Counselling in Melbourne covers a wide range of needs, from anxiety, depression and grief to relationship breakdown, workplace stress and trauma recovery. The city has thousands of registered counsellors, psychologists and therapists spread across the CBD, inner suburbs and outer growth corridors, which makes the first choice harder than it should be. Qualifications differ, therapy models differ, and so does the experience of sitting in the room with someone for the first time.
The fifteen providers below were ranked on communication, service quality, pricing, reputation and reliability. Public review ratings were weighed alongside the clarity of each practice’s services, how easy it is to book, and whether the practice states its approach and client groups plainly. Some listings have fewer reviews than others, and a perfect score from a small number of clients is treated with more caution than a strong score across many. Always confirm current fees, availability and practitioner registration directly with the practice before booking.
1. Live Your Story Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counselling and psychotherapy with a strong public rating
Live Your Story Counselling & Psychotherapy holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating, one of the strongest scores among the practices reviewed. The name points to a narrative-informed approach, where clients are encouraged to examine the stories they carry about themselves and rewrite the ones that no longer serve them. That style suits people dealing with identity questions, life transitions, recurring patterns in relationships and long-standing self-criticism.
The practice combines counselling with psychotherapy, which gives clients room to start with short-term support and move into deeper work if needed. This flexibility matters for people who are unsure whether they want a few sessions to work through a specific problem or a longer process of change. Prospective clients should check the website for session formats, fees and current availability.
Pros
- Rating of 4.9/5 indicates consistently positive client feedback
- Covers both counselling and psychotherapy under one practice
- Story-based approach suits identity, transition and pattern-related concerns
Cons
- Fee and rebate details need to be confirmed with the practice
- Narrative and reflective styles may not suit clients wanting a purely skills-based program
Best for: Adults wanting reflective, insight-oriented counselling for life changes and personal patterns
Website: liveyourstory.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
2. Counselling in Melbourne
General counselling service with mixed public feedback
Counselling in Melbourne operates as a general counselling service and holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating. That score sits below most of the practices on this list, which suggests client experiences vary. Mixed ratings are worth reading closely, since they often reflect differences in individual practitioners, wait times or communication rather than the quality of the therapy itself.
The service is a reasonable starting point for people who want a broad-based practice rather than a niche specialist. Anyone considering it should ask which practitioner they would see, what their training is, and how appointments and cancellations are handled before committing to a block of sessions.
Pros
- General service that can address a wide range of everyday concerns
- Easy to find by name, which helps people searching for a local option
Cons
- 3.8/5 rating is lower than most comparable practices
- Client experience may depend heavily on the individual practitioner
Best for: People wanting a general counselling option who are prepared to ask questions before choosing a practitioner
Website: counsellinginmelbourne.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
3. Melbourne Counselling
Perfect-rated counselling practice
Melbourne Counselling carries a 5.0 out of 5 rating. A top score is encouraging, though it is best read alongside the number of reviews behind it, which prospective clients can check on the practice’s public profiles. The practice offers counselling for common concerns such as stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties and life adjustment.
For clients who want a straightforward, person-centred counselling experience without a heavy clinical focus, this is a sensible option to consider. As with any practice, an initial conversation or first session is the best way to judge whether the therapeutic fit is right.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating reflects very positive client feedback
- Covers the most common reasons people seek counselling
- Suits clients wanting a supportive, conversation-based approach
Cons
- A perfect score may come from a smaller number of reviews
- Specialist trauma or complex clinical needs may require a referral elsewhere
Best for: Adults seeking supportive counselling for stress, mood and everyday life challenges
Website: melbournecounselling.org
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
4. Counselling Melbourne Clinic
Clinic-style counselling with a perfect public rating
Counselling Melbourne Clinic holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating and operates under the practitioner’s own professional website. Practices built around a single named clinician tend to offer continuity, so clients see the same person each session rather than being passed between staff. That consistency helps build the trust that therapy relies on.
