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. This page explains:

• Local free and low-cost services in the Northern Rivers (NSW)

• Nationwide free support services you can use from anywhere in Australia

• How Medicare-rebated psychology compares to my private counselling

• Why my fee structure may become more affordable if you need ongoing support

Counselling With Me – Fees & Sliding Scale

• Standard rate: $165 per 60-minute session (GST included)

• Reduced rate: $140 per session for people on low incomes or experiencing financial hardship

• Payment plans: Available — just ask

You don’t need a GP referral, and your sessions remain private — not recorded on your Medicare history.

Counselling With Me vs Medicare Psychology

If you get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from a GP, you can access 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year with a psychologist. Here's how that compares:

Medicare-Rebated Psychology

• Typical hourly fee: $220–$311

• Medicare rebates:

  • $141.85 for clinical psychologists

  • $96.65 for registered psychologists

• Out-of-pocket gap (per session): usually $170–$215

• After 10 sessions: No more rebate — you pay full price

• Requires: GP referral + mental health plan

• Tracked on your Medicare file

Counselling With Me

• Flat rate: $165 per session (or $140 on the sliding scale)

• No referral required

• No Medicare record

• Consistent pricing, even for 20+ sessions

• Relational and client-centred therapy, not bound by rebate criteria

Example: Cost Over 12 Sessions

• With a clinical psychologist: ~$2,313

• With me: $1,980 (or less with concession)
  ➡️ You save $330+ — and more if you go beyond 12 sessions.

Northern Rivers – Free & Low-Cost Local Services

Head to Health Hub – Lismore

• Walk-in support for adults (no referral)

• SCU Health Clinic, East Lismore

• Call: 1800 595 212

Safe Haven Hubs

• Drop-in support, no appointment needed

• Locations: Lismore, Woodburn, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah

Headspace Lismore

• Free/low-cost support for ages 12–25

• Mental health, work/study, and wellbeing

• Call: (02) 6625 0200

Elements – Social Futures

• Free family & relationship counselling

• Call: 1800 719 625

ACON Northern Rivers

• Low-cost LGBTQ+ counselling (up to 12 sessions/year)

• Call: 02 6622 1555

Lifeline Northern NSW

• 24/7 crisis support & local referral

• Call: 13 11 14

Australia-Wide Free Mental Health Services

Head to Health (National)

• Referral line for mental health services near you

• Call: 1800 595 212

MindSpot Clinic

• Free online assessments & treatment courses

Lifeline

• 24/7 crisis support

• Call: 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

• Support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress

• Call: 1300 22 4636

Suicide Call Back Service

• Phone and online counselling, often multiple sessions

• Call: 1300 659 467

1800RESPECT

• 24/7 counselling for domestic, family & sexual violence

• Call: 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732

Kids Helpline

• Free 24/7 support for children and young people (5–25)

• Call: 1800 55 1800

MensLine Australia

• 24/7 phone and online support for men

• Call: 1300 78 99 78

QLife

• Peer support for LGBTIQA+ people

• Call: 1800 184 527 (3pm–12am daily)

Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?

• If you’re planning just 6–10 sessions, a Medicare-rebated psychologist may be best.

• If you want longer-term support, privacy, and flexibility, my counselling may be simpler and more cost-effective — especially if you need more than 10 sessions per year.

• If you’re in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 for emergencies.

Free 30-Minute Call

If you're unsure which path suits you best, you're welcome to book a free 30-minute phone consult with me. I’ll help you explore your options , even if that means referring you elsewhere.

All fee and rebate info current as of June 2025.