How Much Does Couples Counselling or Therapy Cost?

Couples counselling can be a valuable tool for addressing a range of issues within a relationship, from healing after trauma to improving parenting techniques. However, the cost of therapy and counselling services can be a concern for some couples. Despite this, there are options for those looking to access affordable counselling. Whether it’s in-person or online, couples can benefit from counselling and work with qualified mental health professionals to address the issues they may be facing.

You can find our Fee structure by clicking here

Criteria That Affect Counselling Services

The cost of counselling services can depend on a number of factors, including:

• Session Length: Counselling sessions usually last between 45 minutes and an hour. Longer sessions tend to be more expensive.
• Frequency of Session: The more sessions you attend, the more expensive it will be, whether it’s once a month, twice a month, weekly, or twice a week.
• Skill of Service: Counsellors with more experience and credentials typically charge more for a session. Specialty counsellors who focus on a specific niche may also charge more.
• Number of People: Group sessions such as couple therapy or family therapy are usually less expensive than individual sessions.
• Session Type: Sessions for specific issues such as trauma or abuse tend to be more expensive than general sessions, also online therapy tends to be less expensive than physical sessions.
• Discounts: Many counselling services offer discounts for booking multiple sessions or for certain groups of people.
• Medical Rebates: Counselling services may be covered by medicare rebate if you have a recommendation from your GP and also some private health insurance providers offer rebate.

The Cost Of Couples Counselling

How much does couples counselling or therapy cost? The cost of couples counselling can vary depending on several factors such as location, the therapist’s qualifications and experience, and whether you choose to see a therapist in private practice or through an organization.

The cost of couples counselling or marriage counselling services can vary depending on factors such as the frequency of sessions, the therapist’s specialization, and whether they accept insurance. It may also vary based on the format of sessions, whether it is in-person, online, or through a subscription service.

Insurance coverage and copayments can also affect the pricing. It’s best to check with your provider and the therapist about their fees and any sliding scale options they may offer to ensure you understand the cost of the counselling.

The typically charge of couples counselling can vary widely. According to recent studies, the average cost per session in Australia is between $80 and $250. Some therapists may charge as little as $80 per hour, while others may charge $250 or more. It’s important to check with your insurance provider and the therapist about their fees and any sliding scale options they may offer to ensure you understand the costs.

Some therapists may offer a discounted rate for couples therapy if a series of sessions are paid for in advance. The number of sessions required for the discount and the amount of the discount can vary depending on the therapist or provider.

It’s also worth noting that many therapists offer a free initial consultation as part of their counselling service. This meeting allows you to discuss your needs and evaluate whether you feel comfortable working with the therapist. It’s a good idea to ask a potential therapist if they offer a free consultation before your first session.

If the cost of in-person couples or marriage counselling is a concern, there are alternative options available. Some therapists offer sliding scale rates, allowing you to pay based on your income. An online counselling service can also be a more affordable option. While the cost of counselling can be a consideration, the benefits of improving your relationship and mental wellbeing can make it worthwhile.

Cost Of Couples Counselling Services At Energetics Institute

Our therapy fees range from $150 to $175, depending on which therapist you book. The different rates relate to different levels of skills between therapists. Our fees are mostly equal and often less than the gap fee payable for professional psychology or counselling services after the medical rebate. Our fees are normally paid at the end of the session via EFTPOS or cash.

Private Health Insurance And The Cost Of Therapy

Not all therapists accept private health insurance and those that do may only accept certain policies. Additionally, some policies may not cover couples counselling services. It’s important to research your insurance options before starting couples therapy to understand what may or may not be covered.

Before scheduling a therapy session, it’s important to understand the cost and insurance coverage for couples therapy. Make sure to confirm that the therapist accepts your specific insurance plan as coverage may vary within the same insurance company. It is important to do this research to ensure that you are aware of the financial commitment you will be making and can make an informed decision.