Individual practitioner practices can also have limited appointment times, particularly in the evenings and on weekends. Anyone needing regular sessions around work should confirm availability early, along with session length and cancellation terms.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating indicates strong client satisfaction
- Single-practitioner model supports continuity of care
- Direct contact with the clinician through the practice website
Cons
- Appointment availability may be limited compared with larger clinics
- Less choice of practitioner if the first fit is not right
Best for: Clients who prefer to build a long-term relationship with one counsellor
Website: ronnieadamowicz.com
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
5. Tess Reilly-Browne Counselling
Individual counsellor with a solid 4.6 rating
Tess Reilly-Browne Counselling has a 4.6 out of 5 rating and operates as a personal practice. A rating in this range suggests clients generally feel heard and supported, with the practice delivering a dependable service rather than a perfect one. Small practices often suit clients who find larger clinics impersonal.
The website is the best place to confirm the counsellor’s qualifications, the issues she works with, session fees and whether rebates may apply through a mental health care plan or private health cover.
Pros
- 4.6/5 rating reflects reliable client experiences
- Personal practice feel with direct access to the counsellor
- Suitable for clients who want a quieter, less clinical setting
Cons
- Smaller practices can have limited session times
- Range of services is likely narrower than at a multi-practitioner centre
Best for: Individuals wanting a personal, one-on-one counselling relationship
Website: tesscounselling.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
6. Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre
Multi-service therapy centre with a 4.9 rating
Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating and presents as a centre rather than a single-practitioner practice. Centres of this type usually offer several clinicians, which gives clients more choice if they want a particular gender, age group or therapeutic style. A larger team can also shorten the wait for a first appointment.
The centre suits people who want access to a range of therapy types under one roof, from individual counselling to relationship and family work. Check the website for the clinicians’ profiles, the therapies on offer and current fees.
Pros
- 4.9/5 rating is among the strongest on this list
- Multiple clinicians give clients more choice of fit
- Wider range of therapy types than most solo practices
Cons
- Fees can differ between clinicians within the same centre
- Larger centres may feel less personal than a single-practitioner practice
Best for: Clients wanting a choice of clinicians and therapy styles in one location
Website: melbournetherapycentre.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
7. Humaneed Marriage & Relationship Counselling Melbourne, North Carlton
Marriage and relationship counselling in North Carlton
Humaneed Marriage & Relationship Counselling is based in North Carlton and holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating. The practice focuses on couples and relationship work, including communication breakdown, conflict, trust issues, separation and decisions about whether to stay together. A relationship specialist is often more useful for couples than a generalist, since couples work needs different skills from individual therapy.
Couples counselling tends to work best when both partners attend and are open to the process, though individual sessions are sometimes offered where one partner is unwilling to join. Prospective clients should confirm session lengths, which are often longer for couples, along with fees and any programs offered for separation or pre-commitment work.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating from clients dealing with relationship issues
- Specialist focus on couples, marriage and separation concerns
- Inner-north location suits clients in Carlton, Brunswick, Fitzroy and the CBD
Cons
- Narrow focus means it is less suited to individual mental health concerns unrelated to relationships
- Couples sessions are usually longer and cost more than standard individual sessions
Best for: Couples working through conflict, communication problems or separation
Website: marriagecounsellingmelbourne.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
8. Renewed Life Coaching & Counselling Melbourne
Combined coaching and counselling with a 5.0 rating
Renewed Life Coaching & Counselling Melbourne blends life coaching with counselling and holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating. The combination appeals to clients who want practical, goal-focused support alongside emotional work, for example during a career change, a stalled period or a rebuild after a difficult life event.
Coaching and counselling are different services. Counselling addresses emotional distress and mental health, while coaching is generally forward-looking and goal-driven. Clients with significant anxiety, depression or trauma should confirm that the practitioner holds appropriate counselling qualifications and is comfortable referring on where needed.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating reflects strong client feedback
- Pairs emotional support with practical goal-setting
- Useful for career, life direction and personal growth concerns
Cons
- Coaching is not a substitute for clinical treatment of serious mental health conditions
- Rebates may differ between coaching and counselling services
Best for: Adults wanting a practical, goal-focused blend of coaching and counselling
Website: renewedlifecoach.com
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
9. Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC)
Specialist clinic for couples and relationship difficulties
The Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC) holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating and concentrates on relationship work. A clinic that positions itself as a specialist should be able to explain its couples therapy model, its experience with issues such as infidelity, communication breakdown and separation, and how it approaches sessions where partners disagree.
