How Much Does Counselling Cost In Perth

As certified psychotherapists with 21 years of practice at our family-run therapy practice in Inglewood, we know the question of cost is often the first barrier for Perth residents seeking support. If you are asking how much does counselling cost in Perth, the simple answer is that individual counselling and therapy sessions can range from around $100 to over $325, depending on the service, the practitioner, and the type of support you need. That broad counselling cost range includes counsellors, psychology services, registered psychologists, and clinical psychologists, all of whom work at different rates across Perth and Australia.

Here at Energetics Institute, founded by Richard and Helena Boyd, we believe in transparency. If you are still weighing up the kind of support that fits your needs, you can also read more about our approach to counselling in Perth. Our work in Somatic Psychotherapy sits outside the Medicare model, so this page explains the difference between government-subsidised psychology services and the private, body-focused psychotherapy we have provided since 2005. If you are a new client comparing fees, rebates, and services, understanding that distinction matters before you book your first appointment.

What Really Determines Therapy Costs in WA?

The fee you are quoted usually reflects five practical factors.

First is the type of service. Standard Individual Counselling has one fee structure, while Family Counselling, Couples Therapy, Trauma work, and longer counselling sessions often involve different rates. Our own therapeutic approach includes Integrative Body-Mind Psychotherapy, which requires specialised training and a different focus from standard talk therapy.

Second is the practitioner’s qualifications. In Australia, “psychologist” is a protected title regulated through AHPRA, while counsellors and psychotherapists are generally self-regulated through professional organisations. Psychologists, registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors all offer different forms of treatment, and that affects cost, access, and the type of support a person can expect.

Third is session length. A standard consultation is often 50 to 60 minutes, but some practices offer a longer initial appointment or extended trauma sessions. In our practice, longer session time can be useful when the work needs more depth and focus.

Fourth is rebates and insurance coverage. A GP-authored Mental Health Treatment Plan, also called a mental health care plan, may make an eligible person able to claim Medicare rebates for psychology treatment. Services Australia says an eligible person can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year, usually starting with a referral for up to 6 sessions from a doctor, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. Health professionals set their own fees, so there is often still a gap payment.

Fifth is the practice itself. A private practice in a high-demand area may have a different fee schedule from a smaller clinic or a newer practitioner. Our fees in Inglewood reflect our specialised modality, our extensive experience, and the nature of the work we provide.

A Practical Look at What You Can Expect to Pay

Across Perth, fees usually fall into several brackets.

For general individual counselling, many services sit between $100 and $220 per hour. For couples therapy and family counselling, where more than one person is in the room, fees often range from $160 to $300 or more depending on appointment time and complexity.

For psychology services, fees are usually higher. The Australian Psychological Society states that its National Schedule of Suggested Fees for 2025 to 2026 lists $318 for a standard 46 to 60 minute consultation, although psychologists set their own fees and may charge more or less than that figure.

Our own fee schedule at Energetics Institute is for private psychotherapy rather than Medicare-funded psychology. We provide complete fees before booking so each client can decide clearly what fits their life, treatment needs, and budget.

The Crucial Difference: Medicare Rebates for Psychology vs. Private Psychotherapy

This is the key point for anyone comparing counselling, psychology, and overall cost.

In most cases, Medicare does not cover counselling provided by counsellors unless it is delivered by specific eligible health practitioners. Healthdirect states that Medicare generally covers counselling only when provided by a psychologist under a mental health treatment plan or by a doctor. Some private health insurance policies may assist with part of the fee, depending on private health extras and insurance coverage.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is designed for people with eligible mental health disorders and allows access to Medicare rebates for treatment with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and some other eligible providers. That process usually starts with a GP referral letter or referral from another eligible medical practitioner.

We deliberately practice outside that model. Our work is not built around diagnosis, medication, or session limits. It focuses on how trauma, past experiences, emotional concerns, and long-held beliefs are expressed through the body and nervous system. That gives adults and other clients more room for open-ended work, but it also means fees are privately funded rather than covered by Medicare rebates.

Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Perth Therapist

Before your initial appointment, ask for clarity in writing.

Request the fee schedule, including standard fees, cancellation terms, and what happens if you need to cancel or reschedule. Ask whether the first appointment has a different appointment time from later sessions, whether Online Counselling is available, and whether there are different rates for individual sessions, Couples Therapy, or Family Counselling.

Ask about the practitioner’s primary modality. Is the work CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy, psychology, or another form of treatment? Is it mainly talk-based, or is it trauma-informed and does it include the body and nervous system?

If you are considering psychology services, ask what the full fee is, what Medicare rebates apply, and what your out-of-pocket payment will be after the rebate. If you want to use private health insurance, ask what private health funds may cover and whether you need to fill in a form before your booking is complete.

For our practice, useful questions include: “What happens in a Somatic Psychotherapy session?” and “How does this differ from what I might discuss with psychologists or a psychiatrist?”

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Inglewood Practice

Is Psychotherapy More Affordable Than Psychology?

Sometimes. A psychotherapist may charge less than the full fee charged by psychologists, but psychology services can have a lower final cost when Medicare rebates apply. The real question is the total amount you pay after rebates, not just the advertised hour rate. The APS fee schedule is a guide only, and private practitioners set their own fees.

Can I Get a Rebate for Your Services?

Not through Medicare. We are not registered psychologists, so Medicare rebates do not apply to our sessions. Some private health insurance policies with extras may assist with part of the fee for counselling or psychotherapy.

Do I Need a Referral to See You?

No. You can contact our practice directly to book an appointment. A referral is only needed if you want to claim Medicare through an eligible psychologist or another approved provider under a mental health care plan.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

That depends on your concerns, treatment goals, and what you want from the work. Some people attend a handful of counselling sessions around a life transition. Others stay longer to explore trauma, relationship patterns, mental health concerns, or deeper questions around wellbeing and life.

Choosing Support That Aligns With Your Goals

The cost of therapy matters and you can check out therapy costs page. The most affordable option is not always the right one, and the highest fee does not automatically mean better treatment. A qualified practice should be able to explain its services, fees, rebates, and approach clearly so you can decide what support fits your life, your concerns, and your budget.

As Richard and Helena Boyd, we have built Energetics Institute in Inglewood around a trauma-informed, body-inclusive approach that goes beyond surface-level talk therapy. If you want to discuss whether our work is the right fit for you, contact us to ask questions, request our fee schedule, or make a booking for your first consultation.