Professional Counselling Services Across Australia
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Find Qualified Counselling Support Near You
We offer telehealth counselling Australia-wide, with flexible appointment times and earlier availability often possible depending on practitioner schedules. Whether you are looking for individual therapy, couples counselling, or help for your child or teen, we will connect you with the right practitioner near you.
Counselling is a structured therapeutic process that supports people to explore emotions, thoughts, behaviours, and life experiences in a safe and supportive environment. It may help individuals develop coping strategies, improve insight, and work toward meaningful personal goals. Counselling can support people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, adjustment concerns, and general wellbeing challenges.
Available: Australia-wide via telehealth. In-person at selected clinics.
Format: Video, phone, or in-person appointments
Funding: Medicare rebates and NDIS funding may be available for eligible clients
Best suited for: Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, neurodivergent presentations, and life transitions
Not suitable for: Emergencies or immediate crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Counselling, Psychology, or Therapy: Which Is Right for You?
Counselling and psychology can both provide valuable mental health support, but they are not identical services. Counselling differs from psychological and psychiatriatric treatment in scope of practice. Counsellors generally focus on therapeutic support and emotional wellbeing and do not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication unless separately qualified to do so. Counsellors often support clients with stress, relationships, grief, life transitions, emotional wellbeing, and practical coping strategies. Psychologists are AHPRA-registered practitioners trained in psychological assessment, formulation, and evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions.
Some clients benefit most from counselling. Others may need a registered psychologist, especially where Medicare rebates, formal psychological assessment, diagnostic clarification, clinical reports, or higher-complexity mental health concerns are involved. Therapy Near Me’s intake team can help match clients with the right practitioner type based on their needs, goals, funding pathway, and preferred appointment format.
What Are Our Counselling Services?
We provide a wide range of evidence-based counselling services tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and goals. Our team includes psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and mental health practitioners with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and NDIS participants.
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Individual Counselling
Talk one-on-one with a registered psychologist or accredited counsellor about anxiety, depression, trauma, or other personal concerns. We use cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, and trauma-informed frameworks to guide your progress.
Child and Adolescent Counselling
Support for children and teens struggling with behavioural issues, emotional regulation, school stress, or social difficulties. Parent involvement is welcomed where appropriate.
Couples and Relationship Counselling
Address conflict, communication breakdowns, intimacy issues, and more with a neutral, skilled therapist. Inclusive of all relationship types.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Counselling
We work with people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other neurodivergent identities, offering affirming and practical therapy grounded in lived experience and clinical expertise.
Grief, Loss, and Life Transitions
Whether you are coping with loss, illness, or major life changes, we offer a supportive space to process emotions and regain direction.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000. For 24/7 mental health crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. These services are free, confidential, and available around the clock.
Counselling Approaches We Use
Counselling approaches may vary depending on practitioner training and client goals. Approaches may include person-centred therapy, CBT-informed approaches, ACT, solution-focused approaches, mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-informed practice where appropriate.
Sessions are available via video, phone, or in-person depending on your location and preference. Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances during your initial session.
Who We Work With
We offer counselling services across Australia, whether you are in a city, a regional community, or connecting from home via telehealth. Our practitioners have experience across trauma, neurodiversity, disability, and a range of life circumstances.
When Counselling May Not Be Appropriate
Counselling suitability depends on the person’s presentation and goals. Referral to a psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, or crisis service may be recommended where assessment, diagnosis, medication, or higher intensity intervention is required. Counselling is not intended to replace emergency or crisis services.
Counselling may not be the most appropriate immediate option if someone is in immediate danger, experiencing acute suicidal thoughts, severely unwell, or requiring urgent risk assessment. If you are unsure whether counselling is right for your current situation, our intake team can help discuss suitability before you book.
How to Book a Counselling Session
Most clients can access a first counselling session within a reasonable timeframe. Here is how to get started:
Book Appointment
Book an appointment online or call 1800 632 763.
Get Matched
Our intake team will match you with a practitioner who suits your needs and stage of life
Choose Your Session Format
Choose your session format: video, phone, or in-person where available.
Receive Booking Confirmation
Receive your booking confirmation with session details.
Begin Your First Session
Attend your first session and discuss your goals and circumstances with your practitioner.
We work with private-pay clients, self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, and clients with GP Mental Health Care Plans.
Counselling Services for NDIS Participants
Eligible self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants may be able to use their plan funding for counselling services where the support is reasonable and necessary, related to their disability support needs, and included under the relevant funding category.
Our psychologists and counsellors can work with support coordinators and plan managers to help keep care aligned with the participant's goals. Progress notes, support letters, and collaborative planning documents may be available with pre-approval and consent.
Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living
For therapeutic interventions that support emotional, psychological, and functional skill development.
Capacity Building: Increased Social and Community Participation
For counselling support that promotes confidence, communication, and community engagement.
Fees, Medicare and NDIS
Medicare
Eligible clients with a valid GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or eligible referral may be able to claim Medicare rebates when they see an eligible registered psychologist or other eligible Medicare provider. Medicare rebates do not apply to every counselling session or every practitioner type.
