Making high quality mental healthcare accessible for everyone

Cheap Therapy Melbourne: Low-Cost Counselling Options

When you’re ready to take the first step on your mental health journey, you don’t want to join a long waiting list.

You want to get started now so you can make progress. For those who may not be able to afford even low-cost options, free counselling services are also available through various community initiatives and university programs.

The Talk Shop offers timely access to low cost paid appointments with our Provisional, Registered or Clinical Psychologists.

What is Low-cost Counselling?

Low-cost counselling refers to affordable mental health services provided by qualified professionals at a reduced rate compared to standard private practice fees. These services aim to make mental health care more accessible to individuals who may not have the financial means to seek traditional private therapy. By offering low-cost counselling, organizations such as community health centers, non-profits, and universities strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive the mental health support they need. This approach helps bridge the gap for those who might otherwise go without essential mental health care.

Benefits of choosing a paid appointment

At The Talk Shop, we are proud to make high-quality mental health care, including psychology sessions, accessible to all. We offer bulk-billed appointments to anyone who’d like one – so why would you pay to see one of our Psychologists? Client demand is extraordinarily high for bulk-billed appointments and the waiting list is very long, so choosing a low-cost paid appointment gives you more access, choice and convenience.

Access

Get seen in days not months so you can start your recovery sooner

The Talk Shop offers quick access to professional counseling services, ensuring you can start your recovery journey without unnecessary delays. With multiple locations, including offices in the Melbourne CBD, it is convenient for clients traveling from various suburbs.

Choices

Choose a Psychologist with the right experience, skills and characteristics

When selecting a psychologist, consider the variety of options available at our Melbourne psychology clinic. These clinics offer a range of services for mental health issues, including eating disorders and counseling, and are accessible to all clients, not just students. Services are often conducted by postgraduate psychology students under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Convenience

Daytime and after-hours appointments so care fits your schedule

Counselling Services

Counselling services are designed to support individuals, couples, and families in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship difficulties, our counsellors and psychologists are here to help. Using evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), they work with you to develop effective coping strategies and improve your overall well-being. Our counselling services are flexible, offering in-person sessions, telephone consultations, and video conferencing options to fit your schedule and preferences.

Provisional, Registered and Clinical Psychologists

We have three kinds of psychologists at The Talk Shop – Provisional, Registered and Clinical Psychologists.

Some of our psychologists have received training from institutions like the Australian Catholic University.

That gives you more choice when it comes to finding the right blend of skill, experience and affordability.

Here’s how they stack up.

| > | | Qualifications | |—————————|————————————————————————————————————————————————————-| | PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | Completed 4-year honours degree Currently doing postgraduate study or enrolled in an internship program. | | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGISTS | Completed 4-year honours degree Obtained either a postgraduate degree or completed 2 years of supervised on-the-job training to register as a Psychologist. | | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | Completed 4-year honours degree Completed a postgraduate degree Completed 1-2 years registrar program overseen by the Psychology Board of Australia. | | | | | |—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–|–|–|–| | > | | Experience | |—————————|———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-| | PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | May treat a wide variety of patients but always work under the direct supervision of a Board-approved supervisor. | | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGISTS | May treat a wide variety of patients and work independently. | | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | Their higher level of expertise may be particularly helpful if you’re living with a complex, ongoing condition or one that’s proving difficult to diagnose or treat. | | | | | | > | | Medicare rebate? | |—————————|——————————————————-| | PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | No | | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGISTS | Yes – you’re on if you have a Mental Health Care Plan | | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | Yes – you’re on if you have a Mental Health Care Plan | | | | | | > | | Private health rebate? | |—————————|—————————–| | PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | No | | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGISTS | Yes Check your extras cover | | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | Yes Check your extras cover | | | | | | > | | | |—————————|————————————————————————————————————–| | PROVISIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | See All Provisional Psychologists | | REGISTERED PSYCHOLOGISTS | See All Registered Psychologists | | CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS | See All Clinical Psychologists | | | | |

Can you get a rebate?

If you’ve chosen to see a Registered or Clinical Psychologist, you can expect to pay a higher fee to reflect their level of qualifications and experience.

But there’s some good news for your wallet here – your out-of-pocket costs can be substantially reduced by a rebate from Medicare or your private health fund.

Here's how to access a Medicare rebate:

  1. Book a long appointment with your GP to develop a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral to The Talk Shop.

  2. Send us your letter and your plan before your first appointment.

  3. Ensure Medicare has your current bank account details so we can process your rebate.

  4. Pay the full fee at the end of your session, wait a few days, and see the rebate in your account.

Here's how to use your private health insurance:

  1. Check your policy – psychology is usually listed under extras cover.

  2. Pay the full fee at the end of your session then submit the claim to your health fund and wait for your rebate.

How much does affordable therapy cost to see a Psychologist?

It depends on their level of experience.

We charge as little as $95 for a face-to-face appointment with one of our fully supervised Provisional Psychologists. It’s an excellent, low-cost counselling option.

For those who cannot afford even low-cost options, free counselling is available through various providers.

Visit our fees page to learn more.

Funding Options for Counselling

There are several funding options available to help make counselling services more affordable:

  • Medicare rebates: Eligible clients can receive a rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year, with rebates ranging from $96.65 to $141.85.

  • Private health insurance: Many insurance providers offer rebates for psychological counselling services, so check your policy to see what’s covered.

  • Low-cost counselling services: Numerous organizations provide affordable counselling services at reduced rates compared to standard private practice fees.

  • Government initiatives: Programs like the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative offer funding for mental health services, making it easier for you to access the care you need.

Accessing Low-cost Counselling

Accessing low-cost counselling services is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Determine if you are eligible for Medicare rebates or other funding options.

  2. Find a provider: Research and locate a low-cost counselling service provider in your area.

  3. Make an appointment: Contact the provider to schedule an appointment that suits your availability.

  4. Obtain a mental health care plan: If required, visit your GP to develop a mental health care plan, which will allow you to access Medicare rebates for your sessions.

What to Expect from Counselling

When you seek counselling services, you can expect a supportive and professional environment:

  • A safe and confidential environment: Our counsellors and psychologists maintain strict confidentiality, providing a non-judgmental space for you to share your concerns.

  • A person-centred approach: We focus on your unique experiences and concerns, tailoring our approach to meet your individual needs.

  • Evidence-based therapies: Our team uses proven therapies, such as CBT, to help you develop effective coping strategies and enhance your well-being.

  • Support and guidance: Throughout your counselling journey, our professionals offer the support and guidance you need to navigate challenging situations and improve your mental health.

By choosing low-cost counselling, you are taking an important step towards better mental health without the financial burden.

Get started with a paid appointment

Your mental health is so important. If you’re worried about mental illness, then it’s wise to get help as soon as possible. A paid appointment will get you in sooner to see the right psychologist.

Book an Appointment

Contact our Reception Team securely via Telegram 
Send us a message here and we’ll reply within 1 business day.

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Contact Us

If you already have an appointment organised, you can visit us in person at one of our Locations or contact us by:

Phone: 1300 224 665

Fax:     1300 224 669

New Clients Start Here

If you have never been to The Talk Shop before, please complete the New Client Intake Form and we will contact you to book an appointment.

 


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