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.
What is online counselling?
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.
How does online counselling work?
There are lots of online counselling services to choose from in Australia, and they're all different, but here's how they usually work:
Get connected. Typically, the online counselling platform will connect you with a certified psychologist who can help. Some platforms let you choose your own psychologist, others will find you a suitable match once you've filled out a questionnaire.
Choose a time to chat. Depending on which service you choose, you may be able to arrange one-off sessions, or will be asked to sign up to a subscription, so you can access help on a regular basis. Figure out what works for you, and lock it in.
Get support. Sessions can take place via instant messenger, over the phone, or by video call. Some platforms even provide support forums or other resources, so you can continue to build your mental wellness outside of one-on-one sessions.
Finder survey: What kind of health insurance do Australians have in different states?
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%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023 Data for ACT, NT, TAS not shown due to insufficient sample size. Some other states may also be excluded for this reason.
Compare online counselling services
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
How much can I expect to pay?
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.
Is online counselling covered by Medicare?
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.
Does my health insurance cover online counselling?
Before going ahead with online counselling there are some key things to consider:
Is it right for you? Consider talking to your doctor to see if online counselling is right for your situation. If you're not comfortable with technology, or are going through a crisis, there might be more suitable options out there.
Who are you talking to? There are lots of reputable and trustworthy online counselling platforms operating in Australia - but it's always best to do your research and read reviews. Check to see what other users think about the service, whether the counsellors are fully qualified, and if your privacy will be respected.
Can you afford it? Online counselling is significantly cheaper than traditional face-to-face sessions. However, it still comes at a cost. If you're already in a tight spot, and can't access the Medicare rebate, it might be worth looking at free counselling options.
Are there free counselling options?
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:
eCentreClinic - A specialist research clinic and not-for-profit initiative by Macquarie University. Offers online treatment courses for people with common mental health and chronic physical health conditions.
Mental Health Online - An initiative from Swinburne University and funded by the Department of Health. Provides resources and services to help people experiencing mental health difficulties, including anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
MindSpot - An online resource for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or low mood. Provides assessment, treatment courses, and connects users with local services that can help.
myCompas - An initiative from the Black Dog Institute. Offers mental health help and advice for young adults, adults, seniors, and health care professionals.
ReachOut.com - Offers self-help information, peer-support programs and practical tools to help young people stay mentally healthy.
The BRAVE Program - An online program for the prevention and treatment of anxiety in young people aged 8–17 years, and their parents.
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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Nicola Middlemiss is a contributing writer at Finder, with a special interest in personal finance and insurance. Formerly a business and finance journalist, Nicola has written thousands of articles helping Australians better understand insurance and grow their personal wealth. She has contributed to a wide range of publications, including Domain, the Educator, Financy, Fundraising and Philanthropy, Insurance Business, MoneyMag, Mortgage Professional, Yahoo Finance, Your Investment Property, and Wealth Professional. Nicola has a Tier 1 General Insurance (General Advice) certification and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Leeds.
While COVID-19 vaccinations are free in Australia, other vaccines with out-of-pocket costs can be covered by private health insurance with some extras policies.
If you're wondering what pharmaceutical costs are covered by private health insurance, we've got a guide to health cover for non-PBS pharmaceuticals here.
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