If a client wants to use Medicare rebates, our intake team can help explain which practitioners and appointment types may be eligible, but the client’s GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician determines referral eligibility.
NDIS
Eligible NDIS participants may be able to use plan funding for counselling services where the support is reasonable and necessary and included under the relevant funding category. Our intake team can help clarify eligibility and booking pathways for self-managed and plan-managed participants.
NDIS-funded counselling or therapeutic support should generally relate to the participant’s disability support needs, functional capacity, independence, emotional regulation, communication, social participation, or plan goals. Supports that are primarily clinical treatment for a mental health condition may sit partly or primarily with the health system rather than the NDIS.
Private Sessions
Private counselling sessions are available without a referral. Please contact our team on 1800 632 763 for current session pricing.
Medicare rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government and may change. Always confirm current figures and your eligibility with your GP or via Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au. NDIS pricing is subject to change in line with the NDIS Support Catalogue. Individual eligibility varies.
Our Counsellors and Mental Health Practitioners
Therapy Near Me works with qualified counsellors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners. Psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA. Counsellors and social workers may hold separate professional memberships, qualifications, and areas of experience depending on their role.
Our intake team can help match clients with the most appropriate practitioner based on their goals, presentation, funding pathway, and preference for counselling, psychology, telehealth, or in-person support.
Meet Some of Our Counselling and Mental Health Practitioners
Counsellor and Social Worker
Jimmy is an ACA-registered counsellor and social worker with more than 10 years’ frontline experience in disability, aged care, trauma, and community mental health. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is completing a Master of Counselling.
Registration: ACA Level 2 Member, Membership No. 22399
Service Area: Western Sydney and Telehealth
Availability: Weekdays
Psychologist
Alyson is a trauma-informed psychologist with more than 15 years’ experience across TAFE, headspace, private practice, and community services. She holds a BSc in Psychology, a BA in Anthropology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology, and is a Board-Approved Supervisor.
AHPRA Number: PSY0001911815
Service Area: Gold Coast and Telehealth
Availability: Tuesday and Thursday, after 5pm
Psychologist
Nadia is a bilingual English and Spanish psychologist with more than 7 years’ clinical and hospital experience. She is trained in CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed approaches, and supports adults aged 18+ with trauma, anxiety, and mood difficulties.
AHPRA Number: PSY0002124836
Service Area: Perth and Telehealth
Availability: Tuesday
Psychologist
Ross has over 25 years’ experience as a psychologist across a number of industries in both the public and private sectors. He provides psychological support for presentations including depression, anxiety, phobias, work-related stress, post-traumatic stress, autism, ADHD, substance abuse, addictions, sleep disorders, workplace conflict, relationship difficulties, financial difficulties, grief and loss, pain management, vocational guidance, and parenting difficulties.
AHPRA Number: PSY0001373322
Service Area: Newcastle and Telehealth
Availability: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Counsellor?
Psychologists are registered with AHPRA and are trained in psychological assessment, formulation, and evidence-based therapy. Some psychologists may also provide formal assessments, reports, or diagnostic clarification where this is within their scope of practice. Counsellors typically provide supportive therapy for concerns such as stress, relationships, grief, adjustment, and emotional wellbeing, and may hold counselling qualifications or professional memberships. Our intake team can help match clients with the right practitioner type.
Do I Need a Referral or Mental Health Care Plan?
Not always. Private counselling and NDIS-funded sessions generally do not require a GP referral. If a client wants to claim Medicare rebates, they usually need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan or eligible referral and must see an eligible Medicare provider, such as a registered psychologist. Eligible clients may be able to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year.
How Long Do Counselling Sessions Last?
Standard sessions are typically 50-60 minutes. Some practitioners offer shorter sessions for children or extended sessions for couples or family therapy. Duration and frequency are tailored to your needs and goals.
Is Counselling Confidential?
Can I Change Counsellors If It's Not a Good Fit?
What If I'm in Crisis?
Therapy Near Me is not a crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. For urgent but non-emergency support, contact a GP, local mental health triage service, Beyond Blue, or another appropriate crisis support service. Therapy Near Me can help with scheduled counselling or psychology appointments where clinically suitable.
Other Ways to Access Support
Therapy Near Me offers several flexible psychology and counselling service options to suit different needs and circumstances. You may also want to explore:
- Online psychologist services for AHPRA-registered psychologist appointments via secure video or phone
- Telehealth psychology services for information on telehealth delivery, Medicare rebates, and clinical psychology via telehealth
- At-home NDIS psychology if you would prefer a psychologist to visit you at your home or community setting
- NDIS psychology services for full details on NDIS-funded psychological support and how to refer
Ready to Start Your Counselling Journey?
Connect with a compassionate, qualified counsellor or psychologist today. No waitlists, fast availability, and support wherever you are in Australia.
- Call 1800 632 763 NEAR ME (free)
- Email: office@therapynearme.com.au
- Available nationwide via telehealth, at-home, and in-clinic
Get in Touch
Have questions or ready to book? Fill out the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
