Counselling in Sebastopol, VIC

Photo of Kerri-Ann Batchelor - Live Life Well Counselling , ACA-L2, Counsellor
Live Life Well Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, VIC 3356
Kerri-Ann welcomes all to her private practice via Telehealth, telephone across Australia or in person in Ballarat, Vic. Appointments now available. No GP referral required. Specialist in grief and loss, mental health, carer stress, relationships, illness, dementia, palliative care. Supporting individuals and families to live their lives well for over 19 years having worked in Palliative care, Dementia care and community services. I create a safe, non-judgmental counselling space for you, we work together, using various therapies. Emotional wellness is integral to overall good health, let's have a chat, book online or call today
Kerri-Ann welcomes all to her private practice via Telehealth, telephone across Australia or in person in Ballarat, Vic. Appointments now available. No GP referral required. Specialist in grief and loss, mental health, carer stress, relationships, illness, dementia, palliative care. Supporting individuals and families to live their lives well for over 19 years having worked in Palliative care, Dementia care and community services. I create a safe, non-judgmental counselling space for you, we work together, using various therapies. Emotional wellness is integral to overall good health, let's have a chat, book online or call today
(03) 4328 2575 View (03) 4328 2575
Beside Still Waters Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sebastopol, VIC 3356
My ideal client is one who is looking to make sense of their experiences and how they function or operate within their world; one who is open to learning about themselves, to make changes and to improve skills to better relationships with themselves and those around them. Their issues may be varied and include anxiety, attachment issues, bullying, communication, divorce, emotional regulation, family functioning, fractured relationships, grief, infidelity and stress, among other issues that may present. Assisting clients to set out a treatment plan and work together to achieve their goals are important aspects of the journey.
My ideal client is one who is looking to make sense of their experiences and how they function or operate within their world; one who is open to learning about themselves, to make changes and to improve skills to better relationships with themselves and those around them. Their issues may be varied and include anxiety, attachment issues, bullying, communication, divorce, emotional regulation, family functioning, fractured relationships, grief, infidelity and stress, among other issues that may present. Assisting clients to set out a treatment plan and work together to achieve their goals are important aspects of the journey.
(08) 9126 9462 View (08) 9126 9462
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
Sebastopol, VIC 3356
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

