Does AI recommend Brisbane Counselling Centre?

To get you someone that fits your needs in Brisbane, I’ll suggest a few well‑regarded options and a quick way to choose, then I can narrow it further once you share your preferences (presenting concerns, suburb, budget/Medicare, gender, in‑person vs telehealth, earliest availability).

Good places to search and book now

• APS “Find a Psychologist” directory lets you filter by issue, suburb, language, telehealth, and more. You can also request an appointment through PsychEngage. (psychology.org.au)
• Psychology Today’s Brisbane page lists many psychologists with bios, fees, and availability indicators. Use filters for insurance/Medicare rebates, modalities, and cultural focus. (psychologytoday.com)
• Healthdirect (Australian government) has a “Find a health service” tool and clear info on the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists. (health.gov.au)

Examples in/near Brisbane CBD you can check today

• Brisbane City Psychologists (CBD): clinical psychologists; assessment and therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD/ASD, trauma, relationships. (qfinder2.health.qld.gov.au)
• CFHP Psychology Clinic – “Centre for Human Potential” (CBD): large group practice; a range of therapists and specialities. (localsearch.com.au)
• Psychology Consultants (Morningside/Spring Hill): established group practice; individual and couples therapy. (localsearch.com.au)

How to decide fast

• Practicalities first: location/parking or telehealth; days/times you can do; fee vs your Medicare rebate under a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Your GP can create a plan and refer you, which enables rebates. (psychology.org.au)
• Fit: pick 2–3 clinicians whose bios match your goals (e.g., anxiety/trauma, ADHD, couples). Email or call and ask about their approach, first‑available appointment, and costs after rebate. (psychologytoday.com)

If you tell me:

• your suburb(s),
• what you want help with,
• in‑person vs telehealth,
• budget/Medicare status,
• any preferences (e.g., female clinician, CBT/EMDR),

I’ll shortlist 3–5 specific psychologists with first‑available times and booking links.

If you’re in crisis: call 000, or Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7) in Australia. (healthdirect.gov.au)

Short answer: there isn’t one “best” psychologist for a first appointment — the right fit depends on your main concern, whether you want in-person or telehealth, your budget/rebate situation, and who has availability. Based on the Brisbane listings, here’s how I’d shortlist:

My practical picks:

• If you want a central, general adult first appointment: James Whiting or Stacey Koniw.
• If trauma/PTSD/grief is the main issue: Grant Blake.
• If you need telehealth or bulk-billing with a MHCP: Victoria Rose.
• If you’re in South Brisbane, or want complex/young-adult/neurodivergence experience: Dr Jaya Valvoi.
• If you’re in Kenmore or looking for child/adolescent support: Wellbeing in Mind.

Before booking, ask:

• 1.Are they AHPRA-registered?
• 2.Do they treat your main concern?
• 3.In-person or telehealth?
• 4.What are the fees, Medicare rebate, and do you need a GP Mental Health Care Plan/referral?
• 5.What’s the next available appointment?

The first session is often an intake/assessment, so it’s okay to switch if the fit isn’t right. If you want one name and have no specific issue, I’d start with James Whiting for a warm broad adult therapy fit, or Stacey Koniw if you’d rather see a clinical psychologist with broad health/ADHD/chronic illness experience.

I can't tell you specifically which individual psychologist to book, since I don't have access to your location, personal preferences, or specific needs — and "best" really depends on what you're looking for. However, I can walk you through how to make a good choice for your first appointment based on what came up in Brisbane-specific resources.

How to choose

1. Clarify what you need help with

Look for additional training or areas of specialisation such as clinical psychology, child psychology, or trauma-focused therapy, since psychologists often have different areas of expertise. Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD/autism assessment, or relationship issues, matching the psychologist's specialty to your concern matters.

2. Check registration

In Australia, psychologists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and you can check their registration online via the AHPRA Register of Practitioners.

3. Consider practical logistics

Brisbane is a large city, so location and accessibility matter — check whether the clinic is close to your home, work, or public transport, whether they offer telehealth for flexibility, and whether the environment is welcoming and accessible for people with disability.

