Wondering how to find a psychologist who suits your needs?
This guide will take you through the steps to find the right mental health professional. From knowing your needs to evaluating psychologists, we’ll help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways

Knowing your mental health needs is key to finding a psychologist who has experience in those areas so you get better treatment and a stronger therapeutic relationship.

Understanding the different specialities in psychology and the different psychological therapies, like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help you choose the right professional and therapy approach for you.

Online directories, referrals, and community mental health services are good ways to find a psychologist, and evaluating credentials, experience, and reviews will help you choose a qualified one.
Understanding Your Needs
Finding the right psychologist starts with knowing your unique mental health needs. Knowing these needs helps you narrow down your search and find a psychologist who has experience in the areas you’re struggling with. Asking yourself the questions:
- what am i feeling? (fear, sad. anger, shame etc)
- what thoughts is my mind struggling with? (self-critical, hopeless and negative, worried and future focused etc)
- what actions/behaviours are keeping me stuck? (addiction, argumentative/fight mode, avoidance or withdrawal etc)
Can be helpful in noticing what you might be experiencing and help in describing your experience to your GP or health provider.
A mood disorders such as anxiety and/or depression for example can impact not only our mood but the way we think about ourselves and our situation as well as physiological symptoms such as sleep and appetite. Hence it is helpful to ask yourself the questions above in assisting to get a full picture of your symptoms.
Once you know your mental health needs, it’s easier to find a psychologist who can provide treatment for you.
For example, if you’re dealing with mood disorders like depression or anxiety, you might look for a psychologist who specialises in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is known to be effective for mood disorders.
If you are managing trauma symptoms (e.g. nightmares, flashbacks and hyperarousal) you are looking for a psychologist who is trauma informed in their practice and trained in therapies such as EMDR, Schema Therapy or DBT.
For long standing mental health episodes and relationship difficulties Schema Therapy or more relational approaches such as Psychodynamic therapies may be helpful.
Knowing your specific issues and what approach you may need can help you build a stronger therapeutic relationship with your psychologist and lead to better therapy outcomes. Some individuals prefer a very skills focused approach whereas others need the talk therapy to assist with processing and really understanding their experience.
When you and your therapist agree on your needs and goals, it sets the stage for more effective and collaborative therapy.
Types of Psychologists in Private Practice

There are eight branches of psychology however only a few of these work within private practice settings. Familiarising yourself with the various types of psychologists in private practice may assist in selecting the appropriate professional for your situation.
Clinical psychologists and counselling psychologists are perhaps the most well-known type in private practice. They focus on:
- assessing and treating mental health problems
- they work with individuals and families across the lifespan
- they treat unhelpful behavioural patterns including addictive behaviours
- they often work in both private practice and community mental health services.
Developmental/educational psychologists can also be found in private practice settings often engaging in educational assessments and behavioural management plans in conjunction with schools. They supporting children, families and youth with development and educational support.
Forensic psychologists may also work in private practice with psychopathology to assess and treat those with experience/risk of domestic or interpersonal violence, criminal offending and antisocial traits.
Provisional Psychologists are also common in private practice. A provisional psychologist is an early career psychologist undertaking their internship as part of their degree. They are supervised closely by a senior psychologist and are a cost effective way to access treatment.
Types of Therapy
Once we understand our symptoms and mental health needs knowing a bit about different therapies can help us choose the type of therapy/approach that suits us.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on how our thoughts (cognitions) and behaviors affect our emotions. The core idea is that our beliefs and interpretations about ourselves, others, and the world can influence how we feel and behave.
In CBT, therapists work with clients to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to their problems. Then, they help clients challenge these patterns by examining their accuracy and exploring more balanced ways of thinking.
This often involves practical strategies and exercises to change behavior and improve coping skills. Ultimately, CBT aims to empower individuals to manage their emotions more effectively and achieve positive changes in their lives.
Schema Therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps people identify and change deeply ingrained patterns or themes (schemas) that develop early in life and can impact how they perceive themselves, others, and the world.
These schemas often arise from unmet emotional needs during childhood and lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms in adulthood.
The therapy involves identifying these schemas, understanding their origins, and then using a variety of techniques such as cognitive restructuring, experiential exercises, and behavioral techniques to challenge and modify them.
By addressing these core beliefs and behaviors, Schema Therapy aims to foster healthier emotional responses and improve overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage intense emotions and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques.
DBT is especially effective for individuals who struggle with regulating emotions, engaging in destructive behaviors, or maintaining stable relationships. The therapy focuses on accepting uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while simultaneously working to change harmful behaviors.
It teaches skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges more effectively and improve their overall well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept the difficulties they face rather than trying to eliminate them. It encourages mindfulness, which means being present and aware of one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment.
ACT also emphasizes identifying one’s core values—what truly matters to them—and committing to actions that align with these values. By learning to accept their thoughts and feelings, and by taking committed action towards their values, people can cultivate a richer, more meaningful life, even in the presence of challenges.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps people heal from distressing experiences, especially trauma.
During EMDR sessions, you might think about upsetting memories while the therapist guides your eye movements or taps on your hands. These actions seem to help your brain process the memories in a less painful way, so they become less troubling over time.
EMDR aims to change how you feel about past events, making them feel more like ordinary memories that don’t cause as much distress. It’s like helping your brain reorganize its thoughts to feel better about difficult experiences from your past.
Commonly a psychologist will be trained in a number of these therapies and will use the techniques interchangeably to support their clients needs.
Where to Start Your Search
in Melbourne
When searching for a psychologist in Melbourne you can try multiple approaches. Online directories, referrals from healthcare providers and community mental health services are all good starting points.
Online directories are an excellent resource for finding a psychologist that suits your needs for location, specialisation, and more. The ‘Find a Psychologist’ service by the Psychologist Today is an excellent place to start.
You can also ask for referrals from healthcare providers such as GPs or Psychiatrists or friends and family who have had good experiences with their psychologist.
Online Directories

