Psychotherapist, counsellor, or psychologist?
I get asked time and time again -
“Should I see a psychotherapist/counsellor or a psychologist?”
Here is a brief explanation about the differences to help you decide which one is best for you.
Rebates and cost Medicare rebates psychologist consultations if a client has obtained a mental health plan. The recommended cost is $267 per session, according to Australian Psychological Society (2022). Counsellors, on the other hand, cannot obtain a rebate but the average session costs around $100. So with a rebate of $80, but a cost of $267, you would still be out of pocket by $187.
Mental Health Treatment Plan In order to receive a rebate, clients are required to have a current mental health treatment plan which can be obtained from a general practioner or psychiatrist. These plans consist of 6 sessions each time, and should more be required, then a new referral needs to be actioned. The limit of sessions per year is 20. With a counsellor or psychotherapist, you can engage with them as little or as often as you like, and no referral is required.
Records Should you opt for a mental health treatment plan, this record will be attached to you permanently as part of your prior health record. This can potentially affect future employment, and can be accessed on your digital health platform, known as My Health Record. With counselling, there is no access to My Health Record and no need for even your general practitioner know that you are receiving these services.
Wait times The current average wait time in Australia for psychologists is between four and six months, according to ABC news (2021). Given that there is a national shortage, and with the demand for mental health services set to increase, the lists don’t look like they’ll get any shorter. Counsellors, on the other hand, tend to have shorter wait times.
Ultimately, as a client, it’s up to you to decide which suits your needs better. The important thing to keep in mind is that this journey is about you and what will help you most.
https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-18/australia-mental-health-wait-times-covid-pandemic/100457162
