There is no exact figure on the number of people who see a psychologist privately in Australia, however, according to a 2019 report* by the Australian Psychological Society, approximately 2.5 million Australians sought mental health treatment from a psychologist or other mental health professional in the previous 12 months. This includes both private and publicly funded mental health services.

While the report does not provide a specific breakdown of the number of people who see a psychologist privately, it does note that a significant proportion of mental health services in Australia are provided by private practitioners.

Why Some People Choose To See A Psychologist Privately

There are several reasons why someone might choose to see a psychologist privately rather than through the Medicare Better Access program:

  • Choice of therapist: When seeing a psychologist privately, you have greater control over your choice of therapist. You can research and select a psychologist who specializes in the issues you want to work on, and who you feel comfortable with. Under the Medicare Better Access program, you are limited to a list of Medicare-approved psychologists which may not include the therapist you want to see.
  • Flexibility: Psychologists are in high demand for their services, particularly those that bulk bill. Oftentimes, there are extended waitlists with clients waiting weeks or months for an appointment. Seeing a psychologist as a private client, you typically have greater flexibility in scheduling appointments at a time that works for you. You may also be able to see your psychologist more frequently than under the Medicare Better Access program, which limits the number of sessions per year.
  • Privacy: Your sessions are not recorded in your medical records (external to the psychology practice), which may be important to some people who value privacy and confidentiality.
  • Cost: While seeing a psychologist privately may be more expensive than using the Medicare Better Access program, some people may be willing to pay extra for the benefits listed above. Additionally, some private health insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of private therapy, which can make it more affordable.

The decision of whether to see a psychologist privately or through the Medicare Better Access program will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and financial situation. It may be helpful to speak with your doctor or contact Adelaide Psychology to discuss which option is best for you.

* Australian Psychological Society. (2019). APS National Survey of Psychologists: Mental health in Australia. Melbourne.