How To Find A Therapist (Australia): Selecting The Right Mental Health Professional

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Whether you’re struggling with major life transitions, anxiety, depression, stress, difficulties related to everyday life, or challenges with relationships, finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable can be an important part of your healing journey. Finding the right therapist for your unique needs and preferences can make a significant difference in your therapy experience, as the right provider can offer compassionate support in ways that resonate with you—helping you achieve your mental wellness goals and take steps toward personal growth, whatever that looks like for you. Below, you’ll find resources for locating a therapist in Australia, plus an overview of common therapeutic approaches and tips on how to know if you’ve found the right provider for you. 

What does a therapist do?

A therapist is a type of healthcare provider. They are required to undergo specialized education and hands-on field practice so that they can support people experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns—from diagnosable conditions like depression to life challenges like chronic illness, life transitions, work stress, relationship conflict, or low self-esteem. Throughout their education, a therapist or similar type of provider will learn how to build rapport with clients, practice active listening, and use evidence-based strategies to guide them on the path toward healing and improved mental well-being. 

Understanding the different types of providers who can offer care for depression, anxiety, fear of missing out, and more

Therapists, also called psychotherapists or talk therapists, can provide talk therapy as a treatment for a variety of common mental health conditions. However, they are not the only type of professional who may be able to offer this sort of care. In Australia, individuals seeking support can explore options from a diverse range of mental health professionals. For instance, counsellors or mental health social workers may also be able to provide talk therapy to clients experiencing mental challenges. In addition to the different types of providers available, individuals can also explore different settings and types of therapy depending on their preferences, as some therapists offer online therapy and some operate their own independent practice. 

What are some common mental health approaches? Cognitive behavioral therapy and others

There are numerous approaches to therapy, also called modalities, that may be used by mental health professionals. Some of the more common, evidence-based approaches used today include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. CBT is widely used to address conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and anxiety.
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT is a modified version of CBT, which integrates mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. Initially formulated to address recurrent depression, it is now used to address various conditions. MBCT encourages a person to develop a new relationship to their thoughts and feelings through practices such as breathing exercises.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). DBT is a modified form of CBT that focuses on helping individuals develop coping skills to manage strong emotions. DBT involves the teaching of four skills: acceptance and distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT may be used to address bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and major depressive disorder, among others. 
• Interpersonal therapy (IP). Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving social functioning and relationships, stressing the importance of interpersonal well-being on mental health. IP is usually time-limited, often involving 12–16 sessions. 

If you're not sure what type of therapy might be best for you or needs, that's okay. It's common to meet with the general therapist to get their advice on what type of approach might be best for your situation. 

What to look for in a therapist: Choosing the right therapist for your needs

In addition to making sure they are qualified, that their fees match your financial means, and that they are located in your area or online, a key factor that can play a key role in the outcome of therapy is how comfortable you are with your therapist. Finding a provider with whom you can develop a relationship based on trust and mutual respect can promote personal growth and help you meet your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are seeking support for trauma, grief, addiction, pregnancy concerns, behavioural concerns, or something else entirely, finding a supportive therapist who is dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment of safety and respect can be crucial.  

The role of the therapeutic alliance 

The therapeutic alliance can be defined as the collaborative relationship between a therapist and their client. It’s considered a major factor in promoting positive outcomes of cognitive behavior therapy or any other treatment approach. Finding a therapist who makes you feel safe, supported, and heard and with whom you can build a strong and healthy therapeutic alliance may be essential for receiving quality care. 

How to find a therapist in Australia: Key options

There are many ways to find a therapist in Australia. Often, it includes the use of directories with detailed listings for professionals. Another way to find a therapist is by asking your general practitioner (GP) for a referral. You may also search for a psychologist on your own and then ask your GP for a referral to see that specific provider. 

