Psychology and psychotherapy share a lot in common, both offer evidence-based support to help people make meaningful change. But there are some key differences:

Psychologist is a protected title regulated by AHPRA. Psychologists are trained to assess symptoms in order to diagnose conditions using the DSM-5, and are trained to apply structured approaches to help treat them. Medicare rebates cover up to 10 psychology sessions per year; beyond that, private sessions typically cost $200–$300, which can make mid- to longer-term therapy harder to maintain.

Psychotherapist is not a protected title, so training and practice can vary. At Self in Mind, our psychotherapy is grounded in postgraduate training in Integrative and Relational-Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. We take an exploratory approach, with the connection between client and therapist central to the work. Our focus is on emotions and a person’s unique experience rather than diagnoses or labels.

With lower fees, our psychotherapy is more accessible for ongoing support, allowing for the longer-term work often needed to explore and resolve deeper emotional and relational issues.

Our therapists are registered with PACFA, ensuring ethical and professional standards. PACFA is actively working towards recognition of psychotherapists as allied health professionals.

Unfortunately, psychotherapy is not covered by Medicare in Australia. Medicare rebates are available only for services provided by psychologists, social workers, or mental health nurses under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which provides 10 rebated sessions per year. However, psychotherapists charge a lower rate than psychologists, making long term or more frequent therapy more feasible.

With this in mind, the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) is actively advocating for the inclusion of psychotherapy services under Medicare and for the recognition of psychotherapists as allied health professionals.

Session Fees

• Individual Therapy – 50 minutes: $170

• Couples Therapy – 50 minutes: $200

• Couples Therapy – 80 minutes: $280

We believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone and as such, hold a small number of concession spaces as well as some sliding scale for those committed to more consistent longer term work. Please get in touch if finances are a barrier to accessing therapy to discuss option.

Yes, some private health funds offer rebates for psychotherapy, depending on your level of extras cover and the professional registration of your therapist (e.g. PACFA or ACA membership). It’s best to check directly with your insurer to confirm your eligibility and the rebate amount.

The length of therapy depends on your goals and the issues you're working through. Some clients attend for a few months, though research suggests that longer term work is beneficial particularly for complex or longstanding concerns. We’ll regularly review how therapy is progressing and ensure it remains aligned with your needs.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin to understand what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore your hopes for therapy, discuss how we might work together, and address any questions you have. There's no pressure to commit immediately, it's important that the fit feels right for you.

Yes. Confidentiality is central to therapy, and what you share in sessions is kept private. There are only a few rare situations where I may need to share information, such as if someone’s safety is at risk. These limits will always be explained clearly at the start of your first session.

Sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly and last 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions is generally reduced as you progress in therapy and start reaching some of your goals.

Feel free to reach out via our contact page. We’re happy to answer any queries or help you decide if psychotherapy is the right next step for you.