Top 10 Best Psychologists in South Yarra: Ranked & Reviewed for 2026

An image of a person wondering when to see a psychologist
Written by Melissa Bell 
on 6 Mar, 2026

We reviewed psychologists and psychology clinics across South Yarra to spot the strongest options for different needs, from anxiety and depression to couples therapy and ADHD assessments.

South Yarra has a mix of boutique practices, larger clinics, and solo or independent psychologists. Your context, therapy style preference, and practical factors, such as your schedule and location, matter in finding the right psychologist.

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So who are the best psychologists in South Yarra for 2026?

Three practices lead the field: Fortitude Wellbeing, South Yarra Psychology, and Psychology Care

Fortitude Wellbeing ranks first overall, offering experienced leadership, broad therapy options, and fast access for new clients. South Yarra Psychology stands out for its free matching call, which helps clients find the right psychologist from its larger team. Psychology Care performs strongly for evidence-based therapy and accessible clinics.

Each serves a different type of client well. The right choice depends on your needs, preferences, and timing.

How We Ranked the Best Psychologists in South Yarra

Mental health services across South Yarra, Prahran, Richmond, and Toorak vary widely. Some clinics focus on niche issues, whilst others prioritise access or flexibility. 

This ranking focuses on professional expertise and qualifications, therapy quality, process orientation, and accessibility. We’ve considered who helps clients feel understood, supported, and guided with purpose, not just during the first session, but over time.

These rankings are based on publicly available information. No private claims. No invented reviews. 

Ranking Criteria

We assessed each practice using factors that affect real-world therapy outcomes:

  • Client fit and focus. We’ve put a lot of weight on clear communication about who they help and which issues they treat.
  • Registration and credentials. All psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Where relevant, we’ve also noted clinical endorsements.
  • Evidence-backed therapy approaches used. Higher-ranked practices offer established methods such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and related frameworks.
  • Process clarity. Practices that clearly explain what happens in the first session and how therapy usually progresses scored higher.
  • Access and availability. We’ve considered whether practices provide precise availability details to new clients and wait-time information.
  • Transparency of fees and Medicare/rebates. Transparent pricing, with clear information on Medicare rebates in the Mental Health Treatment Plan and private health cover, emphasises trust among clients.
  • Special services. Range of services or access to ADHD assessments, couples therapy, telehealth, and youth services.
  • Location and accessibility. Those with easy access, transport options, and simple ways to contact them scored well.
  • Verifiable patient experience indicators. We considered only publicly available information. We did not invent reviews or ratings.

Safety protocols and appropriate referral guidance. Practices that acknowledge when clients need GP or psychiatrist involvement demonstrate professional standards.

Quick Comparison Snapshot

Practice NameBest ForSpecialties (supported)Years ActiveFee Approach
Fortitude WellbeingClients wanting broad support + ADHD assessment optionsAnxiety, depression, trauma, relationships/couples, adult ADHD assessmentsFounded in 2019Transparent fees (enquire directly); Medicare rebates discussed
South Yarra PsychologyPeople wanting free matching to the right clinicianAdults & adolescents; evidence-based modalities across common concernsFounded in 2013Fees from $250; Medicare rebates up to $145.25
PsychologyCareEvidence-based therapy + guided intakeTrauma/PTSD support, couples counselling, plus multiple evidence-based therapiesFounded in 2013Published fees + Medicare rebates for eligible individual sessions; couples not Medicare-rebated
Fellow Psychology (formerly Macquarie Street Psychology)People needing evening/weekend availabilityAnxiety, depression, relationship counselling, family therapy, etc.Founded in 2019Practitioner fees and rebates typically range from $200 to $220.
Richard Norrish (Saoirse Psychology Stonnington)Individual therapy with a long-experienced clinicianPatterns/behaviour change; depression/anxiety, trauma, BPD, addictions, etc.~20 years of experienceEnquire
Ally MoloneyTrauma + attachment/relational therapyTrauma/PTSD; attachment & relational difficultiesIn practice for ~12 yearsEnquire; Medicare rebates noted
Christina von Cohausen (Hurstwood Clinic)Couples + emotion-focused workEFT (individuals & couples), hypnotherapy, holistic multi-approachWith ~23 years of experienceMedicare rebates available with MHCP (plus private health)
Mind Body Heart Psychology (A Multilingual Team)Multilingual supportMultilingual clinicians; anxiety/depression/trauma/life transitions; 3-25 yrs experience3-25 years experience (team)A 50-minute session with a psychologist ranges from $225 to $265; a 50-minute session with a counsellor is typically $150
Prahran Psychology ClinicLong-established clinic teamBroad clinical services; team positioned as 20+ years of experienceFounded in 2009Medicare rebates discussed (enquire for specifics)
Doctify (directory)People comparing “verified” profiles/reviewsN/A (directory of practitioners)VariedVaries by practitioner

#1 Fortitude Wellbeing: Best Overall Psychology Practice in South Yarra

Fortitude Wellbeing is a boutique psychology practice in South Yarra, led by principal psychologist Melissa Bell. Founded in 2019, the clinic focuses on calm, respectful care where clients feel heard and understood from the first session.