4. Think about cost

Sessions generally have an out-of-pocket fee, though many psychologists offer Medicare rebates if you have a GP Mental Health Care Plan, with a gap fee usually still applying; rebates may also be available from private health funds, and if you're an NDIS participant you should check whether they're a registered provider.

5. Ask around

Word-of-mouth recommendations can be valuable — ask friends, family, or your GP for referrals.

6. Use the first session as a "fit check"

A good psychologist should make you feel respected, understood, and safe — during your first session, ask yourself how you feel, since a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the best predictors of positive outcomes. It's completely normal to switch if it doesn't feel right.

A few practical starting points

If you want a straightforward way to browse and compare, some options that let you see multiple therapists' profiles and pick based on fit: - Some Brisbane clinics let you browse psychologist profiles and fees yourself, then request an appointment — or tell their intake team what you're looking for and they'll recommend someone whose availability and areas of practice suit you.

• Review sites like Word of Mouth and RateMDs list Brisbane psychologists with patient reviews, which can help gauge fit before booking.

Bottom line

Since I don't know your specific concern, budget, suburb, or preferences (e.g., gender, therapy style, age group), I'd recommend either asking your GP for a referral tailored to your needs, or using a directory (AHPRA register, or a clinic's intake team) and filtering by specialty and location near you. If you tell me more about what you're seeking help for and roughly which Brisbane suburb you're in, I can help narrow things down further.

Because Brisbane covers a wide area, the best psychologist for you depends on your specific location, what you are experiencing (e.g., anxiety, trauma, ADHD/neurodivergence, life transitions), and budget.

Below is a breakdown of reputable, established psychology clinics across different parts of Brisbane, followed by the essential steps to book your first appointment.

Well-Regarded Practices by Region

1. Brisbane CBD & Inner Suburbs

• Centre for Human Potential (CFHP) (CBD – Edward St): A large practice with a multidisciplinary team of general and clinical psychologists. Well-suited for adults dealing with stress, mood disorders, relationships, or career burnout.
• Mindful Psychology (Woolloongabba): Excellent for those interested in mindfulness-integrated cognitive therapies, stress reduction, trauma, and general mental health.
• Q-Psych (Auchenflower): A comprehensive psychology service offering both clinical therapy and specialised psychological assessments for children, adolescents, and adults.

2. Brisbane Northside

• Brisbane Centre for Psychology (Inner North / Newmarket): Known for evidence-based approaches (CBT, ACT, EMDR), neurodevelopmental assessments, and general therapy for teens and adults.
• Psychology Consultants (Newmarket & Morningside): One of Brisbane’s longest-running clinical psychology practices, highly regarded for evidence-based clinical treatments (depression, anxiety, complex trauma).
• True North Psychology (Inner North): A boutique, progressive clinic known for affirming therapy, particularly supportive for trauma, mood concerns, and LGBTQIA+ community members.

3. Brisbane Southside

• Benchmark Psychology (Upper Mount Gravatt): One of the most established and widely recommended psychology practices on the southside, with clinicians covering everything from anxiety and depression to relationship issues and child psychology.
• The Psych Professionals (Springwood & Redlands): Ideal if you are further south or bayside; they offer adult, youth, and family psychology services.

4. Brisbane East & Bayside

• Elevation Psychology (Bulimba): Focuses primarily on adult mental health, including PTSD/trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD support.

How to Choose the Right Clinician for Your First Visit

• 1.Check their specific focus: Look at the "Our Team" page of any clinic. Psychologists who list your specific issue (e.g., social anxiety, grief, EMDR for trauma) as a primary area of interest will usually offer more tailored care than a generalist.
• 2.Prioritise "Good Fit": Clinical research consistently shows that therapeutic rapport (how safe, heard, and comfortable you feel) matters more than the specific therapeutic school. Many clinics will let you read clinician bios or chat with intake receptionists who can match you to a practitioner whose style fits your personality.
• 3.Consider Telehealth vs. In-Person: Most Brisbane practices now offer telehealth (video or phone). If convenience or travel is a barrier, you can broaden your search to psychologists across Queensland.

