Melbourne has a well-established network of counsellors and psychologists, with demand for mental health support growing steadily across the city. Whether someone is managing anxiety, working through relationship difficulties, or seeking a space to process grief or trauma, finding the right practitioner makes a genuine difference to outcomes. The city’s size and diversity means the range of services on offer is broad, from bulk-billed psychology clinics to boutique private practices and relationship specialists.
The providers listed here were selected based on client review ratings, the range of services offered, accessibility, and consistency of feedback across public platforms. Where ratings are noted, these reflect aggregated client scores available at the time of compilation. The list covers both solo practitioners and multi-clinician practices, so there are options suitable for individuals, couples, and families across different budgets and needs.
Melbourne’s counselling sector spans everything from Medicare-rebated psychology sessions to private counselling and life coaching. Understanding the differences between these service types, and knowing what questions to ask before booking, will help you find the right fit. The providers below represent some of the most consistently well-reviewed options across the city in 2026.
1. Counselling in Melbourne
Phone-based psychology support and counselling consultations across Melbourne
Counselling in Melbourne offers psychology support with an accessible entry point via phone consultation, making it a practical option for people who prefer not to travel or who want an initial conversation before committing to in-person sessions. The service covers a range of mental health concerns and connects clients with qualified practitioners.
The practice holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating from client reviews. While this is lower than some others on this list, it may reflect a smaller review sample or the nature of phone-based delivery, which suits some clients better than others. It remains a useful option for those prioritising convenience or flexibility.
Clients looking for a straightforward, accessible counselling contact point in Melbourne may find this service meets their immediate needs, particularly as a starting point for ongoing support.
Pros
- Phone consultation option reduces barriers to initial contact
- Accessible for clients who cannot attend in person
- Covers a broad range of mental health concerns
Cons
- Lower rating compared to other providers on this list
- Phone-only format may not suit all therapeutic needs
- Limited publicly available information about individual practitioners
Best for: Clients seeking flexible, phone-accessible counselling support in Melbourne
Website: counsellinginmelbourne.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
2. Melbourne Counselling
Highly rated Melbourne counselling practice with a perfect client review score
Melbourne Counselling carries a 5.0 out of 5 rating across its client reviews, placing it among the top-rated counselling services in the city. The practice provides a range of counselling services for individuals working through personal, emotional, or relational challenges, with a clear focus on client experience.
The perfect rating across reviews suggests a consistent standard of care and client satisfaction. For people who place significant weight on peer feedback when selecting a mental health provider, this record is worth noting.
The practice is Melbourne-based and offers accessible entry points for new clients. Those looking for a well-reviewed, locally established counselling service will find Melbourne Counselling worth considering at an early stage of their search.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 rating from client reviews
- Locally based with a focus on individual client needs
- Strong reputation for consistent service quality
Cons
- Limited publicly available detail on specific therapist qualifications or specialisations
- Website provides minimal information on session formats or fees
Best for: Individuals seeking a highly rated, locally established Melbourne counsellor
Website: melbournecounselling.org
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
3. Live Your Story Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual therapy and psychotherapy sessions with Melbourne counsellors and psychotherapists
Live Your Story Counselling and Psychotherapy offers individual therapy sessions delivered by qualified counsellors and psychotherapists in Melbourne. The practice takes a narrative and person-centred approach to therapy, helping clients explore and reframe their personal experiences within a structured therapeutic relationship.
With a 4.9 out of 5 rating, the practice has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency. Client feedback points to a warm, professional environment and practitioners who take time to understand individual circumstances rather than applying a one-size approach.
The practice suits people who want depth in their therapeutic work and are looking for practitioners with formal psychotherapy training, not just counselling qualifications. This distinction matters for those dealing with longer-standing or more complex personal challenges.
Pros
- 4.9 out of 5 client rating
- Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists on the team
- Person-centred and narrative approach to therapy
- Strong client feedback on practitioner attentiveness
Cons
- May have limited availability depending on practitioner schedules
- Not listed as offering bulk billing or subsidised sessions
Best for: Individuals seeking in-depth individual therapy with qualified psychotherapists in Melbourne
Website: liveyourstory.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
4. Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC)
Dedicated relationship counselling clinic in Melbourne with a specialist focus
The Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic, known as MSRCC, focuses exclusively on relationship counselling, making it one of the more specialised services on this list. The clinic’s dedicated focus means practitioners are experienced in working with couples, families, and individuals dealing with relational concerns specifically, rather than offering a general counselling service.