How to find a therapist in Australia through a directory

If you are looking for a provider with a specific identity or specialty, you might inquire through related authorities or organizations. For example, someone who is looking for a provider who specializes in addressing adolescent issues may ask their child's pediatrician or their child's school. Or, someone who would like to meet with a provider who speaks a particular language and is experienced in migrant issues might inquire with a local related organization (like 13YARN for Indigenous youth) or community center. 

Once you find a therapist through a directory who seems like they’d be a fit for your needs, you can contact them directly to see if they’re accepting new patients. If so, you can schedule your first appointment.

Questions to ask a prospective therapist

The first step: Assessment and consultation

Once you have found a suitable therapist, you can often call or send a message to schedule your initial consultation. Typically, this first session is a chance for your therapist to learn more about you and what you hope to achieve in therapy, conduct an initial assessment, and provide an overview of the therapy process. Based on this information, your therapist can determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach to support you.  

How to know if your therapist is a good fit

It's not uncommon to meet with a few therapists before finding a professional who suits your needs. After you've completed some sessions with a new provider, you might ask yourself some questions to gauge whether they seem like a good fit so you know whether you'd like to continue working with them. 

Some signs that you may have found a good therapist for you include: 

• You feel safe and respected during your sessions
• You are comfortable opening up to them, and they help you work through your discomfort when it arises
• You feel a sense of empathy from them
• You feel they are entirely present when you're in session 
• They set up healthy boundaries, such as outlining expected behaviors

Evidence-based therapy and research in Australia

As you explore various options for supporting your mental health and wellness, there may be times when you feel uncertain about whether therapy is right for you and whether it can actually make a difference in your life. If this is a worry you are having, it may be comforting to note that you can find a range of evidence-based therapy approaches, backed by strong research in the fields of mental health and clinical psychology. 

In fact, researchers in Australia and around the world continue to explore the effectiveness of various therapy approaches for various populations, such as with recent studies on evidence-based care for children with anxiety and on translating evidence-based psychological interventions for older adults with depression and anxiety by researchers from institutions such as Macquarie University, University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Hospital, and more. 

Getting therapy through Medicare or independent practice options

Another common concern that may arise when seeking therapy has to do with cost and payment, which can create confusion and may present a barrier for some people. There are a number of ways to find therapy that may simplify this process or make therapy more affordable in some situations. For instance, in some cases, individuals may be able to claim Medicare rebates or use insurance. Checking with your general practitioner for a referral for therapy or exploring various independent practice options may also be helpful. 

How therapists support families, couples, and parents 

In addition to supporting individuals with various mental wellness goals, therapists can also offer valuable support in a range of other situations. For instance, therapy can help parents navigate the difficulties of raising children, help families improve communication skills, and help couples gain a better sense of each other’s needs while supporting overall well-being.

Other kinds of mental health support for treating depression, anxiety, fear of missing out, and more

In addition to therapy, there are also other forms of support available for mental health, whether you’re experiencing signs of a diagnosable condition or another type of life challenge. Some examples include self-guided resources and classes, support groups, peer support networks, and crisis hotlines. 

Exploring the option of online cognitive behavioral therapy for mental health

If you are unable to find a therapist to suit your needs in your local area, you might consider exploring online therapy as an alternative. With a global platform like BetterHelp, you simply need to fill out a brief onboarding questionnaire in order to get matched with a qualified therapist who you can meet with virtually. 

Remote sessions can take place from anywhere you have an internet connection and be conducted via phone call, video call, or live chat. BetterHelp therapists may specialize in a variety of modalities, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy.

Key benefits of online therapy

Online therapy can be more convenient for people who have few mental health providers in their community or who are unable to regularly commute to and from in-person sessions. Plus, online therapy can often be more affordable than out-of-pocket costs for in-person therapy without insurance. 

Is online therapy effective?

When considering online therapy, it may be helpful to know that numerous studies have examined its efficacy when compared to face-to-face therapy—and most suggest that the two can often be similarly effective. For example, one retrospective study suggests that digital cognitive behavioral therapy can promote “sustained and clinically meaningful improvements” in mental health symptoms in many cases.