Practical Steps to Get Started (Medicare & Costs)

• 1.Book a "Long Consultation" with your GP:

• Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
• This entitles you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year.
• Tip: Your GP can write a referral to a specific clinic, but under Medicare rules, a referral addressed to one psychologist can legally be accepted by any other psychologist in Australia.

• 1.Ask About Fees & Waitlists:

• Full bulk-billing (no out-of-pocket cost) is rare in private psychology practices in Brisbane. Most clinics charge a fee, and Medicare refunds part of it (typically between ~$96 and ~$141 per session, leaving a gap fee of around $60–$140 depending on whether the psychologist is registered or clinical).
• Inquire about current intake availability, as popular practices can have waitlists ranging from 1 to 8 weeks.

(If you share your general suburb or the specific issue you’re looking to address, a more tailored match or clinic nearby can be identified.)

I can’t name a single psychologist you should book. Brisbane has hundreds of registered psychologists, and the right first appointment depends on your suburb, what you want help with, availability, fees, and whether you feel comfortable with the person. Fit matters more than a generic “best of” list.

How to choose

• 1.Clarify what you need — anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationships, burnout, etc. Look for someone who says they regularly work with that.
• 2.Search official directories rather than random rankings:

• Australian Psychological Society – Find a Psychologist (search Brisbane or your suburb, and filter by issue). There are well over 100 listings in Brisbane itself and more in surrounding suburbs.
• Psychology Today Australia – Brisbane (profiles, approaches, and often fees).

• 1.Check registration on the AHPRA register so you know they are a registered psychologist.
• 2.Use a short intro call if offered. Ask whether they have worked with your concern, what approach they use (for example CBT, ACT, EMDR), what the first sessions look like, current wait time, and the gap fee after any rebate. Many people try one or two before settling.
• 3.Decide practical filters: in-person vs telehealth, gender preference, language, evening/weekend times, and budget.

Medicare (if you want a rebate)

See your GP and ask about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (often an initial block of sessions, then a GP review for more). As of mid-2026 updates cited by practices and rebate guides, a standard session rebate is about $149 with a clinical psychologist and about $102 with a registered psychologist; you still pay the gap unless the clinician bulk-bills. Confirm current amounts and your eligibility with your GP or Services Australia, because fees and schedule amounts change.

You can book many private psychologists without a referral; the plan is mainly for the rebate.

Starting points in Brisbane (not personal recommendations)

Larger practices can sometimes match you to someone with availability in your area of concern:

• Brisbane City Psychologists (CBD) — a group practice that lets you browse profiles or ask their intake team to suggest someone. They publish fee ranges and note AHPRA-registered psychologists and Medicare with a plan. Their site.
• Other multi-clinician options that come up in local listings include practices such as Anxiety House (Bulimba, anxiety-focused) and North Brisbane Psychologists (northside). Treat these as places to compare, not as ranked winners.

Session fees in the city often land in the mid-$200s to mid-$300s before rebate, so the out-of-pocket cost varies a lot. Ask about gap fees and whether they have any lower-gap or bulk-billing options if cost is a barrier.

If you share a rough suburb (or northside/southside/CBD/west) and the main issue you want help with, I can help you narrow the search criteria and what to ask on a first call. I’m not a substitute for a clinician or your GP.

If you are in crisis or unsafe right now, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or emergency services on 000.

