Counselling in Saint Arnaud, VIC
![Photo of Joanne White - Absolute Wellbeing Mind & Body, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e09ade5-3446-4d32-91fe-377dbf0a46c3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Book a FREE 10 minute discovery call. Consulting Rooms in Ballarat and Stawell. Focusing on the needs of individuals in smaller communities and country towns, where there is generally fewer resources available for those who need support. Using a person-centered approach, I work with client on relationships, conflict resolution, trauma, behaviour, adolescents, mental health disorders, mindfulness and Cultural Counselling. I am very much community-minded. Welcome NDIS self-managed clients. Every situation is different, while I have a base rate, please contact me to ask how I can assist you if financial difficulty is an issue.
Book a FREE 10 minute discovery call. Consulting Rooms in Ballarat and Stawell. Focusing on the needs of individuals in smaller communities and country towns, where there is generally fewer resources available for those who need support. Using a person-centered approach, I work with client on relationships, conflict resolution, trauma, behaviour, adolescents, mental health disorders, mindfulness and Cultural Counselling. I am very much community-minded. Welcome NDIS self-managed clients. Every situation is different, while I have a base rate, please contact me to ask how I can assist you if financial difficulty is an issue.
![Photo of Kristian Holth - Holth Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e17233b-0fb8-4c00-bcc2-364fbd7c4fa4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristian is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and to ultimately live a meaningful life. He helps neurotypical and neurodiverse adolescents and adults with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, life adjustment, chronic health conditions, and issues particularly impactful for minority groups. He also has experience working with individuals with functional neurological disorders, epilepsy, acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions.
Kristian is passionate about empowering clients to navigate life’s challenges and to ultimately live a meaningful life. He helps neurotypical and neurodiverse adolescents and adults with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, life adjustment, chronic health conditions, and issues particularly impactful for minority groups. He also has experience working with individuals with functional neurological disorders, epilepsy, acquired brain injury and other neurological conditions.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Shobana Owen, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8ec9128-983d-4510-ae36-d3e79965f51d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Noticing that we are slipping and finally in need of help can take many years. Equally, distress may be triggered overnight by a major life event, a traumatic experience or a recent psychiatric diagnosis. Signs of adverse mental health may be subtle or obvious. If you are here, you are possibly exploring the idea of counselling for yourself or a loved one. I encourage individuals to tune into the biological, social and emotional processes influencing their current mental state, manage states of distress and be guided by their core values in order to live a rich, full and meaningful life. I work with clients aged 15 and up.
Noticing that we are slipping and finally in need of help can take many years. Equally, distress may be triggered overnight by a major life event, a traumatic experience or a recent psychiatric diagnosis. Signs of adverse mental health may be subtle or obvious. If you are here, you are possibly exploring the idea of counselling for yourself or a loved one. I encourage individuals to tune into the biological, social and emotional processes influencing their current mental state, manage states of distress and be guided by their core values in order to live a rich, full and meaningful life. I work with clients aged 15 and up.
![Photo of Oli Doyle, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf1de810-b0eb-4901-934a-bf7ec69bb302/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
Whether you're struggling with the after effects of trauma, the alarm bell of anxiety or the emptiness of depression, life inside a human mind can be painful. If you're stuck underneath a difficult problem or you can't seem to get your life on track, the problem may not be what it seems. We all try to improve our lives by changing the world around us or controlling what we think and feel, but those approaches don't really seem to work, and sometimes the things we do to control how we feel become problems in themselves. If your past looms large or the thoughts of the future provoke a constant anxiety, you've come to the right place.
![Photo of Vanessa Katherine Bowen, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c3e8c0b-b71c-43ec-9169-32fe155a3fbd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm Vanessa, and I love working with clients to provide support, comfort and empathy. My gentle and friendly approach will help you to feel comfortable straight away, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you. I am particularly passionate about working with clients who are experiencing stress and anxiety to help them heal and learn anxiety management skills. I am also a grief and loss counsellor who can provide a gentle ear and support when you've experienced a loss. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and supportive of non-traditional relationship structures.
I'm Vanessa, and I love working with clients to provide support, comfort and empathy. My gentle and friendly approach will help you to feel comfortable straight away, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you. I am particularly passionate about working with clients who are experiencing stress and anxiety to help them heal and learn anxiety management skills. I am also a grief and loss counsellor who can provide a gentle ear and support when you've experienced a loss. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and supportive of non-traditional relationship structures.
