Psychology and counselling.
Psychology and counselling across all three SMSG centres for adults, adolescents and children. A team covering a range of therapy modalities. Book on a Mental Health Care Plan for the Medicare rebate, or directly if you prefer.
Options, not one path.
Mental health support isn't one-size-fits-all. Different practitioners bring different training, therapy approaches, and personal styles. SMSG offers psychology, clinical psychology, counselling and psychotherapy across our three centres, so the fit between what you need and who you see can be a real match rather than the only option on the day.
Sessions are structured to your goals, whether that's short-term work on a specific concern (anxiety, low mood, adjustment, grief) or longer-term therapy for complex or enduring difficulties. The team draws on evidence-based approaches and matches modality and style to your presentation. For specific pathways (perinatal mental health through Aurora, children and adolescents through Kids' Dr, neurodivergent-affirming support), you can be matched to a practitioner with the relevant focus. Where a Mental Health Care Plan is in place, care is coordinated with your GP.
A broad range of concerns.
Understanding the difference.
The distinction between psychology and counselling can be confusing. Broadly, psychologists are university-trained in psychological assessment and therapy, and are registered with AHPRA under the Psychology Board of Australia.
Clinical psychologists hold additional postgraduate training in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health conditions. Their sessions attract a slightly higher Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Care Plan.
Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained in therapy modalities and work with adults, adolescents and families across life concerns, relationship difficulties, grief, and adjustment. Counsellors are not registered with AHPRA but hold professional membership (for example, PACFA or ACA).
In practice, the differences can be less important than finding the right practitioner for your situation. Reception can help you decide who to book with. For Medicare-rebated sessions, you'll need a Mental Health Care Plan prepared by your GP, giving access to up to ten rebated sessions per calendar year.
A Mental Health Care Plan under the Better Access initiative covers both psychological therapy and eligible psychological assessments, so the ten rebated sessions can be used for assessment work as well as ongoing therapy where clinically appropriate. For eligible children with a complex neurodevelopmental condition or an eligible disability, the separate Complex Neurodevelopmental / Eligible Disability pathway (M10) may apply for additional allied health rebates.
Across all three centres.
Confirmed at booking.
Psychology and counselling sessions are privately billed. Under a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates apply for eligible sessions (with a higher rebate for clinical psychology). The gap between the session fee and the Medicare rebate varies by practitioner, and reception can confirm the specific amount for the person you're booking with.
Private health fund rebates apply for patients with psychology or counselling extras cover; check with your health fund. Reception confirms specific fee arrangements at booking.
Common questions.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor?
No. You can book directly. A GP-prepared Mental Health Care Plan is required if you want to access the Medicare rebate.
How long is a session?
Sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
That varies substantially by presentation and goals. Some patients need a small number of sessions; others benefit from longer-term therapy. Your practitioner discusses this at your first session.
Can I choose between a psychologist and a counsellor?
Yes. If you're not sure, reception can help based on what you're seeing us about. Sometimes practitioners themselves suggest a different colleague after an initial consultation if they think another approach would fit better.
Are your practitioners LGBTQIA+ affirming?
Yes.
Are your practitioners neurodivergence-affirming?
Sandra Bell specifically describes her practice as neurodiversity-affirming. Other SMSG practitioners work with neurodivergent patients across their practice.
Can children and adolescents be seen?
Yes. Sandra Bell, Sue Boursiani and Cara Chillari work with children and adolescents through Kids' Dr.
Is there a wait for appointments?
Wait times vary by practitioner. Reception can advise on current availability.
