Choosing the right mental health support can feel overwhelming. With so many professional titles –psychologist, counsellor, psychotherapist – it’s important to understand the differences, not just in approach, but in accessibility, affordability and long-term outcomes.
At Mindful Synergi, we often speak with clients who are confused about whether they should wait for a psychologist referral or begin counselling with one of our experienced, trauma-informed therapists. Many are also unsure about what is covered under Medicare and what isn’t.
In this article, we will clarify the key differences between these mental health professionals and explain why our low-cost subscription model offers a highly accessible, flexible and sustainable option for those seeking ongoing emotional support and talk therapy.
No matter where you are on your mental health journey, understanding your options is the first step toward meaningful support.
Counsellor vs Psychologist
So, let’s start by looking at the difference between a psychologist vs counsellor.
While both professionals support complex mental health issues and emotional well-being, the main differences between a psychologist and a counsellor lie in their training pathways, treatment focus and how services are accessed.
What is a counsellor?
Counsellors typically offer support around day-to-day challenges, relationship issues, and personal growth. Using talk therapy, counsellors guide clients in developing coping strategies, improving emotional awareness and building resilience. While they don’t diagnose mental health conditions, counsellors play a vital role in promoting well-being and personal growth. You do not need a referral to see a counsellor in Australia. You can directly contact a counsellor or a counselling service to book an appointment.
In a Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation of Australia survey conducted in May 2021, the most commonly reported (46%) counselling fees were between $100-$160 per hour. However, counselling is not covered under a Medicare rebate.
What is a psychologist?
Psychologists are highly trained professionals (holding a degree in psychology) registered with AHPRA. They are qualified to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions using structured, evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Many clients access psychology services via a Mental Health Care Plan, or mental health treatment plan, from their GP, which provides a limited number of subsidised sessions per calendar year.
- Rebate with Clinical Psychologist: $141.85 per session
- Rebate with Registered Psychologist: $96.65 per session
- Average session fee: $250–$300 (as recommended by the Australian Psychological Society)
- Session cap: Maximum of 10 rebated sessions per year
- What does this mean financially? If you are attending regular therapy (recommended) after your 10 sessions you are paying the full fee after those 10 sessions. This means that you are then paying the full fee of $250-$300 for every appointment.
While this can be an effective starting point for many, the Medicare model is short-term and diagnosis-focused. For individuals who require consistent, longer-term support, the costs can quickly become unsustainable, particularly once the initial 10 sessions are exhausted.
Psychologist vs Psychotherapist
Understanding the difference between a psychologist vs psychotherapist comes down to training, focus and how they approach healing of the human mind.
What is a Psychologist?
As mentioned, psychologists perform talk therapy and are trained in clinical assessments, diagnostics and structured treatments for a wide range of mental health disorders and emotional issues. Clinical psychology often uses therapeutic techniques that support people with a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. These mental health professionals are registered with national boards and follow strict evidence-based practices.
Under the Better Outcomes for Mental Health Scheme, Medicare rebates are available for eligible mental health services provided by registered psychologists.
Difference between Psychotherapists and Psychologists
Psychotherapists, while also trained professionals with formal education, typically focus on long-term emotional and psychological development. They may use talk therapy to explore patterns, past experiences and deep-seated emotional blocks. Psychotherapy is often about insight, self-awareness and gradual transformation, making it particularly helpful for complex trauma or long-standing challenges.
The roles of psychotherapists and clinical psychologists can overlap, but the main distinction lies in their therapeutic lens: psychologists work more diagnostically, while psychotherapists work more reflectively.
Counsellor vs Psychotherapists
So what is the difference between a counsellor and psychotherapist? Both are trained to support emotional well-being. However, there are some key differences in how they work.
Counsellors often focus on short- to medium-term support, helping clients navigate immediate life challenges such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, mental health, grief and low self-esteem. They work with clients to build coping strategies, emotional awareness and problem-solving skills. Counselling is typically more structured and goal-oriented, and sessions may centre on specific issues or life transitions rather than formal diagnosis.
Psychotherapists are more likely to work with clients over a longer period and explore deeper psychological patterns, human behaviour and emotional wounds. Psychotherapy often involves unpacking childhood experiences, attachment styles, unconscious behaviours and complex trauma. It tends to be more exploratory and can lead to healing at a deeper level.
Key Differences: Counsellor vs Psychologist vs Psychotherapist
While counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists all address a range of mental health issues, here are the key differences between each:
Clinical Psychologist
- Focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
- Uses evidence-based frameworks like CBT and ACT.
