Online Psychologist vs. Counsellor for Anxiety: Cost, Scope, and Medicare Eligibility

When seeking support for anxiety, the first major hurdle is often deciding which type of mental health professional to see. In Australia, the terms "psychologist" and "counsellor" are frequently used interchangeably, yet they represent different professional pathways with distinct cost structures and clinical scopes. As digital health platforms continue to evolve in 2026, many Australians are opting for online therapy to manage their well-being from home.

Choosing between a psychologist and a counsellor involves balancing your specific clinical needs with your budget and eligibility for government subsidies. This guide breaks down the essential differences to help you make an informed choice for your anxiety management.

The primary difference between a psychologist and a counsellor lies in their training, registration, and the complexity of the cases they handle. Both professionals offer valuable support, but their approach to anxiety can differ.

The Online Psychologist: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

Psychologists in Australia are highly regulated by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They must complete a minimum of six years of university education and supervised training.

• Focus: Psychologists use a scientist-practitioner model to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders.
• Anxiety Approach: They are qualified to provide evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address the root causes of anxiety disorders.
• When to choose one: If you require a formal diagnosis, a Medicare-rebated treatment plan, or support for complex, long-standing anxiety.

For those exploring professional support, MyMirror and Talked offer confidential online therapy sessions with Australian-registered psychologists who can provide these specialised interventions.

The Online Psychotherapist/ Counsellor: Support and Goal-Setting

Counselling is a self-regulated profession in Australia. While many psychotherapists/ counsellors hold university degrees, the title is not protected by law in the same way "psychologist" is. However, professional bodies like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) ensure that registered counsellors meet high standards.

• Focus: Counsellors typically focus on a person-centred approach, helping clients navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and situational stress.
• Anxiety Approach: They provide a safe space to discuss feelings, develop coping strategies, and work toward specific personal goals.
• When to choose one: If you are dealing with mild to moderate situational anxiety, relationship issues, or lifestyle-related stress.

Registered Counsellors vs. Unregistered  

When using a platform like Medicompare to review services, it is important to check if a counsellor is registered with a peak body. Registered counsellors are often more experienced and may be eligible for private health insurance rebates.

Budget is a major factor in choosing a therapist. Online services often offer more competitive rates than traditional clinics because they have lower overhead costs.

Standard Session Fees in 2026

In 2026, therapy costs have shifted slightly due to indexation. Generally, psychotherapists/ counsellors remain the more affordable upfront option, while psychologists have higher session fees that are often offset by government rebates.

• Online Counsellor: Typically costs between $60 and $180 per session.
• Online Psychologist: Typically costs between $120 and $350+ per session.

Medicare Rebates: The Game Changer

The biggest financial difference is Medicare eligibility. As of 2026, Medicare rebates remain primarily accessible for sessions with psychologists, registered occupational therapists, and accredited mental health social workers.

• General Psychologist Rebate: Approximately $98.95 per session.
• Clinical Psychologist Rebate: Approximately $145.25 per session.
• Counsellor Rebate: Historically, standard counsellors do not attract a Medicare rebate under the Better Access initiative, though new government pilot programs in 2026 are beginning to explore free online counselling services.

If you are looking for a GP consult to discuss your eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), platforms like Abby Health or Prime Medic can facilitate the necessary assessments and referrals.

To access subsidised therapy for anxiety, you must navigate the Australian Medicare system. This process is essentially what creates the "gap fee" for many patients.

The Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

To receive a rebate for an online psychologist, you must first obtain an MHTP from your doctor. This plan allows you to claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.

• Book a GP appointment: You can use a service like Abby Health or Prime Medic to speak with a GP about your anxiety.
• Initial Referral: The GP will provide a referral to your chosen therapist for an MHTP.
• Review: After 6 sessions, you return for a review to unlock the remaining 4 sessions.

MyMedicare and Digital Referrals

In 2026, the MyMedicare system has made it easier for referrals to be managed digitally. When you use a service like HelloGP, your referral can be seamlessly shared with your chosen online psychologist, ensuring your rebate is processed correctly.

If you do not have a Medicare plan, or you have used your 10 individual sessions, private health insurance can provide an alternative. Many "Extras" policies in Australia cover both psychology and counselling.

• Psychology: Most funds provide a rebate of $40 to $120 per session, depending on your cover level.
• Counselling: An increasing number of insurers, such as Bupa and Medibank, now offer rebates for sessions with ACA or PACFA-registered counsellors.

Using Medicompare is an excellent way to see which telehealth providers, such as Hub Health, are recognised by major health funds, helping you minimize out-of-pocket costs.

For those looking for immediate, non-emergency medical advice regarding anxiety symptoms, 13Sick offers after-hours support that can help bridge the gap until you can see a regular therapist. Lifeline can also be reached 24/7 on 13 11 14.

Managing anxiety often goes beyond talk therapy. Many Australians find that physical health plays a significant role in their mental state. For instance, some people explore a weight loss program or nutritional guidance through Hub Health or Healthy Life to improve their overall energy and mood.

Additionally, if your anxiety is impacting your sleep or daily function, obtaining a digital prescription for approved medications can be managed through remote medical services like ReadyMed or Prime Medic, following a thorough consultation with a GP.

The content created is intended for informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for personal medical advice or treatment.