The Real Cost of "I'm Fine"

How Much Does Counselling Cost.

When we think about the cost of counselling, it’s natural to start with the dollar figure. You look at your budget, you see the session fee, and you might think, “Can I really afford this?” It’s a fair question. So let’s talk honestly about what the investment looks like here at Bird House Counselling, how it compares to other options, and perhaps more importantly, the cost of choosing not to invest at all.

Understanding the Investment: A Simple Comparison

To help you see where your money goes, here’s a breakdown of typical out-of-pocket costs for different types of support in our area. These figures are based on current standard rates and Medicare rebates.

Bird House Counselling
Individual
Fee: $110
Medicare (MHCP): ❌ Not available
Out-of-pocket: $110
Session limit: Unlimited

Couples (Cpl)
Fee: $190
Medicare (MHCP): ❌ Not available
Out-of-pocket: $190
Session limit: Unlimited

Psychologist Services
Individual (Ind)
Fee: $260
Medicare (MHCP): $92–$97 rebate
Out-of-pocket: $163–$168
Session limit: 10 rebated sessions

Couples (Cpl)
Fee: $295
Medicare (MHCP): ❌ Not available
Out-of-pocket: $295
Session limit: Unlimited

(Note: Psychologist fees can vary, and the figures above are estimates based on current industry data. A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP is required for any Medicare rebate.)

As you can see, the out-of-pocket cost for counselling can often be less than or comparable to seeing a psychologist, with the added freedom of no caps on the number of sessions. You’re not restricted to just ten visits. Healing doesn't follow a calendar, and neither do we.

The Hidden Cost of "I Can't Afford It"

But the dollar figure is only one part of the equation. The other part, the one that’s harder to measure is the cost of not getting support. Recent research from the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) found that cost is the number one barrier for people trying to access mental health care . It's a very real and valid concern.

Yet, we often hear ourselves, or our clients say things like:

• "I'm fine." (Even when we know we're not.)

• "I can't afford it." (Often without checking what the real cost would be.)

• "What would I even talk about?" (A sign that we've learned to bury things so deep, we've forgotten they're there.)

These phrases are protective. They keep us in what's familiar. But the long-term effect of staying in "I'm fine" mode is that we remain trapped by our past, our patterns, and our unhealed wounds. We might see the same arguments repeating in our relationship, feel the same anxiety creeping in, or wonder why joy feels so out of reach.

The Wider Cost of Not Investing

Globally, the economic impact of poor mental health is staggering. We're losing around $2.5 trillion per year due to lost productivity and the ripple effects of unaddressed mental health challenges . But the personal cost is even greater. It shows up as:

• Strained or broken relationships. The distance between partners grows.

• Feeling stuck in cycles of anxiety or low mood.

• Carrying the weight of past trauma into every new day.

• Lost opportunities for connection, joy, and becoming the most authentic version of yourself.

As one Australian counselling resource puts it, therapy is about "building healthier habits and emotional resilience. It enhances your ability to regulate emotions, improve communication, and respond more thoughtfully in everyday situations". These are the skills that change your life.

What Are You Really Paying For?

When you invest in a session at Bird House, you're not just paying for time. You're paying for a space where you don't have to hold your story alone. A place to be witnessed, without judgment. A chance to gently reconnect with the parts of yourself that got tucked away along the way, whether that's through Inner Child work, Gottman methods for your relationship, or simply having someone walk beside you as you navigate life's storms.

Many people find themselves stuck in what SANE Australia calls the "Google loop of despair," endlessly searching for answers online because the system feels too confusing or expensive . You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

A Gentle Invitation

The question isn't really "Can I afford counselling?"
Perhaps the more honest question is, "Can I afford to keep going like this?"

The cost of staying the same, of remaining "fine" is often far greater than the investment in your wellbeing. Whether you're in Bannockburn, Geelong, or along the Surf Coast, our door is open. No complicated theories, just a safe, affirming space to find yourself, or find each other.

If you're ready to stop just surviving and start reconnecting with who you truly are, we're here to witness that journey.