Online directories are a great resource when searching for a psychologist. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has a ‘Find a Psychologist’ service where you can search for professionals by various filters such as therapeutic approach and client types.
Other platforms like Psychology Today and BetterHelp have comprehensive directories where you can find licensed psychologists by location, specialisation and other criteria. Using these directories can save you time and effort and make finding a psychologist that suits your mental health needs easier.
Referrals
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a specialist referral written by your GP or psychiatrist which can allow patients access to 10 Medicare rebates per calendar year. Your GP/Psychiatrist will assess your eligibility and allow access to six sessions with a Medicare rebate before needing a review to allow access to the remaining four rebates.
Rebates range from $96 (general psychology rebate) to $141 (clinical psychology rebate) depending on the type of registration your psychologist holds.
For Eating Disorders Medicare provides a rebate for up to 20 sessions per calendar year and for chronic health issues a referral allowing access to up to 5 sessions can be requested.
Your GP is a good starting point to access the referral/rebate you are eligible for. The Health Direct website can provide more information on Better Health initiatives https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan.
Depending on your level of cover private health insurance can also provide a subsidy for psychological therapy. Check with your health find for your level of cover.
Asking for referrals from healthcare providers, friends, and family can be a good way to find a psychologist. Healthcare providers you trust often have a network of professionals they can recommend based on their experience and knowledge of your needs.
Friends or family who have had a good experience with their psychologist can also be a good source of referrals. Personal recommendations can give you an idea of the psychologist’s approach and effectiveness so you can make a more informed decision.
Community Mental Health Services
Community mental health services in Melbourne are a cost-effective way to get psychological support for those who have acute and chronic mental health needs. They offer:
- Counselling and therapy sessions
- Psychiatric consultation
- Crisis intervention and emergency services
- Referrals to other healthcare professionals
- Case management and coordination of care
These services are usually free or low-cost, and accessible via public hospital for those that are at high risk or through your GP who will need to refer you to these services.
Local community mental health services and non-government organisations (NGOs) can refer you to psychologists so you can find the right professional for you. They can be a lifeline for those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to mental health care.
Evaluating Potential Psychologists
To choose a psychologist you need to do a few things. Check their credentials, assess their experience with your issue and read reviews.
Make sure to confirm the psychologist’s qualifications and look into their training history. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website can be used to check their registration and licensure. Also, read reviews if available to understand the psychologist’s effectiveness and approach.
The success of your therapy could depend on whether the psychologist has relevant experience in treating your particular mental health issues. Look for psychologists who have experience in the issues you are dealing with, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Credentials and Training