The 4.6 rating is solid and suggests most clients find the service helpful. Couples considering MSRCC should ask whether both partners meet the clinician together from the start or whether individual sessions come first, since practices differ on this.
Pros
- 4.6/5 rating indicates dependable client outcomes
- Specialist relationship focus rather than general counselling
- Suitable for couples at different stages, from tension to separation
Cons
- Not designed for individuals wanting counselling unrelated to relationships
- Specialist services can carry higher session fees
Best for: Couples wanting a clinic that works specifically on relationship problems
Website: msrcc.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
10. The Talk Shop – Counselling and Psychology
CBD counselling and psychology with Medicare bulk billing options
The Talk Shop offers counselling and psychology from a Little Collins Street location in the Melbourne CBD and holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating. Its listing references Medicare bulk billing psychologists, which can make therapy more affordable for eligible clients. Bulk billing availability depends on the practitioner and the client’s eligibility, so confirm both before booking.
A central location suits workers in the CBD who want to fit sessions around the working day, and the combination of counselling and psychology under one name gives clients access to both types of practitioner. Demand for lower-cost appointments can be high, so waiting times are worth asking about.
Pros
- Central CBD location close to public transport
- Bulk billing options referenced for eligible clients
- 4.5/5 rating reflects generally positive feedback
Cons
- Bulk billing places may be limited and subject to waiting times
- Larger, higher-volume practices can feel less personal
Best for: CBD workers and clients looking for lower-cost access through Medicare
Website: thetalkshop.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
11. Think Better Counselling
Counselling practice focused on changing thinking patterns
Think Better Counselling holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating. The name suggests a focus on thought patterns, which is typical of cognitive and cognitive behavioural approaches used for anxiety, low mood, stress and unhelpful self-talk. These methods are structured and skills-based, so clients often leave sessions with specific tools to practise between appointments.
Structured approaches suit people who prefer clear goals and measurable progress. Clients who want a more open-ended, exploratory style should ask the practitioner how flexible the sessions are before starting.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating indicates very positive client feedback
- Thought-focused approach gives clients practical tools
- Well suited to anxiety, stress and low mood
Cons
- Structured methods may feel too directive for some clients
- Deep-rooted trauma may need a more specialised approach
Best for: Clients wanting practical, skills-based support for anxiety, stress and negative thinking
Website: thinkbetter.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
12. The Hart Centre
Established counselling network with a Melbourne centre
The Hart Centre holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating for its Melbourne location and is part of a wider counselling network with centres in several cities. Network practices tend to have consistent intake processes, published service descriptions and a team of clinicians, which can make booking and onboarding simpler than with a solo practitioner.
The centre works across individual, couple and family counselling. A larger organisation can also provide continuity if a clinician becomes unavailable, since another team member can step in. Clients should confirm fees, session formats and which clinician they will see at the Melbourne centre.
Pros
- 5.0/5 rating at the Melbourne location
- Established network with clear intake and service information
- Covers individual, couple and family counselling
Cons
- Network structure may feel less personal than a small independent practice
- Fees vary by clinician and service type
Best for: Individuals, couples and families wanting an established multi-clinician service
Website: thehartcentre.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
13. Counselling Service in Melbourne
General counselling service without a published rating
Counselling Service in Melbourne currently has no public rating, so there is little independent feedback to judge it by. An unrated practice is not necessarily a poor one, as new or smaller practices often have few reviews, but it does mean prospective clients have less evidence to rely on.
Anyone considering this service should check the website for practitioner qualifications and professional registration, ask about the therapy approach, and confirm fees and cancellation terms. A short introductory call can show whether communication is clear and responsive.
Pros
- General service that may suit a range of everyday concerns
- Website available to review services before contacting
Cons
- No public rating makes quality harder to verify
- Clients need to do more checking of credentials before booking
Best for: Clients comfortable doing their own due diligence on a newer or less reviewed practice
Website: counsellingservicemelbourne.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
14. Counselling Helpline Melbourne
Counselling listing with a low public rating
Counselling Helpline Melbourne holds a 1.0 out of 5 rating, the lowest on this list. A score this low is a clear signal for caution, and it is included here for completeness and transparency rather than as a recommendation. Prospective clients should read the individual reviews to understand what went wrong, as complaints about communication, billing or availability would be relevant to any decision.