![Photo of Marita Jacobsson, MA, AThR, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f4ee907-a0e5-4d85-a631-f542008070d2/1/320x400.png)
Even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art, I gently offer a creative process for you on your journey. We can also use talking only, if you prefer....Weaving arts-based inquiry, with trauma-informed counselling, we can explore other ways to live well with emotional and physical pain or diagnosed illnesses, to find wisdom to live with more wellbeing and enlivenment. We can co-create to find the best map forward for you, reflecting/updating along the way. I walk along with you as a companion, where we explore, express and experience together to discover your innate healing energy and thread this into your life, in your way..
Even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art, I gently offer a creative process for you on your journey. We can also use talking only, if you prefer....Weaving arts-based inquiry, with trauma-informed counselling, we can explore other ways to live well with emotional and physical pain or diagnosed illnesses, to find wisdom to live with more wellbeing and enlivenment. We can co-create to find the best map forward for you, reflecting/updating along the way. I walk along with you as a companion, where we explore, express and experience together to discover your innate healing energy and thread this into your life, in your way..
![Photo of Cheri Huggins - Fantastic Therapy, MA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c73dc48-b03f-4a81-8d9e-aff8df71eeeb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Your mental health is key to living the life you want for yourself. If you are experiencing burnout, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or experiencing a depressed mood, I can help. I can help you address your anxiety and help you to feel more connected to yourself and more connected in your relationships. I can help you with life transitions and help find solutions to your challenges. Working together we can get the sustainable results you seek.
Your mental health is key to living the life you want for yourself. If you are experiencing burnout, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or experiencing a depressed mood, I can help. I can help you address your anxiety and help you to feel more connected to yourself and more connected in your relationships. I can help you with life transitions and help find solutions to your challenges. Working together we can get the sustainable results you seek.
![Photo of Zubia Jawed, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9992508b-511b-4017-b467-9771bb3da0d2/1/320x400.png)
I am a registered Mental Health Counsellor. I have helped many clients feel validated and normalised in what they experience in life. I specialise in providing culturally sensitive therapy, addressing variety of topics including identity, belonging, gender roles, women’s issues, managing societal, community and family expectations, discrimination, racism, and issues around migrants and refugees. I feel utmost contentment when I know I have made an individual feel worthy, validated, understood, and hopeful. Through incorporating our cultural roots in sessions, we can truly feel empowered and seen.
I am a registered Mental Health Counsellor. I have helped many clients feel validated and normalised in what they experience in life. I specialise in providing culturally sensitive therapy, addressing variety of topics including identity, belonging, gender roles, women’s issues, managing societal, community and family expectations, discrimination, racism, and issues around migrants and refugees. I feel utmost contentment when I know I have made an individual feel worthy, validated, understood, and hopeful. Through incorporating our cultural roots in sessions, we can truly feel empowered and seen.
![Photo of Kelly Celeste Nadarajan - KIT Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cad2fc6a-3f52-4ed0-8db4-654b5c55a04c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a registered psychologist practicing as a clinical psychology registrar. Within my practice at KIT Psychology, I offer therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. I have a special interest in using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies.
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a registered psychologist practicing as a clinical psychology registrar. Within my practice at KIT Psychology, I offer therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. I have a special interest in using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies.
![Photo of Mikaela Grant - Care For Your Mind, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b27b6675-be7e-4c19-af28-1254e3cf4cc2/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Care For Your Mind we care about connection and understand the driver of lasting change is determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Care For Your Mind is a private practice located in Bendigo providing counselling and psychological assessments to adults, young people, children and their families. We work with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management, behavioural concerns, grief & loss, sexualised behaviours and trauma presentations.
At Care For Your Mind we care about connection and understand the driver of lasting change is determined by the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Care For Your Mind is a private practice located in Bendigo providing counselling and psychological assessments to adults, young people, children and their families. We work with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management, behavioural concerns, grief & loss, sexualised behaviours and trauma presentations.
![Photo of Gabrielle Bibby, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b79621a-3121-4dc4-b989-4ae4dd4d9ea4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you in midlife and thinking "is this really all there is?" It's more common than you think and especially around 40 or 50+. We hit the big milestones of supposedly having life sorted but all you feel is stuck or at least lacking in joy or direction and slowly starting to panic that life is slipping away. Whatever the thoughts are if they persist unaddressed, they just fester inside. We all know that feeling of stuffing thoughts and feelings down because they are too uncomfortable. Maybe soothing them with food, alcohol or doomscrolling. Life can get a lot better by talking and sharing what's going on for you deep down.