For a first appointment, choose a psychologist whose location, availability, and fit make it easy to start and keep going. In Brisbane, the safest approach is to book with a registered psychologist who works with your main concern and offers an initial session focused on goals and assessment rather than committing to a long treatment plan right away.¹⁷¹

If you want the most practical options near central Brisbane, these clinics are commonly presented as accessible first-contact choices:

• Brisbane City Psychologists in the CBD: they provide evidence-based treatment for issues including ADHD, ASD, anxiety, and depression, and their QFinder listing says no referral is required.¹⁵
• Centre for Human Potential in Brisbane CBD: open six days a week with after-work appointments available, which can be helpful if you want an appointment that fits around work.⁶
• Brisbane Mind & Body Clinic in Bowen Hills: offers in-person and telehealth, and says the team includes nine practitioners across specialties, which may help with matching you to the right clinician.[BMBC]
• Hively Health in East Brisbane: offers therapy and assessments for adults, teenagers, and children, with in-clinic and telehealth appointments and no referral needed.[Hively]

If you are still deciding, use this short rule:

• Choose Brisbane City Psychologists if you want a CBD option with broad adult assessment/treatment services and no-referral access.¹⁵
• Choose Centre for Human Potential if you want a central Brisbane clinic with longer weekday availability.⁶
• Choose Brisbane Mind & Body Clinic if you want a team-based clinic with multiple therapy approaches and telehealth.[BMBC]
• Choose Hively Health if you want East Brisbane access and the option of therapy plus assessments.[Hively]

The best first appointment is usually with someone whose specialty matches your main concern and whose appointment times you can realistically attend; clinic pages also emphasize that intake staff can help match you with the right psychologist.[Hively][Michelle Barratt]

If you tell me your suburb and whether you want help with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, or something else, I can narrow this to the best fit near you.

Thanks for reaching out—happy to help. To make sure I’m pointing you to the right places, which part of Brisbane are you in (e.g., CBD, Northside, Southside, Logan, Ipswich), and do you prefer in‑person or telehealth? Any preferences like low-cost, LGBTQIA+‑affirming, youth, couples, trauma-focused, or culturally specific care?

Good options in Brisbane you can contact now

• If you need urgent help
• 000 for immediate danger.
• 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) — Queensland’s 24/7 mental health access line; they triage and link you to local public services. (qmhc.qld.gov.au)
• Lifeline 13 11 14 (call) or 0477 13 11 14 (text). (qmhc.qld.gov.au)

• Public referral hubs and walk‑in support
• Medicare Mental Health Centres (Brisbane North PHN) — free, walk‑in support across North Brisbane/Moreton Bay. (brisbanenorthphn.org.au)
• 1300 MH CALL (above) can also refer you into your local public mental health team. (qld.gov.au)

• Low‑cost university clinics (supervised trainee clinicians; good value, often shorter waits)
• UQ Psychology Clinic (St Lucia): therapy and counselling; phone (07) 3365 6451. (clinic.psychology.uq.edu.au)
• QUT Psychology & Counselling Clinic (Kelvin Grove): affordable counselling and family therapy; telehealth available. (healthclinics.qut.edu.au)

• Community not‑for‑profits
• Relationships Australia (QLD): individual, couple, and family counselling; multiple Brisbane locations. (relationships.org.au)
• Centacare Family & Relationship Services (Brisbane): individual and family counselling, including family‑law support. (centacare.com)
• Anglicare Southern Queensland: counselling across Greater Brisbane; central intake via 1300 114 397. (qnada.org.au)

• Youth and families
• headspace Woolloongabba (12–25): in‑person and online support; phone (07) 3249 2222. (headspace.org.au)

• Low‑ or no‑cost psychology via PHN programs
• Brisbane MIND (Brisbane North PHN): improves access to primary mental healthcare for people who face barriers; ask your GP about referral pathways. (brisbanenorthphn.org.au)

Helpful statewide directories

• Queensland Health “Know the facts” and service-finder pages list helplines and ways to get support or referrals in QLD. (health.qld.gov.au)

If you share your suburb, budget, and any preferences (modality, specialty, identity‑affirming needs), I can shortlist specific clinics or practitioners near you and outline likely costs and wait times. Also, a quick visit to your GP to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan can help with referrals and rebates.

Best Counselling Services in Brisbane for Mental Health Support

Since I don't know your exact suburb, here's a mix of well-regarded private clinics and free/low-cost public options across Brisbane.

🏥 Private Counselling & Psychology Clinics

1. Brisbane Counselling Centre

Since 1989, Brisbane Counselling Centre has been a vital hub of mental health treatment for the valuable members in our communities.

