Why Is Mental Health Care So Expensive? (And What We’re Doing About It)

Let’s talk about the giant, awkward kangaroo in the room: mental health care in Australia can be really, really expensive. Like, “do I want therapy or a tropical holiday?” kind of expensive.

And as someone who spends their days helping people untangle their thoughts and feelings (and occasionally rescuing them from existential spirals during the lunch hour), I get how frustrating this is. You shouldn’t have to choose between getting help and paying your electricity bill. Both are pretty important, especially in winter.

So… Why Is It So Expensive?

Let me pull back the curtain a bit.

1. Training & Accreditation: Mental health professionals don’t just wake up one day and decide to become counsellors, psychologists, or therapists because they enjoy asking, “And how does that make you feel?” We train. For years. We pay for degrees, supervision, insurance, ongoing professional development — and coffee. Lots of coffee. These costs stack up, and they influence what we have to charge.

2. Limited Medicare Support: In Australia, Medicare does cover a portion of psychology sessions — but not always enough, and only with specific providers. And if you’ve ever tried to find a bulk-billing psychologist who has availability before 2027, you’ll know it's a bit like hunting for a unicorn in the outback.

3. Private Practice Overheads: Many mental health professionals work in private practice, which means renting rooms, paying admin staff, software costs, insurance, toilet paper… the glamorous life of healing hearts. These overheads inevitably get factored into fees.

4. Demand Is Through the Roof: Post-pandemic, more people than ever are prioritizing mental health — which is fantastic! But it’s also meant waitlists have grown, and some providers can charge more because the demand is so high. Classic supply and demand economics. (Remember Year 10 economics? Me neither.)

   
   

But Here’s the Good News: We’re Doing Something About It

We believe that mental health care shouldn’t be a luxury. Emotional wellbeing isn’t a designer handbag or a gourmet brunch — it’s essential, and it should be accessible.

That’s why we’re committed to offering affordable wellbeing tools that help bridge the gap.

Whether it’s self-guided programs, digital resources, mindfulness exercises, or good old-fashioned human support (we’re still here, coffee in hand), our aim is to make mental health care more inclusive, less intimidating, and way more reachable. We’re not saying our tools replace in-person counselling— but they can certainly help support you on the journey, especially when professional help feels out of reach or you’re stuck on a waitlist.

A Final Thought (or a Gentle Nudge)

Yes, mental health care is expensive. But your mental health is valuable. You are valuable.

If you’re struggling to afford support, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out, explore free or low-cost resources, and most importantly — be kind to yourself. We’re working hard behind the scenes (and occasionally in our pyjamas) to create and share more tools that meet you where you are.

Because good mental health shouldn’t just be for the few. It should be for you.

Warmly, Your Counsellor Who Thinks You’re Doing Just Fine (But Will Gladly Help You Feel Even Better)