Are you in midlife and thinking "is this really all there is?" It's more common than you think and especially around 40 or 50+. We hit the big milestones of supposedly having life sorted but all you feel is stuck or at least lacking in joy or direction and slowly starting to panic that life is slipping away. Whatever the thoughts are if they persist unaddressed, they just fester inside. We all know that feeling of stuffing thoughts and feelings down because they are too uncomfortable. Maybe soothing them with food, alcohol or doomscrolling. Life can get a lot better by talking and sharing what's going on for you deep down.
![Photo of Tony O'Loughlin, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ad258ff-359d-4377-88f3-d1b6d574b93c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a registered integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to find other ways of being that bring ease, connection and lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing particular challenges like anxiety, childhood trauma, low mood, grief or loss, want more enriching relationships, or seeking deeper self-understanding and self-awareness, psychotherapy can be a supportive and powerful tool. I have specific interest and deep understanding in working with clients with childhood trauma, experiencing anxiety and burnout and navigating life transitions in professional and personal life.
I'm a registered integrative psychotherapist working with individuals and couples to find other ways of being that bring ease, connection and lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you're facing particular challenges like anxiety, childhood trauma, low mood, grief or loss, want more enriching relationships, or seeking deeper self-understanding and self-awareness, psychotherapy can be a supportive and powerful tool. I have specific interest and deep understanding in working with clients with childhood trauma, experiencing anxiety and burnout and navigating life transitions in professional and personal life.
![Photo of Anastasia Jones, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adf9144c-a39d-4917-893a-f99aab405c07/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anastasia Jones
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Anastasia is a Clinical Psychologist in Ballarat who specialises in empowering adults to reach their therapeutic goals. Anastasia works with clients who are ready to make changes and engage in therapy that translates into real-life differences. Anastasia prioritises a welcoming, non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment. Anastasia believes it is essential to take the time to get to know each of her clients and collaboratively tailors treatment to suit the specific needs of each individual. As a Clinical Psychologist, Anastasia works with evidence based skills and tools.
Anastasia is a Clinical Psychologist in Ballarat who specialises in empowering adults to reach their therapeutic goals. Anastasia works with clients who are ready to make changes and engage in therapy that translates into real-life differences. Anastasia prioritises a welcoming, non-judgmental and safe therapeutic environment. Anastasia believes it is essential to take the time to get to know each of her clients and collaboratively tailors treatment to suit the specific needs of each individual. As a Clinical Psychologist, Anastasia works with evidence based skills and tools.
![Photo of Natalie Susan Burfurd - Heart and Hope Counselling, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fbe31ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heart and Hope Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Newport and Footscray areas. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over twenty years of general counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is accessible and affordable to people who need it.
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Newport and Footscray areas. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over twenty years of general counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is accessible and affordable to people who need it.
![Photo of Sue Drummond, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4fac10a-f07d-421f-9f71-a0b3581ad4db/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked as an educator , counsellor and community development worker for 35years .I have qualifications in Social work, Gestalt therapy , Internal Family Systems therapy , yoga teaching and mindfulness based therapies. I have extensive experience supporting clients with depression and anxiety, women experiencing family violence and with adolescents .I have worked extensively with migrant and refugee communities. I believe that creating safety and trust between the client and myself is the most important aspect of therapy. I bring warmth and humour to my work with clients and have a gentle and empathic approach.
I have worked as an educator , counsellor and community development worker for 35years .I have qualifications in Social work, Gestalt therapy , Internal Family Systems therapy , yoga teaching and mindfulness based therapies. I have extensive experience supporting clients with depression and anxiety, women experiencing family violence and with adolescents .I have worked extensively with migrant and refugee communities. I believe that creating safety and trust between the client and myself is the most important aspect of therapy. I bring warmth and humour to my work with clients and have a gentle and empathic approach.
![Photo of Catherine Madigan - Anxiety Treatment Australia, MA, MAPS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfaf41dd-af23-43be-a8f8-c1d53a318fca/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety Treatment Australia
Psychologist, MA, MAPS
Verified Verified
Hepburn, VIC 3461 (Online Only)
Depressed? Anxious? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Been suffering for some time? Relief can be experienced quickly in a confidential, non judgmental, supportive environment. I'm a caring, down to earth, experienced clinical psychologist who can help you overcome :shyness, insomnia, depression, body image issues, PTSD, social anxiety, public speaking anxiety, worrying excessively about health or other issues, OCD, panic attacks, vomit phobia, perfectionism, procrastination and hoarding. Choosing a therapist can be a difficult decision so you are welcome to a free 15 minutes session before making an appointment to see if we click.
