Do I need a Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Counsellor? and what is the difference?

Last updated: 1st April 2026

Whether you're in Melbourne, Carlton, Essendon, the surrounding suburbs, or looking for online therapy, finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task.

With so many options available, it's completely understandable to wonder where to begin. You may find yourself asking, "Do I need a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor and what's the difference?"

It’s one of the questions I’m asked most often and understandably so, as psychologists, psychotherapist and counsellors each have their own title, qualification requirement, registaration pathway, and funding options, making it difficult to determine which option is most suited to your needs. I will do my best to clarify the differences between them below.

In Australia, psychologist is a protected title regulated by APHRA. Psychologists are eligible to provide a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions, when you have a mental health care plan from your GP. The average fee for a psychologist is $220, the Medicare rebate is approximately $100, leaving you out of pocket $120. However, after the first 10 sessions the Medicare rebate is no longer applicable and you will be required to pay the full fee of $220.

Psychotherapists and counsellors are not registered with AHPRA. Instead, many are registered with professional bodies such as PACFA (the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). Choosing a PACFA-registered therapist means you're working with someone who has met recognised standards for education and training, undertakes ongoing professional development, receives regular clinical supervision, adheres to a code of ethics, and holds professional indemnity insurance, just as a psychologist would.

While psychotherapy and counselling sessions aren't eligible for Medicare rebates, many people appreciate that they can begin therapy without needing a GP referral. Additionally, even with a Medicare rebate, seeing a psychologist often involves paying a significant out-of-pocket gap ($120). My psychotherapy fees are set with this in mind ($110), making psychotherapy more cost effective than utilising a mental health care plan.

With these differences in mind, whomever you decide to work with, taking the time to confirm that they are registered with a recognised professional body, such as APHRA, PACFA or ACA, is a great first step toward ensuring that you receive safe, evidence-based, ethical, and effective care from a professional that is qualified to deal with your concerns.

f you're looking for a psychotherapist in Melbourne's inner north or western suburbs who offers a relational approach, I'd warmly invite you to reach out. I offer sessions in Carlton and Essendon, as well as online, an hourly rate of $110, with no referral needed and, usually, no long wait to begin. 

You're welcome to contact me so we can discuss how we might work together.