Cost is one of the first things people Google when they’re thinking about therapy — and one of the last things they want to ask out loud. So let’s just answer it properly.
The short answer
A private psychology session in Perth typically costs between $180 and $300, depending on the psychologist and the type of session. At Common Ground Therapy, sessions are $220.
With a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan (more on that below), your out-of-pocket cost drops to $118.45 per session.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a referral from your GP that gives you access to Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. It’s straightforward to get — you book a longer appointment with your GP (usually a 20–30 minute “mental health” appointment), tell them what you’ve been experiencing, and they write the plan.
You don’t need to be in crisis to get one. GPs write these for anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, low mood, burnout, life transitions — the full range of things that bring people to therapy.
Once you have the plan, Medicare covers part of the cost of each session. The current rebate is $101.55 per session, which means your gap payment at Common Ground is $118.45.
How many sessions does Medicare cover?
Under a Mental Health Care Plan you’re entitled to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year:
6 sessions under the initial plan
4 more sessions after a GP review (a brief check-in to confirm therapy is helpful and you’d like to continue)
After 10 sessions, further sessions are available at the full private fee. Many clients continue beyond 10 — it just means paying the full rate from that point.
Sessions reset on 1 January each year, so if you’re close to the end of the year it can be worth noting your session count.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No — you don’t need a referral to book an appointment. You can book directly without one.
The referral (Mental Health Care Plan) is only needed if you want to access the Medicare rebate. If you’re paying privately, no GP visit required.
What if I don’t have a GP?
If you don’t have a regular GP, you can see any GP to request a Mental Health Care Plan — including a bulk-billing GP or a telehealth GP service. HotDoc and HealthEngine both allow you to search for GPs with available appointments near you.
Is telehealth psychology covered by Medicare?
Yes. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychology sessions in the same way they apply to in-person sessions. You don’t need to be in the same city as your psychologist — telehealth sessions with Emily are available to anyone across Australia.
Many clients find telehealth more convenient, and the research consistently shows it’s just as effective as face-to-face therapy for most presentations.
What does a session actually include?
A standard psychology session runs 50 minutes. The first session is more of an extended introduction — less about solving, more about understanding. You’ll talk about what’s brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and what’s been getting in the way. Emily will ask questions, listen carefully, and start forming a picture of what support might look like for you.
From there, sessions are collaborative and tailored. There’s no rigid script.
Is it worth the cost?
Genuinely, that’s for you to decide — and a free 15-minute discovery call is a low-pressure way to start figuring it out. It’s a chance to ask questions, get a feel for whether Emily’s approach suits you, and decide whether to go ahead. No commitment, no paperwork, no pressure.
Most people find that by the time they’re Googling this question, they’ve already been thinking about it for a while. The cost is real — but so is the alternative.
Emily Singleton is a registered psychologist offering therapy for women in Perth and via telehealth across Australia. Sessions are available with Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan. Book a free discovery call →