Depressed? Anxious? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Been suffering for some time? Relief can be experienced quickly in a confidential, non judgmental, supportive environment. I'm a caring, down to earth, experienced clinical psychologist who can help you overcome :shyness, insomnia, depression, body image issues, PTSD, social anxiety, public speaking anxiety, worrying excessively about health or other issues, OCD, panic attacks, vomit phobia, perfectionism, procrastination and hoarding. Choosing a therapist can be a difficult decision so you are welcome to a free 15 minutes session before making an appointment to see if we click.
![Photo of Sue Balkin-Mitchell, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da5804e3-2f9a-450e-ba14-dc5c768c063b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sue Balkin-Mitchell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
With years of diverse experience, I navigate a wide array of psychological concerns. Whether your issue is acute or prolonged, I provide an empathic, and collaborative approach to addressing your needs and goals. I utilise a range of evidence-based tools and therapies to address needs as appropriate, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Being acutely aware that every client is unique, I take great care to tailor approaches to each clients personality and thinking style.
With years of diverse experience, I navigate a wide array of psychological concerns. Whether your issue is acute or prolonged, I provide an empathic, and collaborative approach to addressing your needs and goals. I utilise a range of evidence-based tools and therapies to address needs as appropriate, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Being acutely aware that every client is unique, I take great care to tailor approaches to each clients personality and thinking style.
![Photo of Francesca Hunter - Francesca Hunter Counselling | Macedon Ranges, ACA-L1, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a43a80e-1389-4755-a90f-1747f87b788d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Francesca Hunter Counselling | Macedon Ranges
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodend, VIC 3442
Life has its tough times and big challenges. It doesn't mean we have a mental health issue if we need a bit of extra support to navigate a tough time or work through problems in our relationship. It simply means we're human! I provide individual and couples counselling in the Macedon Ranges. I take a truly calming and compassionate approach and ensure your comfort at all times. Speaking to a counsellor can really help us to gain perspective and insight, and to process our complex emotions, enabling us to feel heard and understood, then to take the next step forward - whether as an individual or as a couple.
Life has its tough times and big challenges. It doesn't mean we have a mental health issue if we need a bit of extra support to navigate a tough time or work through problems in our relationship. It simply means we're human! I provide individual and couples counselling in the Macedon Ranges. I take a truly calming and compassionate approach and ensure your comfort at all times. Speaking to a counsellor can really help us to gain perspective and insight, and to process our complex emotions, enabling us to feel heard and understood, then to take the next step forward - whether as an individual or as a couple.
![Photo of David Adamson - Counselling and Wellbeing by David, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/494a6426-c4ae-4cde-84ef-e7d519238628/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counselling confidential space which enables clients to explore issues, which may have been difficult to deal with alone. I view therapy as an individual process and a journey of self discovery that create an opportunity to become aware of inner conflicts and unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I recognise that there is not one approach to therapy that will suit everyon. I’ve been a fully-certified counselor since 2000, working with adolescents, adults and families, working through grief, loss, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Counselling confidential space which enables clients to explore issues, which may have been difficult to deal with alone. I view therapy as an individual process and a journey of self discovery that create an opportunity to become aware of inner conflicts and unhelpful patterns of behaviour. I recognise that there is not one approach to therapy that will suit everyon. I’ve been a fully-certified counselor since 2000, working with adolescents, adults and families, working through grief, loss, depression, anxiety, and stress.
![Photo of Rebecca Lister, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9cdf80d0-ffc8-49bc-9607-7db62aab1671/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Lister
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Daylesford, VIC 3460
Rebecca has worked as a Social Worker for over 35 years and offers individual counselling, and supervision. Rebecca works from a relationship based approach to counselling and develops warm, trusting and open therapeutic relationships driven by curiosity, self-compassion, affirmation and genuine care for clients. From her many years of experience Rebecca understands that counselling and support also involves, at times, sitting with discomfort. Her skills enable her to do this in a wide range of settings without fear or judgement.
Rebecca has worked as a Social Worker for over 35 years and offers individual counselling, and supervision. Rebecca works from a relationship based approach to counselling and develops warm, trusting and open therapeutic relationships driven by curiosity, self-compassion, affirmation and genuine care for clients. From her many years of experience Rebecca understands that counselling and support also involves, at times, sitting with discomfort. Her skills enable her to do this in a wide range of settings without fear or judgement.
See more therapy options for Saint Arnaud
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Saint Arnaud, VIC
< 10
Counsellors in Saint Arnaud, VIC who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
100% | Anxiety |
100% | Trauma and PTSD |
50% | Relationship Issues |
50% | Child |
50% | ADHD |
50% | Chronic Pain |
Gender breakdown
50% | Female | |
50% | Male |
How Counsellors in Saint Arnaud, VIC see their clients
100% | In Person and Online |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Saint Arnaud?
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
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.
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.
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.
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.