Online counselling and therapy services are making it easier for everyday Australians to access the mental health support they need.
Now, you can get expert advice on anything from depression and anxiety to anger management and grief - all from the comfort of your own home, or even on the go.
Online counselling - sometimes called online therapy, e-therapy, or tele-counselling - is an online treatment for mental health issues and is often more affordable and convenient than face-to-face sessions.
Online therapy can take place over the phone, via instant messenger, or by video call and can help with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
There are lots of online counselling services to choose from in Australia, and they're all different, but here's how they usually work:
| Response | WA | VIC | SA | QLD | NSW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extras | 46.23% | 32.22% | 41.33% | 36.55% | 37.38% |
| Combined | 37.74% | 29.26% | 32% | 25.38% | 37.06% |
| Hospital | 36.79% | 38.52% | 36% | 37.06% | 41.53% |
| Ambulance cover | 30.19% | 21.11% | 36% | 7.61% | 17.57% |
| None | 16.98% | 24.07% | 17.33% | 29.44% | 22.04% |
| Provider | One-off sessions offered? | Price | Number of Therapists Avaliable |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Free | Not stated | |
 | Free | Not Stated | |
 | Free | Not stated | |
 | Initial appointment $19 for 20 mins | 22 | |
 | $40-$70/week (billed monthly) | 100+ | |
 | $50 for 50 minutes | Not Stated | |
 | Medicare rebates on up to 10 sessions per year for all Australians. Gap Fee $65. | Not Stated | |
 | $140 for 1 hour | 1 | |
 | Bulk bill available with GP referral | 19 |
Typically, online counselling will cost somewhere between $50-$100 for a weekly subscription. However, this price can easily change depending on the services provided, the amount of one-on-one time you request, and the educational background or experience of the counselor.
Remember, while the price might seem high, it's usually much cheaper than the face-to-face therapy and many platforms offer additional resources as extra help.
You can compare the price of one-off sessions and weekly subscriptions offered by several online counselling services in our comparison table.
If you're not in a position to pay for online therapy, there are some free programs and services. available on public websites.
Some online counsellors are covered under Medicare rebate so you might be able to get a few sessions for free, or at a lower cost.
However, you'll need to get a mental health care plan from your doctor before you qualify for a rebate. This just means your doctor will do a quick assessment to see if you would benefit from counselling services.
If you do qualify, a mental health care plan provides you with up to 10 sessions of counselling every year, with a Medicare rebate.
Remember: Not all counsellors are covered by Medicare. You'll need to check with the provider or individual counsellor.
Some extras policies will include cover for online counselling or psychology sessions. While Aussies can claim up to 10 psychology sessions every year through Medicare, your health insurance can help if further support is needed.
Before going ahead with online counselling there are some key things to consider:
Yes. If you don't have much money to spare on counselling sessions, or are unable to claim rebates through Medicare, there are free options out there. These include:
If you are having a personal crisis or need other help, you should immediately contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or other crisis services.
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