How Much Does Couples Counselling Cost In Perth?

Couples counselling is a structured therapy session that maps your conflict pattern, teaches repair skills, and sets weekly actions you both agree to. The first session covers intake, consent, confidentiality and expectations. You will give a short relationship history, identify key issues, agree ground rules like time outs and fair requests, and leave with 1 to 3 actions to try at home. Your therapist is neutral, keeps airtime balanced, and explains privacy limits under Australian law.

For a step by step overview, see How does marriage counselling work?

What issues does couples counselling address?

Typical topics include communication problems, trust injuries, money stress, intimacy concerns, and parenting conflict. Many couples also bring resentment loops, in-law pressure, and unequal labour. If you want help choosing an approach, compare models in What type of counselling is best for couples?

Is couples therapy worth the cost?

For many clients the value shows up as fewer escalations, faster repair, and clearer agreements that protect sleep, productivity and family stability. Results improve when you attend regularly and practise between sessions. Evidence snapshots are here: Is couples therapy evidence based?

How many sessions do most couples need?

Many couples notice change within 3 to 6 couples counselling sessions and consolidate by 6 to 12. Extended 80 to 90 minute blocks help when conflict is high. After the core block, a maintenance appointment every 4 to 8 weeks can protect gains.

What is the average price of couples counselling in Perth?

Most Perth counsellors, psychotherapists, and psychologists charge in a range of $140 to $250 per 50 to 60 minute session. Longer 80 to 90 minute appointments usually cost more. Prices vary by location, clinician seniority, after hours availability, and whether you attend in person or by online counselling through a secure video session.

Factors that change your fee

• Seniority and specific training of the practitioner
• Session length and complexity
• CBD vs suburban rooms
• After hours or Saturday slots
• Secure telehealth setup vs room hire

If you have complex topics or high arousal, ask whether longer appointments are available in your first month.

Do Medicare rebates apply to couples counselling?

Medicare does not usually rebate couples sessions. A Medicare rebate may be available only when a clinician bills an individual counselling session to one partner under a mental health care plan for that person’s condition (which we don’t). This needs a doctor or GP referral and the session must meet the clinical rules for psychology or clinical treatment of the individual, rather than the couple pattern. Item numbers and eligibility are set by the Commonwealth and can change within a calendar year. Always confirm with your provider before booking.

Key points

• A mental health care plan is for the individual, not for the couple
• Rebates are not applicable to standard couples sessions
• Your psychologist or therapist will determine when an individual focus is appropriate

Does private health insurance cover couples counselling?

Some private health insurance policies pay benefits for counselling or psychology, depending on provider type and extras cover. Private health insurance rebates are paid by your insurer according to your policy, not by the clinic.

Ask your fund if the clinician type and provider number are eligible, what items are covered, and whether telehealth is included. Keep all receipts and a paid note for tax or HCF claims. Coverage can vary by australia-wide fund, so check directly.

Are there low cost or free options in Perth?

• Community or training clinics. Some services offer concession rates with waitlists.
• Education programs. Short courses on communication or parenting can be low fee or free.
• Faith organisations. Some churches and community groups offer time limited support.

Trade offs include limited times, less choice of practitioner, and longer waits. If you need flexible appointment time or a specific method, private clinics offer more control.

What is included in a couples counselling session?

• Assessment and goals. Review last week, set one target.
• Skills practice. Examples are reflective listening, fair requests, time outs, and a weekly check in template.
• Written plan. You leave with 1 to 3 actions, a tracking metric like repair time, and your next scheduled date.

If you want a refresher on models used in session, see What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?

Can couples counselling prevent separation or divorce?

It can lower risk by improving repair and decision making, but outcomes depend on engagement, honesty and practice. If separation is the healthier path, a short structured sequence supports respectful closure and co parenting plans.

Practical money questions

How do I pay?

Most clinics accept card at the desk or secure online links. Some require credit card details to confirm your booking. Ask about receipts for private health claims.

What about cancellations?

Policies differ. Many clinics need 24 to 48 hours notice to avoid a late fee. Clear cancellation terms help the service keep a safe space and predictable diary. Read our cancellation policy here.

Can we use online sessions to save travel time?

Yes. Online counselling works well when you have a quiet room, light that lets the therapist see both faces, and stable internet. Many clients prefer telehealth during winter or when schedules are tight.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a GP referral for standard couples work. You will need one if you plan to claim an individual rebate under a mental health plan.

What if only one partner is ready?

One person can start with individual counselling to learn regulation, boundary scripts and repair language. This can make joint work safer for the partner who is struggling.

How to choose a provider without wasting sessions

• Pick a qualified practitioner who explains structure, reviews, and homework
• Ask for goals by session two and a review at session three
• Confirm fees, method, and after hours options in a short phone call
• Check privacy set up for room or telehealth to ensure a confidential space
• Make sure the services match your relationships focus, such as infidelity repair, communication, or blended families

If you want a broader view of longer term work and how it helps mental wellbeing, read What does psychotherapy do?

Booking a session in Perth

You can contact the clinic to discuss your concern, costs and schedule, then confirm an appointment time. Most practices will send an intake form to ensure key details are ready, such as aims, risk information, and preferred therapists.

Start here: Contact Energetics Institute

Bring to your first session

• Top three goals and one recent flashpoint
• Any relevant legal orders or medical letters
• Questions about medicare, rebate, or private health support

Conclusion

In Perth, most couples counselling fees sit between $140 and $250 per hour for a standard booking additionally you can see energetics institutes fee structure here, with higher prices for senior clinicians or longer sessions. Medicare rebates rarely apply to couple work unless an individual counselling focus is billed under a mental health care plan for one partner. Private health insurance may contribute, depending on your insurer and policy.

The smartest approach is to choose a practitioner who provides a clear plan, measures progress, and gives you tools you can use the same day. If you are ready to book, pick a time that suits both of you, confirm payment terms, and arrive expecting a safe space where you can talk, listen, and start practical changes that reduce stress and improve your relationship.