Melissa Bell has over 18 years of experience across psychology and education. Her approach is practical and collaborative, with therapy shaped around the client’s goals rather than a fixed model. Sessions move at a steady pace.

The practice offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, schema therapy, EMDR, and Gottman Method couples therapy. Support covers anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, workplace stress, life transitions, and adult ADHD assessments.

Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available. Fortitude Wellbeing reports minimal or no wait times for new clients, which is a key advantage in a high-demand area like South Yarra.

Pros

  • Principal psychologist with 18+ years of clinical experience
  • Broad range of evidence-based therapies in one practice
  • Often, immediate availability for new clients

Con

  • Boutique size may limit capacity during peak periods

Best For

Adults seeking experienced, personalised psychology care in a smaller setting, particularly for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and significant life transitions.

#2 South Yarra Psychology: Best for Matched Practitioner Fit

South Yarra Psychology is a private practice with a team of psychologists and clinical psychologists supporting adults and adolescents. The clinic works across common concerns such as anxiety, low mood, stress, and relationship difficulties.

Its key strength is a free 10-minute phone matching call. This gives clients a chance to explain what they’re dealing with before booking, reducing the risk of poor fit and first-session drop-off.

Sessions are available face-to-face and via telehealth. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, depending on the practitioner seen.

The team model suits people who value guidance at the start, especially if they feel unsure about therapy style or which psychologist to choose.

Pros

  • Free psychologist matching call before booking
  • Team of registered psychologists and clinical psychologists
  • In-person and telehealth session options

Con

  • Therapy methods and session structure require direct enquiry

Best For

Adults or adolescents who want help choosing the right psychologist from a team, especially when unsure which therapy style or practitioner best suits their needs.

#3 PsychologyCare: Best for Evidence-Based Therapy Near South Yarra

PsychologyCare supports clients from nearby Prahran and Malvern, just minutes from South Yarra. The practice works with adults, adolescents, and children across concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

Therapy is grounded in evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, EMDR, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems. Treatment is tailored to the client’s goals, values, and life stage.

Couples counselling is offered using established frameworks such as Emotion-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method. Sessions focus on communication, recurring conflict, trust repair, and strengthening connections.

A free 15-minute intake call helps match clients with the right psychologist. Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and private health cover may apply.

Pros

  • Wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches
  • Free intake call to support practitioner matching
  • Strong couples counselling frameworks are available

Con

  • Clinics are in Prahran and Malvern, not South Yarra itself

Best For

Individuals, couples, or families seeking structured, evidence-based therapy, including trauma or relationship work, who are comfortable travelling to nearby suburbs.

#4 Fellow Psychology: Best for Flexible Scheduling & Diverse Services

Fellow Psychology, formerly Macquarie Street Psychology, provides psychology services near South Yarra from its Prahran clinic. The team supports a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, family challenges, grief, self-esteem, parenting, and life transitions.

The clinic focuses on a warm, supportive approach, with therapists working collaboratively to understand each client’s goals. Sessions are available in person and via telehealth, with evening and weekend appointments offered to suit busy schedules.

Therapy is grounded in evidence-based approaches. The team includes registered psychologists with diverse backgrounds, enabling a broad range of care.

Treatment usually begins with a detailed first session to explore history, concerns, and goals. Medicare rebates are available with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Pros

  • Flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends
  • Broad range of psychology services for individuals, couples, and families
  • In-person and telehealth options available

Con

  • Based in Prahran rather than directly in South Yarra

Best For

People seeking a flexible psychology practice near South Yarra that offers a wide variety of therapy services and appointment times, especially for busy schedules.

#5 Richard Norrish PsyD: Best for Individualised Long-Term Support

Richard Norrish is a PsyBA-endorsed psychologist with about 20 years of experience across counselling and clinical settings. He works with adults seeking thoughtful, structured support for emotional and behavioural challenges.