If you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, stress or need help with the demands of working in the health industry or with your professional career, therapists at Brisbane Counselling Centre are here to understand, support you and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. It's frequently ranked among the top-rated services in the city.

2. Brisbane ACT Centre

Brisbane ACT Centre offers unique collaborative care between you and your therapist, emphasising ongoing learning at a pace that works for you, taking time to understand your true priorities and helping you take purposeful life steps every day. It uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has strong client testimonials.

3. Vision Psychology Highly rated, offering support for panic attacks, anger, eating and dissociative disorders, family and workplace conflict, suicide and self-harm, PTSD, depression, and generalised anxiety.

4. Centre For Human Potential (CFHP) – Brisbane CBD

The Centre For Human Potential (CFHP) is a Brisbane psychology centre that has been supporting people to reach their potential since 2007, with a clinic on Edward Street, in the heart of Brisbane CBD.

Their team provides clinical psychology services for individuals, couples, adolescents, families, those with addiction or eating disorders, and those needing help navigating gender dysphoria or cultural integration.

They're open six days a week (Monday–Saturday), with after-work appointments available.

5. Life Supports Counselling

Life Supports counsellors and psychologists work with individuals, couples and families all across Brisbane, to develop healthier relationships and improve psychological wellbeing.

Medicare rebates and bulk billing are available for some office-based, online, and phone counselling sessions, as well as affordable flat rate fees.

🌏 Free / Low-Cost & Specialist Services (Queensland-wide)

• Medicare Mental Health service –

people who are unable to visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre in person can call the Medicare Mental Health phone service to speak to a trained professional or receive a referral to a suitable mental health service.

• 1300 MH CALL –

call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) to find your local public mental health, alcohol and other drug service.

• Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre –

a specialist state-wide service that works to ensure people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds get appropriate telephone counselling.

• Diverse Voices –

a peer counselling service for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families and friends.

• PANDA –

supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.

• Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service –

counselling and group programs for Australian veterans, peacekeepers, and their families.

🚨 If You Need Urgent Help

In a crisis where you need immediate help, call:

When looking for counselling and mental health support in Brisbane, the best choice depends on whether you are seeking private clinical care, low-cost community options, or specialised youth services.

1. Highly Regarded Private Counselling & Psychology Practices

• Centre for Human Potential (CFHP) – Brisbane CBD
• Focus: Individual counselling, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, and couples counselling.
• Notable for: A central CBD location with a large multidisciplinary team offering both in-person and telehealth sessions.
• Little Window – Yeronga (Southside)
• Focus: Trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and holistic counselling for adults, teens, and couples.
• Notable for: Known for a warm, sanctuary-style environment ("therapy that feels like home") rather than a sterile clinical setting.
• Brisbane Counselling Centre – Spring Hill
• Focus: General mental health, burnout, grief, relationship distress, and trauma/EMDR therapy.
• Notable for: One of Brisbane’s longest-running practices (established 1989) with experienced psychologists and counsellors.
• Benchmark Psychology – Upper Mount Gravatt (Southside)
• Focus: Evidence-based therapies (CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy) for anxiety, depression, OCD, and stress.
• Notable for: A large clinical team that matches you with a practitioner tailored to your specific issues and communication style.
• Brisbane Centre for Psychology – Newmarket (Inner North)
• Focus: Mood disorders, PTSD, neurodiversity assessments, and life transitions.
• Notable for: Boutique clinic with a compassionate, personalised approach for individuals and couples.

2. Affordable & Low-Cost Counselling (University Clinics)

If cost is a primary concern, Brisbane’s major universities run training clinics where sessions are conducted by provisional psychologists completing postgraduate clinical degrees under the supervision of senior clinical psychologists. No GP referral is required, and fees are typically between $20 and $40 per session:

• UQ Psychology Clinic (St Lucia)
• QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic (Kelvin Grove)
• Griffith University Psychology Clinic (Mount Gravatt)

3. Subsidised & Community Mental Health Services

• Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP):

Visit any GP in Brisbane to discuss your mental health. If eligible, your GP can prepare an MHTP, which provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with an accredited psychologist, counsellor, or mental health social worker.