MSRCC holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 35 client reviews, which provides a reasonable sample from which to draw conclusions about consistency. Clients with 35 or more reviews available tend to offer a more reliable picture of service quality than practices with only a handful of responses.
For couples or individuals dealing with relationship breakdown, communication difficulties, infidelity, or separation, a specialist clinic like MSRCC often provides more targeted support than a general counselling practice. The focus here is narrow, and that focus is the point.
Pros
- Specialist focus on relationship counselling
- 4.7 out of 5 from 35 client reviews
- Experienced in couples, family, and relational concerns
- Strong review volume for a specialist clinic
Cons
- Narrow focus means it is less suited to general individual counselling needs
- May have limited availability for new clients given specialised demand
Best for: Couples and individuals seeking specialist relationship counselling in Melbourne
Website: msrcc.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
5. Counselling Melbourne Clinic
One-on-one individual counselling sessions with a Melbourne-based practitioner
Counselling Melbourne Clinic is operated by Ronnie Adamowicz and offers individual one-on-one therapy sessions in Melbourne. As a solo practitioner, Ronnie provides a consistent therapeutic relationship from the first session onwards, which is something many clients find valuable compared to larger clinics where practitioners may vary.
The clinic holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating from client reviews. Clients who have worked with Ronnie consistently reference the depth of listening and the non-judgmental quality of sessions, which is central to effective counselling practice.
A solo practitioner service suits people who want continuity and a direct therapeutic relationship rather than being assigned to whoever is available. This model works well for those with ongoing or longer-term needs.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 client rating
- Consistent therapeutic relationship with the same practitioner
- Individual, one-on-one session format
- Client feedback highlights attentive and non-judgmental approach
Cons
- Solo practitioner means limited availability if schedule is full
- May not offer the breadth of specialisations found at larger practices
Best for: Individuals wanting consistent one-on-one counselling with a dedicated Melbourne practitioner
Website: ronnieadamowicz.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
6. Counselling Service in Melbourne
One-on-one counselling support from a Melbourne-based practice
Counselling Service in Melbourne provides individual one-on-one counselling support for people dealing with a range of personal and emotional concerns. The service is Melbourne-based and holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating from client reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction among those who have used it.
The practice appears well suited to individuals who want direct access to counselling support without the overhead of navigating a larger clinic. The focus on one-on-one sessions means clients receive undivided attention during their appointments.
For those new to counselling who want a straightforward, accessible service with a strong track record from client feedback, this provider is a solid option to contact early in the selection process.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 client rating
- One-on-one session format
- Melbourne-based with accessible contact options
Cons
- Limited publicly available information on practitioner backgrounds or specific specialisations
- Smaller service with potentially limited session availability
Best for: Individuals seeking straightforward, highly rated one-on-one counselling in Melbourne
Website: counsellingservicemelbourne.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
7. The Talk Shop – Counselling and Psychology
Bulk-billed psychology and counselling services at a Melbourne CBD location
The Talk Shop offers something that relatively few Melbourne providers do: bulk-billed psychology sessions, meaning eligible clients can access psychological support at no out-of-pocket cost through Medicare. This is a significant practical consideration for people on limited budgets or those who need regular sessions over an extended period.
The practice holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating and operates from a Melbourne CBD location, making it accessible for people who work in or near the city centre. The combination of bulk billing and a central location removes two of the most common barriers to accessing mental health support.
The Talk Shop is suitable for clients who hold a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP and want to access rebated psychology sessions without additional financial pressure. Those unfamiliar with the process should ask their GP about eligibility before booking.
