How to access support
You can reach out directly, no referral needed
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor privately in Australia. If you've found someone you'd like to see, you can simply contact them and book. A referral only matters if you want Medicare rebates (see step 2).
Talk to your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Your GP is a great first port of call. If therapy is right for you, they can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist each calendar year. Book a longer GP appointment and let the clinic know it's for a mental health care plan.
It's okay to be nervous about this conversation. You don't need the perfect words. "I haven't been feeling like myself and I'd like to talk to someone" is enough to start.
Rebate amounts and session limits change over time. Check with your GP or Services Australia for current details.Find the right therapist for you
Look for someone with experience in trauma. It's completely reasonable to ask a practice: "Do you have therapists experienced in trauma?" or "Do you offer EMDR or trauma-focused therapy?" Many Melbourne practices offer both in-person and telehealth appointments, so support is available even if getting to a clinic is hard.
Give it a few sessions, and know it's okay to switch
The first session is usually about getting to know each other, not diving into the trauma. If after a few sessions the fit doesn't feel right, you're allowed to try a different therapist. Finding the right person is part of the process, not a failure.
Psychologist, psychiatrist
or counsellor?
The titles can be confusing. Here's the short version:
Psychologist
University-trained in how people think, feel and behave, and registered with AHPRA. Provides talking therapies like CBT and EMDR. Medicare rebates available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Cannot prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health. Can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and manage complex presentations. Seeing a psychiatrist requires a GP referral, and Medicare rebates apply.
Counsellor / Psychotherapist
Provides talking therapy and support for life challenges and distress. Training and registration vary, so it's worth asking about qualifications and trauma experience. Sessions generally aren't covered by Medicare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see someone?
No, you can book directly with a psychologist or counsellor without any referral. A GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan are only needed if you want to claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.
What does therapy cost?
Fees vary between practitioners, and a Medicare rebate (with a Mental Health Treatment Plan) covers part of the cost of psychology sessions. The difference is called the "gap fee". Some practitioners offer bulk billing or reduced fees in cases of financial hardship, so it's always worth asking. Private health insurance extras may also cover part of the cost.
Will I have to talk about what happened straight away?
No. Good trauma therapy starts with safety and trust, and you set the pace. Some approaches, like EMDR, don't require you to describe the trauma in detail at all. It's absolutely fine to tell a therapist "I'm not ready to talk about that yet".
Is telehealth as good as in-person therapy?
Research shows online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for many people. It can be a great option if you live far from a clinic, have a busy schedule, or simply feel more comfortable at home. Medicare rebates apply to eligible telehealth psychology sessions.
What if I had therapy before and it didn't help?
A previous experience that didn't help doesn't mean therapy can't work for you. The fit with the therapist, the type of therapy, and the timing all matter enormously. Trauma-specific approaches (like EMDR or trauma-focused CBT) can feel very different from general counselling, and it's okay to tell a new therapist what didn't work before.
How long does trauma therapy take?
There's no fixed timeline. It depends on what happened, how long ago, and what support you have around you. Some people notice real change within a handful of sessions; recovery from complex or long-term trauma usually takes longer. Your therapist should review progress with you regularly.
Need support right now?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For free, confidential support at any time of day or night:
Knowledge is a first step
Understanding what you're experiencing (and what help looks like) makes reaching out easier.