Pricing, Affordable & Free Mental Health Support
For people in the Northern Rivers and across Australia
If you’re looking for counselling but worried about cost, you’re not alone.
Cost is one of the real barriers that can stop people from getting support, even when support would genuinely help. This page is here to give you a clearer picture of your options.
On this page you’ll find:
My current counselling fees and sliding scale options
How private counselling compares with Medicare-rebated psychology
Free and low-cost mental health services in the Northern Rivers
Australia-wide phone, online and crisis support services
Guidance on which path may be most suitable for you
Counselling With Me — Fees & Sliding Scale
I am a PACFA Clinical Registrant and clinical counsellor. I am not an AHPRA-registered psychologist, and my sessions are not Medicare-rebated through a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
You do not need a GP referral to work with me, and sessions are not recorded on your Medicare history.
Standard fees
From 1 August 2026, my standard fees are:
Individual counselling or coaching: $180 per 60-minute session
Couples counselling: $230 per 60-minute session
All fees are GST inclusive.
Sliding scale and payment flexibility
I understand that not everyone can afford the standard rate.
Where possible, I offer reduced-fee places for people on low incomes or experiencing financial hardship.
Reduced individual session rate: from $150 per session, by discussion
Payment plans: available where appropriate
If cost is the main thing stopping you from getting support, please feel free to ask. I am open to having a conversation about your circumstances and what may be possible.
Private Health Fund Rebates
Some clients may be able to claim a private health fund rebate for counselling sessions with me, depending on their provider and level of cover.
As a PACFA Clinical Registrant, I am a recognised provider with several private health funds, including Medibank, HCF, Bupa, AHM, and a number of funds connected through the Australian Regional Health Group.
Rebates vary between funds, so it is best to check directly with your provider to confirm what you are eligible to claim.
You can read more here: Health Fund Rebates
Victims Services Counselling
I am also an approved counsellor under the NSW Victims Support Scheme.
If you have been impacted by a violent crime in NSW, you may be eligible for free counselling funded through Victims Services. This can include people who have directly experienced a crime, witnessed a violent crime, or are the parent or guardian of a child victim.
Approved counselling through Victims Services has no out-of-pocket cost to you, and can provide up to 22 hours of counselling initially, with further hours available in some circumstances.
You can read more here: Victims Services Counselling
Counselling With Me vs Medicare-Rebated Psychology
If you get a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be able to access Medicare rebates for sessions with an eligible psychologist or other approved mental health professional.
This can be a helpful and affordable pathway for many people.
Medicare-rebated psychology may suit you if:
You want short-term support
You are seeking 6–10 sessions
You want to use Medicare rebates
You prefer to work with an AHPRA-registered psychologist
You are comfortable having a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan
Under Better Access, eligible clients can usually access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year.
Counselling with me may suit you if:
You want longer-term support beyond 10 sessions
You do not want or need a GP referral
You prefer not to have sessions recorded on your Medicare history
You want a counselling, coaching, relational or mindfulness-based approach
You are looking for flexibility around the focus and structure of the work
You want support that can include counselling, coaching, relationship work, mindfulness, self-inquiry, somatic awareness and practical life change
About cost
It is not always cheaper to see a private counsellor instead of a Medicare-rebated psychologist.
The most affordable option depends on:
The psychologist’s full fee
The Medicare rebate available
Whether you have reached your 10-session annual limit
Whether you need short-term or longer-term support
Whether a reduced counselling rate is available
For some people, Medicare-rebated psychology will be the most affordable option. For others, especially those wanting longer-term, flexible or private support, counselling with me may be simpler and more sustainable.
Northern Rivers — Free & Low-Cost Local Services
Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre
Formerly part of Head to Health.
Free mental health support for adults. No referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan is needed.
Call: 1800 595 212
Medicare Mental Health
A free national service that can help you find appropriate mental health support near you.
Call: 1800 595 212
headspace Lismore
Free and low-cost mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12–25.
Call: (02) 6625 0200
Elements — Social Futures
Free family counselling for Northern Rivers children, young people, parents and caregivers.
This service can support families with relationship stress, boundaries, family patterns, drug and alcohol concerns, mental health challenges and repair.
Call: 1800 719 625
ACON Northern Rivers
Support, information, referrals and counselling for LGBTQ+ community members and people living with HIV.
Call: 02 6622 1555
Safe Haven North Coast
Safe Haven services in the Northern Rivers have been changing since the flood recovery period.
Some services are transitioning, so it is best to check the current Safe Haven North Coast or Healthy North Coast information before attending in person.
Australia-Wide Free Mental Health Services
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
Call: 13 11 14
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Online chat: available through Lifeline
Beyond Blue
Free mental health support for anxiety, depression and emotional distress.
Call: 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service
Free 24/7 phone and online counselling for people affected by suicidal thoughts, suicide risk, or suicide bereavement.
Call: 1300 659 467
1800RESPECT
24/7 counselling, information and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Call: 1800 737 732
Text: 0458 737 732
Kids Helpline
Free 24/7 support for children and young people aged 5–25.
Call: 1800 55 1800
MensLine Australia
Free 24/7 phone and online counselling support for men.
Call: 1300 78 99 78
QLife
Free and anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral.
Call: 1800 184 527
Available 3pm–9pm daily
MindSpot Clinic
Free digital mental health assessments and online treatment courses for Australian adults experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, low mood or chronic pain.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?
If you are seeking short-term support and want Medicare rebates, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and a Medicare-rebated psychologist may be a good option.
If you want longer-term support, privacy, flexibility, or an approach that integrates counselling, coaching, mindfulness and relational work, working with me may be a better fit.
Crisis
If you are in crisis or immediate danger, please call 000.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or at risk of suicide, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Free 30-Minute Call
If you’re unsure which path suits you best, you are welcome to book a free 30-minute phone consult with me.
I can help you explore your options, including whether working with me is the right fit, or whether another service may be more appropriate.
All fee, rebate and service information current as of July 2026.