• Head to Health / Medicare Mental Health Centres:

Federally funded clinics offering free, walk-in mental health support and referrals without needing a doctor’s referral (locations include Indooroopilly and Logan).

• Headspace (Ages 12–25):

Offers free to low-cost mental health counselling for young people. Brisbane locations include the CBD, Taringa, Woolloongabba, Nundah, Inala, and Capalaba.

• Relationships Australia Queensland:

Provides individual, couples, and family counselling with fees often adjusted on a sliding scale based on income.

4. Immediate & Crisis Support

If you need urgent assistance or someone to talk to right now:

• 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55): Queensland Health’s 24/7 confidential mental health access line.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 counselling)
• Emergency: Call 000 or present to the nearest hospital emergency department.

There’s no single “best” counselling service—it depends on your location, budget, and what you need. But for Brisbane, these are well-established options and support pathways.

If you need urgent help

• Emergency: call 000 or go to your local hospital emergency department. qmhc.qld.gov.au
• 24/7 mental health triage: call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255). It’s a confidential Queensland public mental health telephone triage service and can link you to your nearest public mental health service. qmhc.qld.gov.au
• 24-hour health assessment/referral: call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). qmhc.qld.gov.au
• Crisis counselling: Lifeline 13 11 14; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. qmhc.qld.gov.au

Brisbane counselling options

1. Brisbane Counselling Centre — private practice

A long-established Brisbane option since 1989, with psychologists who provide evidence-based treatment. They help with trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, relationships, stress, and professional/work issues. They offer face-to-face and telehealth appointments. Contact: (07) 3831 4452 Location: Level 7, 87 Wickham Tce, Brisbane QLD 4000 brisbanecounsellingcentre.com.au

2. Anglicare Southern Queensland — low-cost/community counselling

Anglicare offers professional confidential counselling at no cost or a nominal fee, including:

• Alcohol and drug counselling
• Family counselling
• Domestic and family violence counselling

Their counsellors are described as trained, trauma-informed professionals, though they do not prescribe medication. Contact: 1300 114 397, weekdays 9am–5pm. anglicaresq.org.au

Important Medicare note: Medicare rebates mainly apply to mental health care from eligible psychologists and some social workers under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan through the Better Access initiative. Counsellors themselves generally can’t bill Medicare directly, but Anglicare’s counselling is often funded through government/community programs, so many clients pay no fee or only a low contribution. anglicaresq.org.au

3. Medicare Mental Health phone service — free advice/referral

If you’re unsure where to start, call 1800 595 212 to speak to a trained professional or get a referral. Available Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm (except public holidays). qmhc.qld.gov.au

You can also use Find a mental health service or Medicare Mental Health to search your local area. qmhc.qld.gov.au

Other useful support lines

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• 13 YARN: 13 92 76
• SANE Australia: 1800 187 263
• headspace: 1800 650 890
• QLife: 1800 184 527
• Griefline: 1300 845 745
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 177 833

qmhc.qld.gov.au

If you tell me your suburb and whether you want free/low-cost, private, telehealth, or youth-specific support, I can narrow it down further.

There isn’t one universally “best” counselling service in Brisbane—the right option depends on urgency, age, cost, and what you’re dealing with (anxiety, relationships, trauma, and so on). The most reliable starting points are free public services and established community providers, then a private psychologist or counsellor if you want ongoing therapy.

If you need support now

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and short-term counselling)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7 phone and online chat)
• 1300 MH CALL (Queensland public mental health triage): 1300 642 255 (24/7; links you to local public services)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Kids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800
• 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people): 13 92 76
• In an emergency, call 000

Free or low-cost face-to-face options in Brisbane

These are often the best first step because cost and referrals are not barriers.