Pros
- Bulk billing available for eligible clients via Medicare
- CBD location convenient for city-based clients
- 4.5 out of 5 client rating
- Covers both counselling and psychology services
Cons
- Bulk billing requires a valid Mental Health Care Plan from a GP
- High demand for bulk-billed services may affect appointment availability
- Lower rating than some other providers on this list
Best for: Clients seeking bulk-billed psychology sessions in Melbourne CBD with a Medicare rebate
Website: thetalkshop.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
8. MVS Psychology Group: Collins Street, Melbourne
Psychology practice on Collins Street with strong client satisfaction across reviews
MVS Psychology Group operates from Collins Street in Melbourne’s CBD, offering a range of psychological services delivered by a team of qualified psychologists. The group practice model means clients have access to practitioners with varied specialisations, which is an advantage when dealing with specific mental health concerns that require particular expertise.
The practice holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating, placing it among the highest-rated psychology practices on this list. Client feedback consistently references the professionalism of the team and the quality of the therapeutic environment, which is relevant for those for whom clinical setting matters.
MVS Psychology Group suits individuals, couples, and professionals seeking psychology services at a well-established city practice. The Collins Street address positions it conveniently for Melbourne CBD workers and those commuting from inner suburbs.
Pros
- 4.9 out of 5 client rating
- Group practice with varied practitioner specialisations
- Central Collins Street location
- Strong client feedback on professionalism and clinical environment
Cons
- Group practice means less guarantee of session-to-session practitioner consistency
- CBD location may not be convenient for clients in outer suburbs
Best for: Individuals and professionals seeking qualified psychology services at a reputable Melbourne CBD practice
Website: mvspsychology.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
9. Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre
Mental health counselling service with a 4.9 rating across 50 client reviews
Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 50 client reviews, which is one of the stronger review samples among the practices listed here. A larger review count generally provides a more reliable indicator of consistent quality, and 50 reviews at 4.9 out of 5 is a strong result for a Melbourne counselling practice.
The centre provides mental health counselling for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, and relationship concerns, among other areas. The breadth of concerns addressed makes it a viable first point of contact for clients who are unsure exactly what type of support they need.
Clients who prioritise peer-validated quality and want a practice with a clear track record across a meaningful number of reviews will find Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre worth contacting. The combination of a high rating and a substantial review volume gives more confidence than a high rating with only a handful of responses.
Pros
- 4.9 out of 5 from 50 client reviews
- One of the higher review volumes among Melbourne counselling practices
- Covers a broad range of mental health concerns
- Suitable for clients unsure of the exact support type they need
Cons
- Specific practitioner details and session formats require direct enquiry
- No publicly listed information on bulk billing or fee structures
Best for: Individuals seeking a well-reviewed Melbourne counselling centre with a strong track record across a meaningful client base
Website: melbournetherapycentre.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
10. Melbourne Psychology and Counselling
Psychology and counselling services for individuals seeking mental health support in Melbourne
Melbourne Psychology and Counselling offers psychological and counselling services for individuals across the city. The practice covers general mental health support and is suited to clients looking for a locally based service that combines psychology and counselling under one roof.
The practice holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating, which is the joint-lowest on this list. This may reflect a smaller review pool or areas of service delivery that clients have found inconsistent. Prospective clients are advised to read available reviews carefully and ask specific questions during an initial enquiry call.
Despite the lower rating, the practice may still suit some clients depending on their location, availability preferences, or the specific type of support they are seeking. It is worth making direct contact to assess fit before making a decision.
Pros
- Combines psychology and counselling services
- Melbourne-based with accessible contact details
- Covers a range of individual mental health concerns
Cons
- 3.8 out of 5 rating, the joint-lowest on this list
- Limited publicly available information on practitioners or approach
- Review feedback warrants careful reading before booking
Best for: Individuals wanting a combined psychology and counselling service in Melbourne who are willing to enquire directly before committing
Website: melbournepsychologyandcounselling.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
11. The Melbourne Counsellor
One-on-one counselling support from a Melbourne-based practitioner with a perfect rating
The Melbourne Counsellor provides individual counselling sessions in Melbourne and holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating from client reviews. The service is focused on one-on-one support, giving clients a clear and direct therapeutic relationship from the outset.
Client feedback points to a service that is attentive, professional, and well suited to people working through personal challenges who want a consistent, individualised approach. The perfect rating across reviews suggests a high degree of client satisfaction.