People who need urgent support should not rely on any private practice. In a crisis, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) provide free, immediate support, and emergency services should be called if someone is in danger.
Pros
- Website is available to review the service description
Cons
- 1.0/5 rating raises concerns about client experience
- Reviews should be read carefully before any booking or payment
Best for: Only clients who have reviewed the feedback in full and are satisfied with the answers they receive from the practice
Website: counsellinghelplinemelb.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
15. Safe Place Therapy
Footscray counselling practice with a 4.8 rating
Safe Place Therapy operates a Footscray location and holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating. The inner-west base makes it a practical option for clients in Footscray, Yarraville, Seddon, Maribyrnong and surrounding suburbs who would rather not travel into the CBD. The practice name suggests an emphasis on creating a secure, confidential environment, which matters for clients dealing with trauma, anxiety or sensitive personal issues.
A strong rating at a local suburban practice is a good sign, since these practices depend heavily on word of mouth. Clients should check the website for the range of concerns treated, session fees, and whether in-person and online appointments are both available.
Pros
- 4.8/5 rating reflects consistently good client feedback
- Footscray location serves the inner west without a CBD commute
- Safe, confidential environment is central to the practice’s positioning
Cons
- Location is less convenient for clients in the east and south-east
- Session availability should be confirmed, as suburban practices can fill quickly
Best for: Inner-west residents wanting a local, confidential counselling setting
Website: safeplacetherapy.com.au
Full listing: View on bestinmelbourne.co
Who is the best counsellors in Melbourne?
Live Your Story Counselling & Psychotherapy ranks first in this guide, based on its 4.9 out of 5 rating and its combination of counselling and psychotherapy. Melbourne Therapy and Counselling Centre (4.9) and Safe Place Therapy (4.8) are also strongly rated. The best counsellor for any individual depends on their needs, so a couple dealing with separation may be better served by a relationship specialist such as Humaneed or MSRCC than by a general practice.
How much does a counsellor cost in Melbourne?
Fees vary by practitioner qualification, location and session length, and none of the practices reviewed here published verified prices for this guide. Counsellors and psychologists set their own rates, and couples sessions are usually longer and cost more than individual ones. Medicare rebates apply to psychologists and some other eligible providers under a mental health care plan, while private health insurance may cover part of the cost for registered practitioners. Ask each practice for its current fees, rebate eligibility, cancellation policy and whether bulk billing is available before the first session.
How do I choose a counsellor in Melbourne?
Start by deciding what you need help with, since individual, couples, family and trauma work call for different skills. Check the practitioner’s qualifications and registration with a body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), depending on their profession. Read recent reviews, compare location and appointment times, and consider whether you want in-person or telehealth sessions. A first session is also a trial, and it is reasonable to change counsellors if the fit is not right.
What should I look for in a counsellor?
Look for relevant qualifications, professional registration and experience with your type of concern. A good counsellor explains their approach in plain language, sets clear goals with you, keeps strict confidentiality and is open about fees and cancellation terms. Warm, non-judgemental communication matters as much as credentials, because research consistently links the quality of the therapeutic relationship to outcomes. Be cautious of any practitioner who promises quick fixes, pressures you into long session blocks or cannot explain their training.
Are there good counsellors for small businesses in Melbourne?
Small business owners often face stress, burnout, isolation and relationship strain linked to work pressure, and several practices in this guide can help. Counsellors in the CBD such as The Talk Shop suit owners who want sessions near their workplace, while Renewed Life Coaching & Counselling combines counselling with practical goal-setting that can suit owners dealing with direction and decision fatigue. Telehealth appointments, where offered, are useful for owners who cannot leave their business during the day. Ask whether a practice offers early morning, evening or online sessions, and whether it provides workplace or group programs if you want support for staff as well.
Melbourne has counselling options for most needs and budgets, from specialist relationship clinics in the inner north to suburban practices in the west and bulk billing services in the CBD. Review ratings give a useful starting point, but fit with the individual practitioner, clear communication about fees and a comfortable first session matter just as much. Shortlist two or three practices from this guide, contact them with your questions, and book the one that feels most suited to what you need.
