How to Choose the Right Psychologist
Finding a psychologist is a bit like finding a good mechanic — qualifications matter, but so does the relationship.
What to check before booking
- Are they registered? Look them up on the AHPRA register. All psychologists must be registered to practise in Australia.
- Do they accept Medicare rebates? Not all do — ask when you call.
- What’s their session fee? And what’s the gap after the rebate?
- Do they have experience with your issue? A psychologist who specialises in anxiety may be a better fit than a generalist if anxiety is your main concern.
- Do they offer telehealth? Phone or video sessions can be more accessible.
Questions to ask in your first session
- “What approach do you use?” (CBT, ACT, psychodynamic, etc.)
- “How many sessions do you think I’ll need?”
- “What does a typical session look like?”
How to know if they’re a good fit
After 2–3 sessions, ask yourself:
- Do I feel heard and understood?
- Am I comfortable being honest with them?
- Do I feel like we’re working on something, not just chatting?
It’s OK if the answer is “not really.” A good therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of therapy success. If it’s not clicking, it’s better to try someone else than to push through.
Changing psychologists
You can switch at any time. Just:
- Tell your current psychologist (or just stop booking — you don’t owe an explanation).
- Ask your GP for an updated referral to the new psychologist.
- Your remaining Medicare sessions carry over — you don’t lose them.