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kelly Celeste Nadarajan - KIT Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
KIT Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
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.
(03) 4320 5444 View (03) 4320 5444
Photo of Beth Fernandes - Therapy from Home, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Therapy from Home
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350  (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 Fiona Joy Hocking - Creative Butterfly Expressive Arts Therapy
Creative Butterfly Expressive Arts Therapy
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I offer Arts-based inquiry and counselling even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art. Using arts-based processes, we can explore ways to live well with emotional and physical pain, diagnosed illnesses or neurodivergence, to find wisdom to live with more well-being or healing. We can collaborate to find the best way forward for you, with a personalised plan to support you or a young person in your care.
I offer Arts-based inquiry and counselling even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art. Using arts-based processes, we can explore ways to live well with emotional and physical pain, diagnosed illnesses or neurodivergence, to find wisdom to live with more well-being or healing. We can collaborate to find the best way forward for you, with a personalised plan to support you or a young person in your care.
(03) 4321 2731 View (03) 4321 2731
Photo of Natalie Susan Burfurd - Heart and Hope Counselling, AASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(03) 8658 2101 View (03) 8658 2101
Photo of Anthony Varenica - Anthony Varenica Psychotherapy, PACFA, Counsellor
Anthony Varenica Psychotherapy
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
My therapy room is a safe and confidential space where you can explore whatever is important to you. This may include trauma and its impact, addiction, mental health challenges, grief and loss, life stresses and relationship difficulties. I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist and I will work holistically with your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, perceptions and bodily sensations, to bring understanding to your present challenges. I view therapy as more than just talk; it’s more like a dynamic process that will help you integrate past experiences, current difficulties and future goals in a way that makes sense to you.
My therapy room is a safe and confidential space where you can explore whatever is important to you. This may include trauma and its impact, addiction, mental health challenges, grief and loss, life stresses and relationship difficulties. I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist and I will work holistically with your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, perceptions and bodily sensations, to bring understanding to your present challenges. I view therapy as more than just talk; it’s more like a dynamic process that will help you integrate past experiences, current difficulties and future goals in a way that makes sense to you.
(03) 4320 5447 View (03) 4320 5447
Photo of Zubia Jawed, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Zubia Jawed
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
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.
(03) 4328 3495 View (03) 4328 3495
Photo of Gerald Mutubuki - Pot of Gold Therapy
Pot of Gold Therapy
Credentialed Mental Health Nurse
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Hello my name is Gerald and I am a Credentialed Mental Health and Eating Disorder Clinician. I provide quality and affordable mental health support that respects individual rights, dignity and promotes inclusivity. I believe that each individual is unique and experience mental illness in different ways and that there is no one size fits all approach to counselling. I focus on general mental health (depression, anxiety etc.) and on specialty areas of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Eating Disorders and Trauma.
Hello my name is Gerald and I am a Credentialed Mental Health and Eating Disorder Clinician. I provide quality and affordable mental health support that respects individual rights, dignity and promotes inclusivity. I believe that each individual is unique and experience mental illness in different ways and that there is no one size fits all approach to counselling. I focus on general mental health (depression, anxiety etc.) and on specialty areas of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Eating Disorders and Trauma.
(03) 4320 5489 View (03) 4320 5489
Photo of Sue Balkin-Mitchell, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
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.
(03) 5316 7218 View (03) 5316 7218
Photo of Anastasia Jones, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
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.
(03) 4321 2662 View (03) 4321 2662
Photo of Barbara Grace, MA, Psychotherapist
Barbara Grace
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
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 Karina Joy, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Karina Joy
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Karina is a dedicated registered psychologist specialising in adult therapy. She creates a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment, collaborating closely with her clients to identify personalised goals and effective strategies. Her practice is trauma-informed, ensuring a compassionate approach tailored to individual needs.
Karina is a dedicated registered psychologist specialising in adult therapy. She creates a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment, collaborating closely with her clients to identify personalised goals and effective strategies. Her practice is trauma-informed, ensuring a compassionate approach tailored to individual needs.
(03) 4321 2768 View (03) 4321 2768
Photo of Michelle Louise Maya - KIT Psychology - Michelle Maya, ACA-L1, Counsellor
KIT Psychology - Michelle Maya
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
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 Elizabeth Holmquest - Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy , AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350  (Online Only)
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
(03) 4321 2980 View (03) 4321 2980
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 Vanessa Katherine Bowen, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Vanessa Katherine Bowen
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
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.
(03) 4328 2766 View (03) 4328 2766
Photo of Teresa Peers, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Teresa Peers
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Waitlist for new clients
Offering psychological therapy services and assessments from ages 7 and over. Experience in a range of psychometric testing, ASD assessments (ADIR, ADOS, Sensory Profile), cognitive assessments (WISC, WAIS), ADHD assessments, Adaptive functioning (ABAS, Vineland), and other diagnostic assessments (PAI, Conners). As I am usually very busy in sessions with clients, the best way to make contact with me is via email. Board approved supervisor offering supervision for 5+1 and 4+2 pathways.
Offering psychological therapy services and assessments from ages 7 and over. Experience in a range of psychometric testing, ASD assessments (ADIR, ADOS, Sensory Profile), cognitive assessments (WISC, WAIS), ADHD assessments, Adaptive functioning (ABAS, Vineland), and other diagnostic assessments (PAI, Conners). As I am usually very busy in sessions with clients, the best way to make contact with me is via email. Board approved supervisor offering supervision for 5+1 and 4+2 pathways.
(03) 4328 0430 View (03) 4328 0430
Photo of Marvel Adeyemi - Wholesome Counselling - Marvel Adeyemi - AMHSW
Wholesome Counselling - Marvel Adeyemi - AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I bring solutions to problems like anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and poor boundaries. My consultations are tailored to each individual, incorporating therapies such as EMDR, Shadow Work, and Mindfulness. Together, we work towards healing, which looks like feeling more confident, setting healthy boundaries, improving relationships, and finding peace and balance in daily life.
I bring solutions to problems like anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, relationship conflicts, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and poor boundaries. My consultations are tailored to each individual, incorporating therapies such as EMDR, Shadow Work, and Mindfulness. Together, we work towards healing, which looks like feeling more confident, setting healthy boundaries, improving relationships, and finding peace and balance in daily life.
(03) 9034 5974 View (03) 9034 5974

How does your Counsellor compare?

Number of Counsellors in Sebastopol, VIC

< 10

Counsellors in Sebastopol, VIC who prioritize treating:

100% Relationship Issues
100% Depression
100% Anxiety
100% Bereavement
100% Trauma and PTSD
100% Domestic Violence
67% Child

Average years in practice

20 Years

Top 3 insurances accepted

50% Bupa
50% GMHBA
50% NDIS

How Counsellors in Sebastopol, VIC see their clients

100% In Person and Online

Gender breakdown

100% Female
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling

How can I find a therapist in Sebastopol?

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.