It’s also important to find out whether the therapist will bill your insurance company directly or if you will have to pay for therapy upfront and then get reimbursed. It’s also worth asking if the therapist offers payment options to make therapy more affordable, such as spreading out payments over time. If the therapist does not accept your insurance, they may have other options available to help make therapy more financially accessible.

The Medicare Rebate and Couples Counselling Services

As we are psychotherapists, and not psychologists, rebates including the rebate offerred by Medicare and Mental Health Care Plan do not apply for Couples Counselling services. No referral is needed from your GP. In exceptional circumstances, we may offer a discount to someone who needs financial aid, but that is at our discretion.

Therapy Session Length

Couples therapy sessions typically last between 50 minutes to one hour. The length of each session and the frequency of sessions can vary depending on the therapist and the needs of the couple. Many counsellors may recommend weekly sessions, while others may suggest bi-weekly or monthly sessions.

The number of sessions needed can also vary, with some couples only needing one session to a few sessions to address specific issues, while others may require ongoing therapy. It is best to discuss the specifics of the session type with your therapist to understand how long the sessions will be and how often they will be scheduled.

How To Choose A Mental Health Professional

When seeking couples therapy, it’s important to consider that different therapists have different specializations and expertise. They may work in public health clinics, or private practice, or offer online counselling or psychology through websites.

It’s important to choose a therapist that has the specialized skills and experience to help with the specific issues you and your partner are facing. This may include family therapy, couples therapy, or individual therapy.

When selecting a therapist, it’s important to consider their qualifications and experience. Look for someone whose skills and expertise align with your needs. It’s also important to find someone you feel comfortable with and can build trust with, as your feelings towards the therapist can determine the therapy’s success.

In couples counseling, it’s crucial for both partners to feel at ease with the therapist. If either partner does not feel comfortable with the therapist, it may be beneficial to try someone else.

What To Expect From Couples Counselling

During the initial sessions with a couples therapist, you will be asked to discuss the issues in your relationships such as intimacy issues, conflicts about child rearing, communication problems, or infidelity. Together with your partner and the therapist, you will establish goals to work towards. It’s not necessary to have a clear idea of these goals before starting the specific counselling service as it can be developed during the therapy sessions.

In some cases, it may be beneficial for one or both partners to also have individual therapy sessions in addition to couples therapy. This allows them to address personal issues or trauma that may be impacting the interaction, and work on building a healthier relationship.

Therapists may use various techniques and tools to aid couples in addressing and resolving their issues. One commonly used method is Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), which is designed to help adults improve their relationships. The American Psychological Association states that EFT has been found to be 75% effective in enhancing couple relationships.

In situations where the relationship involves abuse, substance use or the couple has decided to separate, EFT may not be appropriate. In such cases, the therapist may use alternative techniques to help the couple cope with the challenges they are facing.

If you are in danger due to an abusive relationship, help can be obtained by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 737 732.

How to Figure Out if You Need Counselling

Counseling provides an opportunity to discuss and understand your problems and to grow. It offers a safe space to do this and the therapist’s role is to use talk therapy to help you open up. By bringing problems to light and discussing them, they can often be resolved or worked through in a rational and professional manner.

Many people lack someone to talk to about certain issues which can lead to repressed emotions. While some may require counseling more than others, everyone can benefit from expressing themselves in a safe environment with a professional practitioner. If you are struggling with something, reach out to Energetics Institute for help and support. We are available to listen and assist you.

Couples Counselling Cost in Australia – A Summary

On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 for up to one hour for an individual counseling session. While the cost of counseling services may seem high at first glance, there are options for financial aid and free counselling available to those who are in need.

If you’re looking for affordable and professional counseling services in Australia, Energetics Institute can help. We provide a supportive environment to work through any issues or stress and help you feel empowered, happy and confident. Our counsellors are certified, qualified, specialized and have extensive experience in helping people improve their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions