How Much Does BetterHelp Cost (Australia)? The Pricing Of Online Therapy Sessions

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that serves individuals around the world, including in Australia. Before getting started with such a platform, many people have questions about the cost. Keep reading to learn more about BetterHelp’s online mental health services and how BetterHelp’s pricing compares to that of traditional therapy providers in Australia. 

Note: BetterHelp charges are listed in Australian dollars and can be compared to other platforms available locally.

How much are in-person therapy sessions in Australia? 

According to the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the APS National Schedule of Suggested Fees are $318 for a 46- to 60-minute individual therapy session in a therapist’s office in 2025–2026. The APS notes that this is just a suggested fee and that independent psychologists can set their own rate. 

Keep in mind that the cost of in-person therapy sessions can vary widely based on several factors, such as location and therapist experience. For example, a therapist in Sydney or Melbourne may charge more than a therapist in a smaller city or a rural area. Also consider that Master’s-level therapists may offer lower rates than psychologists do. In addition, note that Medicare rebates may help lower in-person therapy costs for eligible Australians. 

How much does BetterHelp cost Australia residents?

Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. The BetterHelp cost can be more affordable than the cost of in-person therapy without independent health insurance coverage or another type of assistance. 

What does online therapy with BetterHelp include?

A BetterHelp subscription allows individuals to participate in weekly live sessions with a qualified therapist via audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these, depending on which format the individual prefers. For example, video sessions allow people to still receive face-to-face contact with a credentialed mental health counselor. Or, the live chat room option may be appealing to people who prefer to express their thoughts and emotions in writing. 

BetterHelp also allows clients to reach out to their therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and their therapist will respond as soon as they are able. This feature may be helpful on days when individuals experience emotional challenges that they want to communicate in the moment instead of waiting until their next therapy session. Taken together, these formats can be helpful to individuals experiencing mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and stress. 

Are you in need of mental health support?

Chat with a therapist

What to expect from the matching process

Working with the right therapist can be a key factor in success, which is why BetterHelp uses an online questionnaire to facilitate a matching process that finds the best fit. When you visit the BetterHelp website, you’ll fill out a questionnaire that will gather information to help determine what therapist may work best with your specific needs. Once you’ve submitted this, you will be matched with a mental health care professional within a few days, which makes this type of therapy more accessible than traditional services. 

Additional tools and resources that come with a BetterHelp subscription 

A monthly subscription to BetterHelp also includes the ability to take advantage of a variety of additional, optional tools. For instance, online journaling prompts and worksheets support clients in writing about their mental health journey. Also, clients can join group webinars, sometimes called “groupinars,” to learn more about various mental health support topics, and a variety of different weekly support groups are also available to subscribers.

How does BetterHelp verify therapists?

BetterHelp has a team that verifies that each therapist on the platform has met the educational requirements needed to practice therapy in their country and region. The team verifies each therapist’s license with the competent authority, such as the Australian Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists or the Psychology Board of Australia for psychologists. The team also verifies that all BetterHelp therapists have at least three years of clinical experience, although most providers on the platform have more experience than this.  

Coverage and rebates in Australia

While BetterHelp does not offer Medicare rebates, sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through individual health insurance. Lower costs through both reimbursement and affordable subscription through the BetterHelp platform can make mental health care more accessible to many Australians who may struggle with the high cost of traditional therapy services.

The effectiveness of online therapy vs. in-person therapy for mental health

In recent years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have suggested that online therapy services can often be effective for addressing a variety of mental disorders. For example, one systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may often be even more effective than in-person therapy for symptoms of depression. 

BetterHelp Australia reviews and user experience

Not only has BetterHelp been featured in a journal review and favorably compared to other platforms, many users have submitted BetterHelp Australia reviews (which can be found on the BetterHelp website). Reviewers share a number of benefits they found with BetterHelp, including convenience, affordability, and the breadth of mental health topics addressed.