Jennifer Holloway
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Ballarat East, VIC 3350
Jennifer is a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health issues, with children, adolescents, families and adults through to older age, in a range of settings. She has a strong interest in life adjustment challenges, including mid-life; neurodiversity including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism; grief and loss; phobias; emotional dysregulation; anxiety disorders; and faith-related issues. Jennifer also has experience completing cognitive assessments and supporting clients with learning based challenges.
Jennifer is a clinical psychologist with experience in diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health issues, with children, adolescents, families and adults through to older age, in a range of settings. She has a strong interest in life adjustment challenges, including mid-life; neurodiversity including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism; grief and loss; phobias; emotional dysregulation; anxiety disorders; and faith-related issues. Jennifer also has experience completing cognitive assessments and supporting clients with learning based challenges.
(03) 4320 5746 View (03) 4320 5746
Photo of Michelle Downs, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Downs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Accredited EMDR therapist and Clinical Resource therapist. I am specialised in trauma and work with people impacted by Complex PTSD; Acute Trauma; attachment trauma; historical and recent sexual assault and family violence and relationship issues. I am very much an outcome focused therapist and work with individuals to achieve effective and positive results. Understanding the importance of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, I naturally put people at ease and provide an open, honest and safe space without judgment. I work with people via VOCAT, Worksafe, GP referral and self referral.
I am a Mental Health Social Worker, Accredited EMDR therapist and Clinical Resource therapist. I am specialised in trauma and work with people impacted by Complex PTSD; Acute Trauma; attachment trauma; historical and recent sexual assault and family violence and relationship issues. I am very much an outcome focused therapist and work with individuals to achieve effective and positive results. Understanding the importance of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, I naturally put people at ease and provide an open, honest and safe space without judgment. I work with people via VOCAT, Worksafe, GP referral and self referral.
(03) 5905 7112 View (03) 5905 7112
Photo of Beth Fernandes - Therapy from Home, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Therapy from Home
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I'm Beth. I'm the director of Therapy from Home. We are a small practice of psychologists providing telehealth appointments weekdays, weekends and evenings. We aim to provide down to earth, compassionate and non-judgemental care, no matter what your concerns are. We believe that finding the right psychologist for you is the key, as with a trusting and genuine relationship it is easier to open up and make long lasting change. Appointments with us can take place anywhere from your home, your car, your workplace, or even in a park or on a walk. All you need is your smartphone or tablet.
Hi, I'm Beth. I'm the director of Therapy from Home. We are a small practice of psychologists providing telehealth appointments weekdays, weekends and evenings. We aim to provide down to earth, compassionate and non-judgemental care, no matter what your concerns are. We believe that finding the right psychologist for you is the key, as with a trusting and genuine relationship it is easier to open up and make long lasting change. Appointments with us can take place anywhere from your home, your car, your workplace, or even in a park or on a walk. All you need is your smartphone or tablet.
(03) 4320 5634 View (03) 4320 5634
Photo of Kahlia Peiris, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Kahlia Peiris
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi my name is Kahlia Peiris I am an ACA level 1 member and I am a qualified counselor who is working towards higher studies currently. I am a mum to a beautiful 1 year old daughter and I understand the demands of being a parent and also needing to work. I am very passionate about providing pre and postpartum counselling for both Mum's and Dad's. I also do generalized counselling and stress management. And have worked with people dealing with depression, anxiety and a number of mental health challenges. Another area of counselling I do is around work place burnout and finding the work home balance we all need.
Hi my name is Kahlia Peiris I am an ACA level 1 member and I am a qualified counselor who is working towards higher studies currently. I am a mum to a beautiful 1 year old daughter and I understand the demands of being a parent and also needing to work. I am very passionate about providing pre and postpartum counselling for both Mum's and Dad's. I also do generalized counselling and stress management. And have worked with people dealing with depression, anxiety and a number of mental health challenges. Another area of counselling I do is around work place burnout and finding the work home balance we all need.
(03) 4328 3530 View (03) 4328 3530
Photo of Deirdre Rolfe - CounsellorOnCall, ACA-L4, Psychotherapist
CounsellorOnCall
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eganstown, VIC 3461
I offer a solution focused, empowered, approach for the treatment of childhood trauma, Cluster B abuse recovery (Narcissistic, Psychopathy), relationship breakups, unresolved grief, addictions or any challenges that leave you feeling triggered, lost or stuck .I have a lived trauma experience, use Jungian psychology , EMDR, Flash, Havening, NLP, DBT, ACT ,CBT, Symbols, metaphors and rituals toward evidence based, existential, somatic whole person outcomes. I have over 25 years experience in private practise and as a Head Therapist at two health facilities.I am a level 4 Supervisor, author and creator of Symbols, Metaphors & rituals.
I offer a solution focused, empowered, approach for the treatment of childhood trauma, Cluster B abuse recovery (Narcissistic, Psychopathy), relationship breakups, unresolved grief, addictions or any challenges that leave you feeling triggered, lost or stuck .I have a lived trauma experience, use Jungian psychology , EMDR, Flash, Havening, NLP, DBT, ACT ,CBT, Symbols, metaphors and rituals toward evidence based, existential, somatic whole person outcomes. I have over 25 years experience in private practise and as a Head Therapist at two health facilities.I am a level 4 Supervisor, author and creator of Symbols, Metaphors & rituals.
(03) 4422 4813 View (03) 4422 4813
Photo of Christine Davies, Counsellor
Christine Davies
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Christine works holistically to address root causes of your challenges by weaving together her grounding in psychological science and counselling with other modalities, thereby expanding treatment options & allowing them to be tailored to the individual. She creates a safe and compassionate space where clients feel they are a person beyond their symptoms.
Christine works holistically to address root causes of your challenges by weaving together her grounding in psychological science and counselling with other modalities, thereby expanding treatment options & allowing them to be tailored to the individual. She creates a safe and compassionate space where clients feel they are a person beyond their symptoms.
(03) 4320 5110 View (03) 4320 5110

See more therapy options for Buninyong

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in Buninyong, VIC

< 10

Counsellors in Buninyong, VIC who prioritize treating:

100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% ADHD
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Stress
67% Relationship Issues
67% Bereavement

Average years in practice

16 Years

Gender breakdown

100% Female

How Counsellors in Buninyong, VIC see their clients

100% In Person and Online
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in Buninyong?

Search for nearby psychologists or counsellors by inputting your city, suburb, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.

Learn more about how to find a therapist

Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?

Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the Australian Counselling Association and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. Psychologists must be registered in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Most Social Workers listed in the directory are members of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.

What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?

Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in Australia.

Psychologists have earned a 4 year undergraduate degree in psychology and have completed a postgraduate internship or postgraduate degree. Psychotherapists generally have an undergraduate degree in a health related field in addition to 3-4 years of specialist training in psychotherapy and a period of personal psychotherapy. In order to belong to a professional organisation such as the ACA or PACFA, counsellors and psychotherapists are required to have completed a certain level of AQF qualifications and/ or an approved training course as well as clinical and supervision hours. Social Workers registered with the AASW are required to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.

What type of therapy is right for me?

The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.

How much does therapy cost?

The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in Australia could be between $100 and $250. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.

What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?

Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.

If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The Better Access Scheme is a government program offering Medicare rebates for mental health care. To access the program you will need to be assessed and diagnosed by your GP and get a Mental Health Plan. This will allow you to receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions a year with practitioners who accept bulk billing, with no out of pocket costs for you.

Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.

Is online therapy a good option?

Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.

Are therapy sessions confidential?

Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the ACA, PACFA, or the APS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others or when a minor is in danger, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.