For individuals who want a straightforward, well-regarded Melbourne counselling service with a strong record of client satisfaction and a one-on-one format, The Melbourne Counsellor is worth enquiring with early in the search process.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 client rating
- One-on-one individual counselling format
- Client feedback highlights attentive and professional approach
Cons
- Limited information on specific therapeutic modalities or training background
- Availability may be restricted if practitioner schedule is at capacity
Best for: Individuals seeking highly rated, dedicated one-on-one counselling in Melbourne
Website: themelbournecounsellor.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
12. Tess Reilly-Browne Counselling
Relationship counsellor offering individual sessions in Melbourne
Tess Reilly-Browne Counselling specialises in relationship counselling and offers one-to-one sessions in Melbourne. Tess works with individuals on relational concerns, whether that involves a current relationship, past relationship patterns, or personal growth in the context of how someone connects with others.
The practice holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating from client reviews, reflecting strong satisfaction. Working with a named individual practitioner gives clients a clear sense of who they are engaging with before making contact, which some people find reassuring when dealing with sensitive personal matters.
Tess Reilly-Browne Counselling suits individuals (rather than couples) who want specialist relationship-focused support from an experienced Melbourne practitioner. Those who prefer knowing their counsellor’s professional background before booking will find the practice’s transparency in this regard helpful.
Pros
- 4.6 out of 5 client rating
- Specialist focus on relationship concerns
- Named practitioner provides clarity on who clients are working with
- Individual session format
Cons
- Individual practitioner means limited availability
- May be less suited to couples seeking joint sessions
Best for: Individuals seeking specialist relationship counselling from a named, experienced Melbourne practitioner
Website: tesscounselling.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
13. Cova Psychology
Melbourne psychology practice offering counselling and psychological services
Cova Psychology is a Melbourne-based practice offering both counselling and psychological services. The practice holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from client reviews, placing it among the highest-rated providers on this list. The combination of counselling and psychology under one practice gives clients flexibility in the type of support they access.
Client feedback consistently reflects positively on the quality of practitioners and the approach taken in sessions. For those wanting access to registered psychologists as well as counsellors in a single Melbourne practice, Cova Psychology provides a practical option.
The practice suits individuals who want access to a higher level of clinical oversight alongside counselling support, particularly those managing mental health conditions that may benefit from psychological assessment or evidence-based therapeutic frameworks.
Pros
- 4.9 out of 5 client rating
- Offers both counselling and psychology services
- Strong client feedback on practitioner quality
- Flexibility in the type of support available
Cons
- Specific details on bulk billing or fee structures require direct enquiry
- Website detail on individual practitioner specialisations is limited
Best for: Individuals wanting access to both counselling and psychological services from a highly rated Melbourne practice
Website: covapsychology.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
14. Renewed Life Coaching and Counselling
Relationship and life coaching practice in Melbourne with consistent 5-star client feedback
Renewed Life Coaching and Counselling offers a combination of relationship counselling and life coaching services in Melbourne. The practice holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating built from consistent 5-star client feedback, reflecting a high standard of client experience across sessions.
Life coaching and counselling are distinct disciplines, and Renewed Life Coaching and Counselling operates across both. This makes it suitable for clients whose needs sit between traditional therapeutic counselling and forward-focused goal-oriented coaching, particularly in the context of relationships and personal growth.
Clients who feel they want both practical tools for moving forward and space to process emotional and relational concerns may find the dual focus of this practice a better fit than a purely clinical counselling service.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 rating with consistent 5-star feedback
- Combines relationship counselling and life coaching
- Suits clients whose needs span counselling and forward-focused support
Cons
- Life coaching is not a regulated profession, so qualifications may vary
- May not be suited to clients requiring clinical psychological support
Best for: Individuals and couples seeking a blend of relationship counselling and life coaching support in Melbourne
Website: renewedlifecoach.com
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
15. The Hart Centre
Melbourne relationship counsellors offering individual and couples therapy sessions
The Hart Centre is a nationally recognised relationship counselling service with a Melbourne location, offering one-on-one and couples therapy sessions. The practice holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating and has a strong reputation for matching clients with practitioners who are well suited to their specific situation, rather than assigning whoever is next available.