His approach ranges from short-term, problem-focused work to longer-term therapy. Sessions often explore patterns, emotions, and past experiences that affect daily life and relationships.

Therapy is collaborative and non-judgmental. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the work, including deciding how many sessions feel right for them.

As a solo practitioner, care is consistent and personal, though availability may be more limited than in larger clinics.

Pros

  • Over 20 years of clinical experience
  • Flexible short- and long-term therapy options
  • Consistent, one-to-one care

Con

  • Limited availability due to solo practice

Best For

Adults seeking personalised therapy with the same psychologist over time, especially for deeper behavioural patterns, emotional insight, and long-term change.

#6 Ally Moloney: Best for Trauma and NDIS Clients

Ally Moloney is a clinical psychologist and board-approved supervisor with over 12 years of experience. She works through One Another, a mobile psychology service supporting clients across South Yarra and nearby areas.

Her work focuses on trauma, difficult relationships, and early emotional wounds. Therapy helps clients understand emotional responses, explore past experiences, and build healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Sessions are trauma-informed and paced carefully, with a strong focus on safety and trust. Ally works with NDIS and TAC clients, providing accessible options for those with funded support.

The mobile service model offers flexibility, though it requires coordination around location and session setup.

Pros

  • Specialist expertise in trauma and relationship healing
  • Accepts NDIS and TAC clients
  • Flexible mobile service model

Con

  • Mobile setup may not suit those preferring a fixed clinic space

Best For

Adults with trauma histories or relationship difficulties seeking specialist clinical psychology support, including NDIS or TAC participants wanting flexible service delivery.

#7 Christina von Cohausen: Best for Emotion-Focused Couples Work

Christina von Cohausen is a Senior Counselling Psychologist and the Director of the Hurstwood Clinic. She is a couples therapist and AHPRA-approved supervisor. She also practices as a hypnotherapist and is internationally accredited in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT).

Her work centres on helping people understand emotions and patterns that shape relationships. Sessions aim to create a safe, steady space where clients can explore feelings, build insight, and strengthen connection.

Christina works with individuals and couples, with a strong focus on relationship repair, emotional closeness, and communication. Her approach integrates emotional, physical, and mental experience rather than treating concerns in isolation.

Availability, fees, and session structure vary and are best confirmed directly before booking.

Pros

  • International accreditation in Emotion-Focused Therapy
  • Strong focus on couples and relationship work
  • Holistic approach integrating emotions and lived experience

Con

  • Session details and fees require direct enquiry

Best For

Couples seeking emotion-focused relationship therapy, and individuals wanting a reflective, holistic approach that centres on emotional understanding and connection.

#8 Mind Body Heart Psychology: Best for Multilingual and Trauma-Informed Care

Mind Body Heart Psychology is a South Yarra practice offering therapy for individuals, children, and couples. The team supports concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and emotional regulation.

The practice is known for its trauma-informed approach and strong focus on safety, trust, and emotional understanding. Therapy aims to help clients feel secure enough to explore difficult experiences at their own pace.

A key strength is multilingual access. Sessions are available in multiple languages, helping reduce barriers for clients who feel more comfortable speaking in their first language.

Both in-person and telehealth sessions are offered. The clinic works with clients across different life stages, including children, adolescents, and adults.

Pros

  • Multilingual therapy options available
  • Strong focus on trauma-informed care
  • Supports individuals, children, and couples

Con

  • Availability may vary depending on language and the clinician

Best For

Individuals, couples, or families seeking trauma-informed therapy in a multilingual setting, especially where language or cultural comfort plays an important role.

#9 Prahran Psychology Clinic: Best for Deep Clinical Experience

Prahran Psychology Clinic supports South Yarra clients through a team of highly experienced clinical psychologists. Each practitioner brings over 20 years of practice, supporting complex and long-standing mental health concerns.

The clinic works across anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and personality-related difficulties. Therapy is informed by strong clinical judgement built through decades of work with varied presentations.

A key strength is depth of experience. Clients often work with psychologists who combine formal training with broad life and professional insight.

Services are delivered in a structured, professional setting. Specific therapy approaches and fees are confirmed directly with the clinic.

Pros

  • Clinical psychologists with 20+ years’ experience
  • Strong support for complex or long-term concerns
  • Established practice with deep clinical judgement

Con

  • Service details and fees require direct enquiry

Best For

Adults with complex or long-standing mental health concerns who want to work with highly experienced clinical psychologists.

#10 Doctify-Listed South Yarra Specialists: Best for Research and Comparison

Doctify lists a range of psychologists practising in and around South Yarra. These include registered practitioners with varied backgrounds, experience levels, and areas of focus.