- Often works in short to mid-term blocks (e.g. 10 sessions).
- Best suited for clinical concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD and behavioural disorders.
Counsellor
- Supports clients through life stress, grief, relationship issues and emotional challenges.
- Offers practical strategies and emotional support through talk therapy.
- No diagnosis or Medicare rebates required.
- Typically works on short to medium-term goals.
- Ideal for everyday struggles, personal development and resilience building.
Psychotherapist
- Focuses on deep, long-term emotional and psychological healing.
- Explores unconscious patterns, childhood experiences and trauma.
- Works in an insight-based, relational and often open-ended way.
- Best suited for complex trauma, emotional dysregulation and long-standing issues.
When exploring the key differences between mental health professionals, it’s important to understand the training and regulatory bodies that guide their work.
For example, psychologists undergo extensive training, typically completing an undergraduate degree followed by postgraduate qualifications in areas such as health psychology or forensic psychology, and must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Counsellors and psychotherapists may be registered with bodies like the Australian Counselling Association or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. Psychotherapists are master’s level trained, and it is expected that they undergo their own therapy as part of their professional development.
Many practitioners also work within mental health clinics, offering therapies such as family therapy and individual sessions aimed at healing trauma, enhancing relationships and supporting personal growth.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a psychologist, counsellor, or psychotherapist often comes down to what you’re experiencing and what kind of support feels most helpful to you, for example, individual therapy, family therapy and so on.
Suppose you’re navigating a clinical diagnosis or seeking a structured, evidence-based approach (such as CBT). In that case, a psychologist may be the right fit, especially if you’re starting with a Mental Health Care Plan and want to access Medicare rebates.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life stressors, transitions, or emotional patterns that don’t seem to shift, a counsellor or psychotherapist might be better suited. These professionals can offer a safe space to explore deeper emotional challenges over time, without the pressure of fitting into a diagnostic framework.
Therapy at Mindful Synergi
At Mindful Synergi, we believe the right support is the one that meets you where you are: emotionally, financially and practically. That’s why we offer a subscription-based model that gives you consistent access to highly trained, trauma-informed therapists without needing a referral or diagnosis.
Whether you’re working through complex trauma or seeking a safe place to unpack everyday stress, our team is here to support you in a flexible, affordable and deeply human way.
At Mindful Synergi, our team includes therapists trained in modalities such as:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
- Somatic therapy
- Art therapy
- Attachment repair and nervous system regulation
- Trauma-Informed care
- Clinical nutrition and mind-body health
This style of therapy is particularly helpful for individuals navigating:
- Long-term stress and burnout
- Relationship difficulties
- Emotional dysregulation
- Developmental or complex trauma
- Chronic anxiety or low mood
- Grief and life transitions
- Parenting, identity or self-worth challenges
Importantly, we work with the whole person, not just the symptoms, and aim to create a safe, consistent and compassionate environment for long-term healing.
Why We Created a Low-Cost Subscription Model
We understand that therapy is an investment, and it should be one you can sustain over time.
Too often, we see clients discontinue therapy due to rising costs or because their Medicare sessions have run out. Yet, emotional healing and trauma recovery require more than a short burst of support.
To address this gap, we’ve designed a flexible subscription model that delivers high-quality, trauma-informed care without the financial burden of traditional therapy models.
“Our goal was to remove the barriers we kept seeing: cost, referrals and session limits,” says Nerine Strachan, founder of Mindful Synergi. “We wanted to create a space where people could access the right kind of support, for as long as they need it, without burning out emotionally or financially.”
Our Subscription Options:
- $160 per week for weekly sessions
- $80 per week for fortnightly sessions
- No GP referral or diagnosis required
- In-person and online options available
- No session limits
- Access to highly trained, trauma-informed therapists
- Additional access to psychoeducation, books and courses.
With this model, you receive consistent, long-term support from a therapist who understands your story, your nervous system and your goals, without the pressure of fitting it all into 10 sessions.
The Value of Ongoing, Therapeutic Relationship
The evidence is clear: the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important predictors of positive outcomes in mental health care. At Mindful Synergi, our team prioritises safety, trust and connection – core principles in trauma-informed care.
Rather than focus solely on symptom reduction or clinical diagnosis, we work collaboratively with you to understand your inner world, build emotional regulation skills, and promote lasting personal transformation.
Ready to explore support that fits your needs and lifestyle?
Connect with a specialised trauma therapist at Mindful Synergi and discover how our flexible, cost-effective subscription model can support your long-term healing, without the waitlists or referral hoops.
Get in touch today and take your next step toward feeling better, holistically.