The centre’s focus is primarily on relationship counselling, covering couples therapy, premarital counselling, separation support, and individual sessions addressing relational patterns. The structured matching process is a distinguishing feature compared to many general counselling practices.
For couples or individuals dealing with relationship difficulties, The Hart Centre’s specialist focus and practitioner matching process make it one of the more considered options on this list. The 5.0 rating across client reviews supports the practice’s reputation for delivering consistent, quality outcomes.
Pros
- 5.0 out of 5 client rating
- Specialist relationship counselling focus
- Practitioner matching process improves therapeutic fit
- Offers both individual and couples therapy
- Nationally recognised practice with a Melbourne presence
Cons
- Primarily focused on relationship concerns, less suited to general mental health support
- Demand for relationship counselling specialists can affect appointment lead times
Best for: Couples and individuals seeking specialist relationship counselling from a highly rated Melbourne practice with a structured practitioner matching process
Website: thehartcentre.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Melbourne
Who is the best counsellors in Melbourne?
Based on client ratings and review volume, Melbourne Counselling, Counselling Melbourne Clinic, Counselling Service in Melbourne, The Melbourne Counsellor, Renewed Life Coaching and Counselling, and The Hart Centre all hold a 5.0 out of 5 rating. For a combination of high rating and a substantial number of reviews, Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre (4.9 from 50 reviews), MVS Psychology Group (4.9), and Live Your Story Counselling and Psychotherapy (4.9) also stand out. The best provider for any individual will depend on the type of support needed, budget, and preferred session format.
How much does a counsellor cost in Melbourne?
Private counselling sessions in Melbourne typically range from $100 to $200 per hour, depending on the practitioner’s qualifications, experience, and location. Registered psychologists generally charge more than counsellors without psychology registration, often $200 to $300 per session before any Medicare rebate. Clients with a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP can access Medicare rebates for sessions with registered psychologists, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly. Bulk-billed psychology sessions, such as those offered by The Talk Shop, are available at no cost to eligible clients. Always confirm fees and rebate eligibility directly with the practice before booking.
How do I choose a counsellor in Melbourne?
Start by identifying what you need support with, whether that is general stress and anxiety, a specific mental health condition, relationship difficulties, grief, or trauma. Different counsellors and psychologists have different areas of experience, and selecting someone whose background aligns with your concerns will improve the quality of your sessions. Consider practical factors such as location, session availability, whether in-person or online sessions suit you, and your budget. Reading client reviews gives a useful initial sense of a practice’s consistency and approach. Many practices offer a brief initial consultation, which is worth taking up before committing to ongoing sessions.
What should I look for in a counsellor?
Look for relevant qualifications and professional registration. Registered psychologists in Australia are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia under AHPRA. Counsellors may be members of professional bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Beyond credentials, the therapeutic relationship matters: you should feel heard, not judged, and comfortable enough to be honest in sessions. Consider whether the counsellor’s stated approach (such as cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred therapy, or narrative therapy) aligns with what you are looking for. Fee transparency and clear communication about session structure are also practical markers of a professional service.
Are there good counsellors for small businesses in Melbourne?
While most counsellors on this list focus on individual and relationship concerns, some practitioners have experience working with business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals dealing with work-related stress, burnout, leadership challenges, or work-life balance issues. Renewed Life Coaching and Counselling, which combines coaching and counselling, may be particularly relevant for business owners seeking support that bridges personal wellbeing and professional challenges. It is worth asking any practice directly whether they have experience with clients in business or leadership contexts before booking, as this experience is not always advertised on practice websites.
Finding the right counsellor in Melbourne takes a degree of research, but the providers on this list offer a strong starting point across a range of needs, budgets, and preferences. Whether you are looking for bulk-billed psychology sessions, specialist relationship counselling, or a consistent one-on-one practitioner for ongoing individual support, Melbourne has qualified and well-reviewed options available. Making direct contact with one or two practices that align with your situation is the most practical next step, and many offer an initial consultation to help you assess whether the fit is right before committing further.