The platform works best as a research tool. It allows people to identify potential psychologists and compare options before contacting a clinic or practitioner directly.

Listings provide a starting point rather than a full assessment. Therapy approaches, session style, availability, and fees usually require follow-up with the psychologist directly.

Doctify does not replace clinical judgement or fit. It helps narrow options early in the search process.

Pros

  • A broad list of verified psychologists to explore
  • Useful for early-stage research and comparison
  • Covers multiple specialties and experience levels

Con

  • Limited detail on therapy style and client fit

Best For

People at the early research stage who want to compare multiple South Yarra psychologists before contacting clinics directly.

Which South Yarra Psychologist Should You Choose?

The right psychologist depends on what you’re dealing with, how you want to work, and what feels practical right now.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons people seek therapy in South Yarra. Approaches like CBT and ACT have strong evidence and are widely used.

Good options:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for experienced, personalised care with broad therapy options
  • Psychology Care for structured, evidence-based therapy with intake matching

Couples and Relationship Issues

Relationship therapy works best when the psychologist has specific training in couples therapy. The Gottman Method and Emotion-Focused Therapy are well-established approaches.

Good options:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for Gottman Method couples therapy
  • Christina for emotion-focused couples work

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma therapy requires a careful, trauma-informed approach. Methods like EMDR and parts-based therapy are commonly used.

Good options:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for EMDR within broader trauma-informed care
  • Ally Moloney for specialist trauma support and funded pathways
  • PsychologyCare for EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy

ADHD Assessments

Adult ADHD assessments usually involve detailed history-taking and structured assessment. 

Good option:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for adult ADHD assessments with a clear process

Life Transitions and Young Adults

Career changes, relationship shifts, and identity questions often bring people to therapy. Support focuses on coping skills, clarity, and adjustment.

Good options:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for life transitions and change support
  • Psychology Care for tailored, stage-based therapy

Workplace Stress and Burnout

Work-related stress often needs both practical tools and deeper exploration. Flexible appointment times can make a big difference.

Good options:

  • Fortitude Wellbeing for workplace stress and burnout
  • Fellow Psychology for flexible evening and weekend sessions

FAQs

How much does a psychology session cost in South Yarra?

The average cost in South Yarra is around $220 per session. Across Australia, fees usually range from $100 to $250. Costs vary based on experience, session length, and specialisation. Always confirm fees before booking.

Can I get Medicare rebates for psychology?

Yes. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can access rebates under the Better Access Scheme. Medicare covers part of the fee. Most people still pay a gap. Some psychologists bulk bill, but places are limited.

Do private health funds cover psychology?

Many private health funds offer extra cover for psychology sessions. Coverage depends on your policy and provider. Check directly with your insurer.

How do I know if a psychologist is right for me?

The therapeutic relationship matters most. It’s often the strongest predictor of positive outcomes. Many clinics offer short intake calls or matching consultations. These help you check comfort and fit early. Read about the top strategies for finding the best psychologist in Melbourne.

How This List Is Created and Updated

This ranking is based on an independent assessment of publicly available information. It is not paid or sponsored.

Research Sources: We reviewed practice websites, professional registration status, stated therapeutic approaches, service offerings, and publicly available information about credentials and experience.

Update Frequency: This list is reviewed annually. Interim updates occur if practices change their services, locations, or key personnel.

Editorial Independence: Rankings are based on factors affecting client outcomes and professional standards. Advertising relationships do not affect the placement of practices other than Fortitude Wellbeing.

Transparency: We note that Fortitude Wellbeing is ranked #1 in this ranking. Other practices are assessed using the same criteria without commercial arrangement.

Evaluation Focus: We assess factors that affect real outcomes, including professional credentials, therapeutic expertise, process clarity, availability, fee transparency, and accessibility for clients seeking mental wellbeing support.

Final Recommendation

If you want experienced, well-rounded psychological care in South Yarra, Fortitude Wellbeing stands out. The practice combines senior clinical experience, clear processes, and a broad range of evidence-based therapies, with minimal wait times for new clients.

Focus on fit, trust, and practical access, not just credentials. When you feel safe, understood, and involved, therapy works better.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Fortitude Wellbeing today.

About the Author

Principal Psychologist

Melissa is a registered general psychologist and teacher with over 20-years’ experience in the field of wellbeing, mental health and education. Melissa currently works in private practice, offering short and long-term therapy for adolescents and adults. She works with a wide range of presenting issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, work-place stress and relationship issues.