Finding a good psychologist is key to your mental health.
This guide on “how to find a good psychologist” will help you work out what you need, research, evaluate and choose the right psychologist for you.
You’ll learn about key things like specialisations, costs and personal fit.
Key Takeaways
- Work out what you need and how to find the right psychologist and the importance of a good therapeutic relationship.
- Use online resources and get referrals from your GP to find potential psychologists and check reviews.
- Consider costs, rebates and insurance.
Identifying Your Mental Health Needs

Firstly you need to work out what are your personal mental health needs are.
Mental health, like physical health, is essential to your overall being. It affects how you manage stress, work and connect with the community.
Many people experience mental illness in their lives. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a sign of strength not weakness.
Identifying out what’s contributing to your concerns is the first step to finding the right psychologist.
Are you dealing with anxiety, depression or something more specific like an eating disorders? Knowing what you need will help you narrow down your search for a psychologist who specialises in those areas.
Get a mental health care plan from your GP who may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to see if working with a psychologist is suitable for you.
Personal preferences also come into play. Do you prefer a therapist of a certain gender or cultural background? These are valid and can make a big difference in your therapy experience.
Researching Psychologists Online

Once you’ve worked out what you need, start your search to find the right psychologist. Online resources are a treasure trove of potential psychologists.
The Australian Psychological Society’s ‘Find a Psychologist’ tool allows you to search by location and issue. You can even select up to three issues and get a list of suitable psychologists.
Another great resource is PsychEngage, which lets you search for psychologists and create a shortlist to book appointments.
This platform has access to thousands of private practice psychologists, including bilingual and rural practitioners.
Consulting Your GP for Referrals
In your search for a psychologist, your General Practitioner (GP) can be a great help. You can get a mental health care plan that includes a referral to a psychologist after an assessment of your condition.
This referral enables you to get a Medicare rebate making therapy more affordable. If you’re paying privately or using your health insurance, a referral is not necessary.
Bear in mind that, unlike specialists, GPs are generalists. They don’t know the specifics of every psychologist’s specialisation so a recommendation from your GP may not always be the perfect match for what you need. Doing your own research will help you find the psychologist who suits you.
Evaluating Psychologists' Profiles

Now you have a list of potential therapists, you can dive into their profiles. Look for information about their education, including universities and degrees. Also consider their experience in specific modalities like CBT, ACT or Psychodynamic Therapy.
As well as whether the psychologist has experience with your age group, whether it be children, adolescents or adults.
Considering Specialisations and Expertise

Seeing a psychologist who specialises in your specific mental health issue can lead to better treatment outcomes. Many therapists specialise in areas like eating disorders, anxiety or child psychology and can treat these conditions specifically.
Some psychologists also specialise in more niche areas like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and resilience building. This expertise is a sign of their ability to handle specific mental health conditions and meet your unique needs.
Checking Insurance and Costs

When choosing a psychologist, cost is a big consideration. Medicare has rebates for up to 10 sessions per year under the Better Access program and covers part of the fee.
For Clinical Psychologists the rebate is $141.85 per session and for other general psychologists it’s $96.65 per session.
If you’re using private health insurance, check if your policy covers psychological services. Some psychologists also offer sliding scale fees based on your income. Make sure to check these details to fit your budget.
Telehealth Options for Flexibility
By providing the convenience of connecting from your home or office, telehealth services have transformed mental health care. This is particularly beneficial if you live in remote, rural, or regional areas where local specialists are hard to find.
Telehealth also gives you flexibility, so you can book sessions at times that suit you. This means continuity of care, even in crisis, by not having to break the connection with your psychologist.
Importance of Therapeutic Alliance
For therapy to be successful, a key element is the therapeutic alliance, the bond between you and your psychologist. Feeling comfortable and understood by your therapist can make a big difference in your sessions.
Your connection with your therapist is often the most important factor in your therapy. So make sure to prioritise this relationship when choosing a psychologist.
Questions to Ask During the First Session
The first session is an opportunity to:
- Evaluate if the therapist is suitable for you
- Ask about their therapeutic approach and the mental health services they provide, including the therapy process
- Inquire how they plan to help you improve your mental health
If you feel comfortable, understood and getting helpful feedback it’s a good sign you’re a good fit. These signs can make for a positive experience. Write down some notes beforehand so you don’t forget to ask everything in the first session.
Assessing Comfort and Fit
After a few sessions, ask yourself if your feelings are being acknowledged in your therapy sessions. You should feel safe, comfortable and able to share with your therapist.
Trust your instincts. If the therapeutic relationship doesn’t feel right it’s okay to switch therapists. The key to finding the right psychologist is personal fit.
Exploring Community Mental Health Clinics
Based on income community mental health clinics like CoHealth offer counselling for free or low cost. Services like Drummond Street offer low cost counselling for various groups including LGBTQI clients, refugees and migrants.
University clinics also offer low cost counselling services by postgraduate psychology students under supervision. Provisional psychologists can be a lower cost option and are often supervised by senior clinical psychologists.
Utilising Employee Assistance Programs
Early intervention to manage mental health issues, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide free access to mental health services. They also cover immediate family members so employees don’t have to bear the burden.
EAPs allow employees to access qualified psychologists 24/7 so you can have continuous support. Managers can also use EAPs to support their staff by getting expert advice.
Seeking Support Beyond Sessions
For managing mental health outside of therapy, support beyond sessions is critical. Many psychologists offer additional resources such as group therapy and community support to help you on your mental health journey.
Professional Development and Training
For psychologists, continuous professional development (CPD) entails:
- Continuous learning and skill enhancement
- Staying current with the latest research and methodologies
- Ensuring they provide the best psychological care possible.
CPD opportunities like workshops and training sessions allow psychologists to get feedback on their practice and identify areas for improvement. Many profiles list professional associations and memberships so you can see they are committed to ongoing professional development.
Making an Appointment
Appointments can be booked online or over the phone. Many psychologists offer online sessions so you can book in with busy schedules or prefer remote consultations.
Summary
To sum up, learning how to find a good psychologist involves understanding your mental health needs, researching potential therapists, and evaluating their profiles and expertise. Remember to consider costs, insurance, and the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance.
Taking the first step towards mental health care is a courageous move. By following these tips on how to find a good psychologist, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right psychologist to support your journey to better mental health.
If you’re in the South Yarra area, consider booking an appointment with Fortitude Wellbeing.
Our experienced psychologists are here to provide you with the support you need. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards better mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No, you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist, unless you want to claim Medicare rebates. Private health insurance claims don’t require a referral.
How can I find a psychologist who specializes in my specific mental health issue?
You can use online tools like the Australian Psychological Society’s ‘Find a Psychologist’ and PsychEngage to search for specialists based on your specific needs. Good luck with your search!
What should I ask during my first therapy session?
During your first therapy session, you should ask about the therapist’s approach, services, and how they plan to help you improve your mental health. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect and whether the therapist is the right fit for you.
What if I don't feel comfortable with my therapist after a few sessions?
If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, it’s okay to switch therapists and find someone you feel more at ease with. Trust your instincts.
Are there low-cost options for therapy?
You can check out community mental health clinics or university clinics for low-cost or no-cost counseling services. Give them a call and see if they can help you out!