How Therapy Works: 32 Proven Stats from Melbourne Psychologists

The demand for psychological services in Melbourne has surged significantly in recent years, with many individuals seeking support for issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. As more people turn to therapy, understanding how these services work and their proven benefits is essential. 

This article provides 32 data-backed insights into therapy modalities, effectiveness, and local trends in Melbourne. Whether you’re a journalist, a psychology student, or someone exploring therapy for yourself or others in Melbourne, this resource offers a comprehensive, evidence-based look at psychological treatment.

Understanding the facts about therapy helps reduce stigma, build trust, and empower individuals to take the next step toward mental wellbeing. In this guide, you’ll find valuable information about therapy types, conditions treated, and the effectiveness of therapy, particularly for those seeking a psychologist in Melbourne.

Did you know? 65% of Melburnians said therapy helped reduce their anxiety symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and evidence-based therapies for treating anxiety and depression. Research shows that CBT can reduce symptoms of anxiety by up to 60% in 12–16 weeks. (Source: Australian Psychological Society, 2023 – https://www.psychology.org.au)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), commonly offered by psychologists in Melbourne, focuses on increasing psychological flexibility by encouraging acceptance of difficult emotions. Studies indicate ACT is effective for treating anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2022 – https://www.beyondblue.org.au)

Psychodynamic therapy explores how unconscious processes affect current behaviour. Studies show it reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the benefits may continue years after therapy ends. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder, showing over 50% success in reducing symptoms. Psychologists in Melbourne use DBT to address emotional regulation. (Source: Journal of Personality Disorders, 2020)

Family therapy has shown a 70% improvement in relationships and conflict resolution, offering significant benefits for families in Melbourne. (Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2022 – https://www.aifs.gov.au)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective treatment for PTSD. Research shows a 77% success rate in individuals who complete EMDR therapy. Psychologists in Melbourne offer this modality to help trauma survivors. (Source: WHO Mental Health Atlas, 2020 – https://www.who.int)

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships and has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression, with 60–70% of patients showing significant improvement in 12–16 weeks. (Source: Australian Psychological Society, 2023)

Therapy can significantly reduce anxiety. A 2022 study found that individuals who completed 10 sessions of CBT with a psychologist in Melbourne experienced a 55% reduction in anxiety symptoms. (Source: APS, 2022)

Therapy improves emotional regulation. A 2021 survey by Beyond Blue found that 68% of people in Melbourne experienced significant improvements in emotional wellbeing after 12 weeks of therapy. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2021 – https://www.beyondblue.org.au)

Psychologists in Melbourne can help individuals suffering from depression. A 2020 study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that 74% of people with moderate to severe depression improved after 8–10 sessions of therapy. (Source: AIHW, 2020 – https://www.aihw.gov.au)

Therapy helps develop coping skills. A 2023 study found that patients who received therapy in Melbourne experienced a 45% lower risk of relapse in anxiety or depression. (Source: APS, 2023)

A 2019 meta-analysis showed that therapy is effective for a wide range of issues, including stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and grief, with improvement rates ranging from 60–80%. Psychologists in Melbourne offer diverse treatments to address these issues. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders, 2019)

Psychologists in Melbourne offer several popular therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy. CBT is the most common, provided by 58% of psychologists in the city. (Source: APS, 2022)

Medicare offers rebates for therapy sessions with a psychologist in Melbourne under the Better Access initiative. In 2023, over 250,000 people accessed subsidised therapy sessions across Melbourne. (Source: AIHW, 2023)

EMDR’s rapid effectiveness has made it a preferred option in trauma-focused practices, including those in Melbourne (World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Guidelines, 2020). A large-scale international study reported that 84% of people diagnosed with single-incident PTSD no longer met the criteria after just 3 EMDR sessions.

30% of therapy sessions in Melbourne take place in private practices, while 40% are provided by public mental health services. (Source: Victorian Government, 2023 – https://www.vic.gov.au)

Online therapy is growing in popularity, with a 2022 study showing 42% of residents in Melbourne now choose telehealth therapy sessions with their psychologist. (Source: Australian Journal of Telemedicine, 2022)

Many clinics in Melbourne offer group therapy as a cost-effective alternative to individual sessions. Group therapy is particularly beneficial for treating anxiety and depression. (Source: APS, 2023)

Psychologists in Melbourne are highly effective in treating depression. A 2022 study found that 60% of people with moderate to severe depression show improvement after 10–12 weeks of therapy. (Source: APS, 2022)

Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with therapy. CBT, offered by psychologists in Melbourne, shows success rates of 60–70% for reducing anxiety symptoms. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2021)

EMDR therapy is effective for PTSD, with success rates of 77% in individuals who complete treatment with a skilled psychologist in Melbourne. (Source: WHO, 2021)

Therapy can help individuals process grief and loss. A 2023 study found that 73% of those who participated in grief-focused therapy reported a reduction in emotional distress. (Source: Australian Grief and Bereavement Care, 2023)

Relationship issues are a common reason to seek therapy. A 2022 survey found that 60% of couples therapy sessions in Melbourne focus on communication and conflict resolution. (Source: APS, 2022)

Psychologists in Melbourne can treat ADHD by improving executive function and symptom management. A 2021 study showed a 65% success rate for patients who complete therapy. (Source: Journal of Attention Disorders, 2021)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for therapy in Melbourne has risen by 30%, leading to longer wait times for appointments with psychologists. (Source: Victorian Government, 2023)

65% of psychologists in Melbourne work in private practice, while 30% are employed in public mental health services. (Source: APS, 2023)

There has been a significant increase in demand for youth mental health services in Melbourne, with a 45% rise in young people seeking therapy between 2020 and 2023. (Source: AIHW, 2023)

Mental health disorders are widespread, with 1 in 5 Australians experiencing a mental illness annually. ​(Source- Mental illness – types, causes and diagnosis of mental health issues | healthdirect)

Psychologists in Melbourne can help anyone, not just those with severe mental health issues. Therapy is beneficial for personal growth and preventing future mental health problems as well as managing clinical diagnosis. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2022)

“Talking to friends is just as good as therapy.”

While social support is important, friends are not trained professionals. A 2021 study found therapeutic outcomes are significantly higher in structured professional therapy than informal conversations. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Long-term therapy success is high, with 70% of individuals reporting lasting improvements in their mental health after completing 6–12 months of therapy with a psychologist in Melbourne. (Source: Australian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021)

Psychologists in Melbourne have a high retention rate, with 80% of patients attending at least 5 sessions before completing treatment. (Source: APS, 2022)

If you’re considering therapy, Melbourne offers world-class care backed by research. Reach out to an APS-accredited psychologist in Melbourne (Find a Psychologist | APS) or explore therapy directories like Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) to find the right provider for your needs. 

Take the first step toward improving your mental health today.