When evaluating a potential psychologist, one of the first things to do is to check their credentials and training history. Psychologists must complete specific educational programs and supervised internships to be qualified.
These credentials include Masters of Psychology (Mpsych) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). There are also Professional Psychology training programs where psychologists are supervised and receive on the job training, similar to an internship.
Make sure the psychologist is licensed and registered with AHPRA which means they have met the academic and training standards.
Experience with Specific Issues
When looking for a psychologist it’s important to find someone who has experience in treating the specific mental health issues you are dealing with. Some psychologists work specifically in certain areas like anxiety, depression, or trauma, so they are more equipped to deal with specific issues.
Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews from previous clients to get an idea of the psychologist’s effectiveness and approach.
This may not always be possible as AHPRA have guidelines around privacy, no testimonials and not advertising individual mental health outcomes but there may be google reviews on the practice.
Be wary of reviews that set unrealistic expectations or seem biased as these can be misleading. Look for patterns in the feedback to understand the psychologist’s strengths and weaknesses.
Practical Considerations
Cost and insurance, location, accessibility, and availability of sessions are important considerations when choosing a psychologist. Understanding Medicare rebates and private health insurance coverage can help manage the cost of psychological services.
Choosing a psychologist close to you can reduce travel stress and increase the chances of regular attendance. Scheduling regular sessions is also important for continuity and progress in therapy.
Location and Accessibility
Having a psychologist with an office close to you can increase the chances of regular attendance. Accessibility also includes parking, public transport and disability access.
Choosing a psychologist close to you can reduce travel stress and increase regular attendance. Some individuals use the MHCP before accessing private health rebates for psychology services.
Session Availability
Scheduling regular sessions is important for continuity and progress in therapy. Regular sessions create stability and build trust between the therapist and the client. They also help to reinforce new learning and behaviour making it therapy interventions more effective.
Despite some individuals wanting to stretch out their sessions to make it last the year effective therapy is frequent and therefore positively reinforcing of adaptive changes.
If you live in a remote area telehealth services can provide regular session availability and access to mental health support no matter where you live.
Making Your First Appointment
Booking your first appointment with a psychologist can be a mix of excitement and nerves. It’s a good idea to write down the reasons for seeking help and practice describing them out loud before you go. The first appointment may include paperwork and questionnaires.
Preparing questions to ask the psychologist about their experience, treatment approaches and expected duration of therapy can help you get the most out of your first session.
Knowing what to expect during the initial assessment, discussing symptoms and setting therapeutic goals can help reduce any anxiety you may feel. Feeling comfortable and building rapport with the psychologist is key to a successful therapeutic relationship.
Preparing Questions
A good question to ask a potential psychologist is about their experience with treating issues similar to yours. It is important to discuss the types of treatments they use and how they work for your specific issues.
Ask about the expected duration and number of sessions to address your issues. The psychologist will encourage you to ask questions and clarify any concerns.
What to Expect
Your first appointment with a psychologist is often called an initial assessment or intake session. During this session, the psychologist introduces themselves, creates a comfortable environment, and explains the confidentiality policy.
You will discuss the issues that brought you to therapy, your symptoms, how they affect your life and your goals for therapy. Psychological assessments, questionnaires or interviews may be used to fully understand your situation.
Feeling Comfortable

Choosing the right psychologist is about feeling comfortable with them. Therapists aim to create a safe and supportive environment to enable open discussion.
Ongoing Assessment and Adjustment
Therapy is not a one size fits all approach so ongoing assessment is key to track progress and see if treatment is working. Regularly checking in with your psychologist can help with mental health and wellbeing by open communication and feedback.
Adjusting treatment plans as progress and needs change is key to therapy. This may involve changing techniques, changing session frequency or trying alternative therapies to better suit your needs.
If at any point you feel your current psychologist isn’t meeting your needs it may be worth considering seeing a new psychologist who can better help you.
Regular Check-Ins
Regular check-ins help to monitor mental health and wellbeing throughout the therapy process. These sessions build the therapeutic relationship by building trust and understanding which is essential for therapy.
Regular mental health maintenance through check-ins also helps with early detection and prevention of mental health issues. This is especially important for crisis prevention as check-ins provide a space to address issues before they get out of hand.
Adjusting Treatment Plans
A treatment plan will be developed together, outlining therapy goals, session frequency and treatment duration. Regular sessions allow for progress to be monitored and new therapeutic goals to be set so the therapy stays on track with the client’s needs.
Ongoing assessment allows for adjusting therapy techniques and session frequency as progress is made. These sessions help with:
- Self-reflection
- Insight
- Personal growth
- Understanding of one’s mental health and relationship/lifestyle factors that impact this
Seeking a New Psychologist
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is key; if you don’t feel a connection after a few sessions it may be time to see a new therapist. This decision should be made after careful consideration and ideally with your current therapist.
If your current therapist isn’t meeting your needs it may be necessary to see a new therapist who can better help you. So you get the best care and support for your mental health. Whilst it can feel daunting to start therapy with a new psychologist again it can also be refreshing to be exposed to a different treatment approach and focus.
Summary
Finding the right psychologist is a process that requires thought and planning. Knowing your mental health needs, understanding the different types of psychologists, and evaluating the candidates are all important steps in this process.
Practical considerations like cost, location, and session availability also play a big role in finding a psychologist who can support you.
Taking the first step to seeking help is brave. With the right guidance and resources, you can learn how to find a psychologist to help you on your mental health journey to personal growth and wellbeing. Remember, your mental health is worth investing in, and finding the right psychologist is part of that investment.
Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment with our clinic at Solace Psychology today and start your journey towards better mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a psychologist?
If persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress are interfering with your sense of well being, daily life and relationships, it might be time to seek help from a psychologist, as they can help identify and address your specific mental health needs.
What should I look for in a psychologist's credentials?
Make sure to verify a psychologist’s professional qualifications, training history, and licensure. You can utilize the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website to check their registration.
How can I find a psychologist in Melbourne?
To find a psychologist in Melbourne, you can explore online directories such as the Australian Psychological Society’s ‘Find a Psychologist’ service, Psychology Today or ask for referrals from healthcare providers or community mental health services. Good luck with your search!
What should I expect during the first appointment?
During your first appointment, you can expect to discuss your symptoms, reasons for seeking therapy, and set therapeutic goals, as well as complete paperwork and questionnaires. This initial assessment is designed to help your therapist understand your needs and personalise your treatment plan for you.
What if I don't feel comfortable with my psychologist?
It’s important to feel comfortable with your psychologist. If you don’t, it’s worth discussing your concerns with them or seeking a new psychologist who might be a better fit.