Talk it through with the 5 best psychotherapists in Sydney
Some weeks leave you carrying more than you’d like to admit. Finding someone you can genuinely talk to can make that load feel a little lighter.
We looked into the best psychotherapists in Sydney, checking credentials, fees, and service details to narrow things down. That way, you can spend less time researching and more time finding someone who feels like the right fit.
Whether you’re dealing with grief or something you can’t quite put into words, good support matters.
And if you’re weighing up options beyond Sydney, our Canberra guide to psychotherapists may help too.
How much does psychotherapy cost in Sydney?
For an individual booking a standard 55- to 60-minute session, therapy typically costs between $150 and $245, with final fees shaped by your practitioner’s specific clinical registration.
| Practitioner Type | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Registered Counsellor or Psychotherapist | $150 to $220 per session |
| General Registered Psychologist | From $200 per session |
| Clinical Psychologist | $230 to $245 per session |
| General Psychologist (with Medicare rebate) | $98.45 out-of-pocket gap |
| Clinical Psychologist (with Medicare rebate) | $80.95 to $95.95 out-of-pocket gap |
1. Caroline Ballard Counselling & Psychotherapy
Address: 24/6-8 Old Castle Hill Rd, Castle Hill
Contact: 0494 337 769 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday 10 AM–2 PM, Tuesday 4–8 PM, Wednesday 10 AM–2 PM, Thursday 3:30–8 PM, Friday 8 AM–8 PM, Saturday 8 AM–1 PM
For Sydneysiders dealing with long commutes and packed calendars, finding time for therapy can be difficult. That’s why we really like Caroline Ballard’s flexibility, as it makes sticking to therapy easier.
She offers sessions in Castle Hill as well as ecotherapy in Centennial Park and Fagan Park. This gives clients the option to talk while walking outdoors if that feels more comfortable.
We like how her integrative approach keeps things flexible rather than forcing every concern through the same therapeutic lens. She works with individuals and couples, and her PACFA membership adds a reassuring professional benchmark.
During our enquiry, the practice advised that a cancellation list may help clients find an earlier opening. Individual sessions were quoted at $165 and couples sessions at $200, with appointments running for 55 minutes.
The trade-off is that this is a solo practice, so there’s no in-house team to switch between if you’d prefer a different therapist.
Still, it’s a strong fit for clients who value continuity, a personalised pace, and the option to take therapy beyond the consulting room.
2. Dipak Jilka Psychotherapist
Website: https://www.dipakjilka.com.au/
Address: 185 Elizabeth Street | 2 Booth Street, Balmain
Contact: 0402 840 104 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM–9 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM–1:30 PM
Between packed CBD workdays and the usual Sydney trek across town, finding therapy that fits your week matters.
Good thing Dipak Jilka brings PACFA Clinical registration and experience across couples therapy, sex therapy, men’s-focused work, and addiction-related concerns.
With rooms in Sydney CBD and Balmain, he gives clients a choice of two convenient in-person locations. Online sessions add another option for anyone who’d rather skip the cross-city commute.
We like the free 15-minute consultation that’s a useful starting point if you want to get a feel for his approach before committing.
It’s good to know that his integrative style may especially suit clients looking for focused support around relationships, sexuality, or men’s mental health.
However, Mental Health Care Plans aren’t accepted, so Medicare rebates don’t apply. That makes the service a better fit for clients comfortable paying privately for specialised psychotherapy.
“Transformed anxiety into genuine curiosity and self-reflection”
I came to therapy a little sheepishly, and without knowing precisely how to form the words for the problems I was facing. Dipak made every session an easy, free-flowing conversation, which transformed anxiety into genuine curiosity and self-reflection. He’s very level, compassionate and pragmatic, and I found the experience equipped me with tools that I will continue using into the future.
— Fancy Leo | Google Review
“Dipak is a brilliant therapist”
Dipak is a brilliant therapist. He has a very calm, open and transparent way of working and communicating with people. He is very skilled in being able to tune into personal situations, ask thought-provoking questions, and enable people to come to their own decisions on moving forward (as opposed to ‘this is what you should do’). I have really valued his approach, which has helped me move into a much more positive headspace, and highly recommend his service.
— Neal Chowdry | Google Review
3. Inner Strength Therapy
Address: Suite 1007, 185 Elizabeth Street
Contact: 0422 978 858 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 AM–6:30 PM, Friday 10 AM–2 PM
For Sydneysiders already stretched by CBD commutes and packed schedules, therapy that gets beyond surface-level stress can feel more worthwhile.
Thankfully, Inner Strength Therapy takes that route by combining EMDR, Attachment-Informed EMDR, and somatic approaches.
Stephen Moore’s trauma-focused work is backed by PACFA Clinical membership and EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) accreditation. He supports concerns such as PTSD, anxiety, attachment difficulties, and the effects of childhood trauma.
For added flexibility, some private health Extras policies may offer rebates through providers such as Medibank, Bupa, and HCF.
We love that there’s a free 15-minute phone consultation too, which gives you a low-pressure way to ask questions before booking.
The main drawback is that this is a solo practice, so there’s no in-house clinician choice.
Still, it may suit clients looking for specialised trauma therapy in the Sydney CBD that blends EMDR with body-oriented work.
“Felt safe to be completely honest”
I’m so grateful for the time I’ve spent working with Stephen. He has supported me through some incredibly difficult and important periods of my life with warmth, patience and genuine care. I’ve always felt safe to be completely honest and have come away with a much deeper understanding of myself. I couldn’t recommend him more highly!
— Cameron Cross | Google Review
“Inner strength and self-love”
I cannot recommend Stephen highly enough. Over the past four years, I’ve had around 60 sessions with him, including regular fortnightly check-ins and EMDR therapy. Throughout this time, he has been incredibly patient, insightful, and resourceful.
Stephen has helped me truly understand what inner strength and self-love mean. With his guidance, I’ve developed the confidence, mindset, and resilience to live life to the fullest.
I’m deeply grateful for the growth I’ve experienced and the person I’ve become through this journey. If you value your mental health and personal growth, I would wholeheartedly recommend Stephen.
— Jingsi Guo | Google Review
4. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists
Address: Level 4, Suite 411, 185 Elizabeth Street
Contact: (02) 8205 0566 | [email protected]
Hours: Appointments: Weekdays, evenings & weekends by arrangement | Live intake: Monday to Friday 9 AM–6 PM
Choosing a therapist in Sydney can quickly turn into a scrollathon. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists makes it easier with a live intake team that matches clients based on needs, preferences, availability, and location.
Their network includes more than 40 psychologists and counsellors, so there’s plenty of choice under one umbrella. The matching service is especially handy if you’d rather not shortlist practitioners on your own.
Evening and weekend appointments may be available too, depending on the clinician.
We appreciate that fees start at $150 for counsellors and $230 for clinical psychologists, with telehealth and multiple Sydney locations adding flexibility.
That said, Medicare rebates only apply to eligible practitioners under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and the service doesn’t bulk bill. That means some clients will still face a noticeable out-of-pocket cost.
“Very easy and quick to work with”
Associated Counsellors were very easy and quick to work with. I submitted an enquiry in the evening and received a call the next morning with an appointment for my requested day, just a few days later. It is so great that we can seek support and receive it quickly via this company as opposed to waiting weeks or months for an appointment, usually resulting in situations and mental health worsening due to lack of support in this time. Highly recommend going through this company.
— Kimi Kiefer | Google Review
“Wonderful customer service”
Had the pleasure of talking to Angelina when making my booking! She was wonderful and so efficient in securing me a time slot that worked for me. Appreciate all of your efforts and wonderful customer service!
— Kaitlyn N | Google Review
5. Sydney City Psychology
Address: 193 Macquarie Street
Contact: (02) 9235 3127 | [email protected] | Fax: (02) 9475 1084
Hours: Monday to Friday 7 AM–8 PM, Saturday 9 AM–2 PM
Sydney schedules don’t always play nicely with standard office hours, so Sydney City Psychology’s extended timetable is a real practical win. The clinic opens from 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, with Saturday appointments for extra flexibility.
Beyond the hours, the practice brings more than 20 years of experience and a broad therapy mix.
We appreciate that its team works across individual, couples, and family therapy. They use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Clients can also access support in several languages, including Cantonese, Spanish, German, and Farsi.
Eligible psychology sessions may attract Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
The main catch is the cancellation policy, as weekday cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice can incur the full session fee.
Still, the broad hours and therapy options make this a practical pick for people who need more scheduling room.
“Aspasia is a remarkable professional”
Aspasia is a remarkable professional and has assisted me enormously during a challenging year. Her ability to continue a narrative from one session to the next is a testament to her professionalism. Could not recommend Aspasia highly enough…..I’m very grateful for her support.
— Jason Azzopardi | Google Review
“A transformative experience”
I cannot recommend these guys more highly. Cassandra and Emily must be commended for helping run things so smoothly. I’ve worked one-on-one with Natalie, and it has really been a transformative experience. I have learned so much about myself, and she has supported me skilfully through some rough transitions with care, empathy and humour. I’ve also participated in the online group course “Calm in the Storm” with Carly who was excellent. It was wonderful – I learned really useful, practical and workable strategies. The group dynamic was great – warm, supportive and great rapport…
— Emma Whelan | Google Review