Navigating the Challenges of Finding Counselling in Melbourne

So it’s time to get some help… perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or stress, or you are having difficulties in your relationship or workplace.

Many people begin their search for mental health support online and type “counselling in Melbourne”. However, we explain why this search term may not be ideal and suggest other ways of searching for support.

“Counselling in Melbourne” does not define the profession. 

When you search “counselling in Melbourne” you are searching for anyone who delivers counselling, and this can range from counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. In this way, searching “counselling in Melbourne” is a very broad search and may not be targeting what you specifically need.

1. • First, the term “counsellor” can be used in a general way to describe anyone who provides support through talking, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and qualified counsellors. Therefore, the term “counsellor” does not give much information about the type of qualifications the individual has undergone.
   • A qualified counsellor has completed at least a bachelor’s degree in counselling or a graduate diploma. Their study focuses on the delivery of professional guidance in resolving psychological problems. Counsellors usually engage clients short-term to address a specific problem.
   • A psychologist, social worker and psychiatrist may refer to themselves as “counsellors”, but they have usually undergone postgraduate level study.
   • To become a psychologist or social worker in Australia, you need to complete a minimum of 6 years of study, which entails a 4 year undergraduate degree followed by at least 2 years of study and/or training focused on professional practice.
   • Postgraduate psychology degrees focus on the mind, assessment and treatment of mental health. Psychologists are experts in human emotions, behaviour and mental processes.
   • Postgraduate social work degrees focus on treatment via social change and the broader community.
   • A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions and can prescribe medication.

If you are unsure about a professional’s qualifications, it can be helpful to verify that they are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). AHPRA maintains a public register of health practitioners, allowing you to confirm a health practitioner’s registration and area of practice before booking an appointment.

Counselling versus therapy

More confusing terms! Counselling and therapy are loosely used terms that overlap and are often used interchangeably. By searching for “counselling in Melbourne” you may not be getting what you need.

• • Counselling is typically short-term support (e.g. less than five sessions) focused on addressing specific problems or issues. Therapy (or psychotherapy) is typically a medium to longer-term process focused on shifting thoughts, behaviours and feelings. Therapy is often considered ‘deeper’ than counselling and the outcomes are often more significant and long-standing.
  • Therapy and counselling overlap, as therapy includes counselling skills. Counselling skills are fundamental to the therapy process and have been proven to create positive change.

Medicare rebates and fees

By searching for “counselling in Melbourne” you are not guaranteed a Medicare rebate. A qualified counsellor cannot provide a Medicare rebate. A psychologist, psychiatrist and social worker can provide a Medicare rebate. However, it is worth noting that some therapies, like couples therapy, are not rebated by Medicare. It is also worth noting that fees can significantly differ between professionals.

So, what do I search for?

Here are some simple steps to help in your internet search for support.

1. Specify the profession – psychologist, counsellor, social worker or psychiatrist? If you are seeking a psychologist, read How to Find the Best Psychologist in Melbourne. Speak to your GP if you are unsure what type of help you need.
2. Write the issue you are seeking help for instead of specifying “counselling”, “therapy” or “psychotherapy”. Someone trained in the issue you need help for will know when to use counselling or therapy, or both, and in what combination.

Here are some examples of some good Google searches:

• Psychologist for anxiety in Melbourne
• Counsellor for couples therapy in Melbourne
• Psychiatrist for depression in Melbourne
• Social worker for family conflict in Melbourne
• Psychologist for eating disorders in Melbourne

What does Peaceful Mind Psychology help with?

We are warm and empathic psychologists based in Melbourne, experienced in delivering therapy and counselling for issues that may require short or longer-term support, including mood-related issues, relationship counselling, eating disorders, low self-esteem and more.

If you would like some professional assistance, contact us at Peaceful Mind Psychology on 1300 766 870. We are located in Armadale, Hawthorn, Prahran and Glen Iris, and also provide therapy via online sessions anywhere in Australia.