How to Find a Psychologist in Sydney
Finding the right psychologist in Sydney can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right guidance, you can find a psychologist who matches your needs, preferences, and goals for mental health support.
1) Start with your GP (for rebates)
Book a GP appointment to discuss your concerns and ask about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). With an MHTP, most people can find a psychologist in Sydney and access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (your GP usually refers you for 6 first, then reviews for up to 4 more).
How much is the rebate?
As at 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate for a 50+ minute session with a registered (general) psychologist is $98.95 (MBS item 80110). Clinical psychologist rebates are higher, but exact amounts depend on the item used. Health professionals set their own fees, so you may have an out-of-pocket cost.
2) Shortlist using trusted directories
If you’re wondering where to find a psychologist in Sydney, start with these platforms:
- SeekHelp: Browse Sydney psychologists by specialty, location, availability, and telehealth options—all in one place.
- APS “Find a Psychologist” directory and Psychology Today let you filter by issues (e.g., anxiety, trauma), languages, or modalities.
3) Match the specialty to your goals
When you find a psychologist, check their experience with your primary concern (e.g., anxiety, perinatal mental health, ADHD, trauma). Look at treatment approaches (CBT, ACT, EMDR, schema therapy) and client groups (adults, teens, couples).
4) Check registration and background
Always ensure the psychologist is AHPRA-registered. Extras like clinical endorsement, postgraduate training, or certifications may be relevant if you want to find a psychologist with specialised expertise.
5) Check the personal fit
Many practices offer a brief intake call to help you decide if you’ve managed to find the right psychologist. Ask:
- “How do you usually approach clients with concerns like mine?”
- “What does progress in therapy typically look like, and how will we measure it?”
- “What therapy methods or approaches do you use most, and why?”
- “How do you encourage clients to stay engaged between sessions?”
- “What should I expect in the first few sessions?”
Fit matters as much as credentials—therapy works best when you feel comfortable and supported.
6) Consider practicalities that keep you coming back
To make sure you’ve managed to find a psychologist in Sydney who fits your lifestyle, think about:
- Location & hours (near home/work; after-hours availability)
- Telehealth (flexible and increasingly popular)
- Fees & billing (rebates, gap fee, concession rates)
- Wait times (how soon you can start)
7) Give it a few sessions—and review
It may take 2–3 sessions before you know if you’ve truly managed to find the best psychologist for you. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to switch. Your GP can update referrals, and your Medicare-rebated sessions follow you (within the same calendar year).
Quick checklist
- GP MHTP in place (for rebates)
- AHPRA registration confirmed
- Specialty matches your goals
- Fees and rebate understood (e.g., $98.95 back for 50+ mins with a registered psychologist)
- You feel heard, safe, and supported
Ready to find a psychologist in Sydney?
Start your search with SeekHelp—you can browse psychologists by issue, modality, location, and availability, then book directly when you find the right fit.