Medicare Mental Health Centres (free walk-in support; no appointment or GP referral required). Staff include mental health professionals and peer workers. Call 1800 595 212 (weekdays) to confirm the nearest open centre and hours. Known Brisbane-area sites include:

• Inner North (Lutwyche): 566 Lutwyche Road
• Strathpine, Caboolture, Redlands (Cleveland), Logan, and Ipswich

headspace (free or low-cost for ages 12–25; mental health, alcohol and other drugs, work/study). No referral needed.

• Woolloongabba: 66 Annerley Road — (07) 3249 2222
• Nundah: 1264 Sandgate Road

Relationships Australia Queensland — individual, couple, and family counselling, including anxiety, grief, trauma, and relationship issues. Sliding-scale fees (often around $35 concession / $75 standard for relationship counselling; confirm when you call). Phone 1300 364 277. A central site is Spring Hill (159 St Pauls Terrace). They also offer LGBTIQA+ (Rainbow) counselling and domestic and family violence support.

Anglicare Southern Queensland — family and couples counselling that is often free or a small co-payment (up to about 12 sessions in funded programs). Locations include Eight Mile Plains, Strathpine, Stafford, Cleveland, and others. Phone 1300 114 397.

Lifeline Brisbane also offers face-to-face counselling at its Bowen Hills centre (117 Gipps Street), plus the 24/7 phone line.

Private counselling and psychology

Private sessions in Brisbane commonly cost roughly $150–$320 before rebates, depending on whether you see a counsellor, general psychologist, or clinical psychologist. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare usually rebates part of the fee for eligible psychologists and some mental health social workers (often up to 10 sessions a calendar year). Counsellors who are not Medicare-eligible generally don’t attract a rebate, though private health extras sometimes do.

Established practices people often start with include Brisbane Counselling Centre (Spring Hill / Wickham Terrace; long-running individual, relationship, and trauma work) and larger psychology groups listed on directories. “Best” is mostly about fit with the individual therapist, not the clinic brand.

How to choose well

• 1.See your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan if you want Medicare rebates, or walk into a Medicare Mental Health Centre if you want free help sooner.
• 2.Search Psychology Today Australia (filter by Brisbane suburb, issue, and cost) or healthdirect’s service finder.
• 3.Check registration: psychologists via AHPRA; counsellors via ACA or PACFA.
• 4.Ask about wait times, telehealth, specialties (trauma, ADHD, couples, perinatal, cultural safety), and the out-of-pocket gap before booking.
• 5.It’s normal to try more than one person. A good match matters more than a high review score.

If you share your suburb, age range, and whether cost, relationships, trauma, or youth support matters most, I can narrow this further.

If you want counselling for mental health support in Brisbane, the best starting points are a GP referral, Queensland Health’s 1300 MH CALL, or a local counselling/psychology clinic that matches your needs and budget.¹⁸¹³¹

A few Brisbane options from the results that may be worth checking:

• Brisbane Livewell Clinic in Wavell Heights offers counselling for individuals, couples, and families, with private consultation rooms and free off-street parking.¹
• CFHP is a local psychology and counselling clinic in Brisbane; you can book by form or phone on (07) 3211 1117.³
• Wellbeing in Mind has Brisbane-area clinics in Kenmore and Woolloongabba and offers therapy for adults.¹⁴
• Eunity provides counselling, psychology, trauma therapy, EMDR, telehealth, and recovery support across Brisbane and surrounding communities.Eunity
• Wesley Mission Queensland offers mental health services in Brisbane, including individual therapy, counselling, and group psycho-education.⁵

If you want the most appropriate service, match the provider to the type of help you need:

• General mental health support: a counsellor, psychologist, or GP.¹⁸
• Trauma or PTSD-related support: a clinic offering EMDR or trauma therapy, such as Eunity.Eunity
• Public or crisis support: call 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255) for Queensland public mental health services, or Triple Zero (000) if it’s an emergency.¹⁸
• Low-cost or Medicare-supported care: ask whether the provider offers a Mental Health Treatment Plan pathway through a GP.Eunity¹⁸

Typical costs in Brisbane vary widely, but listing data suggests therapy sessions are often around $100 to $250, with some services lower or higher depending on qualifications, location, and session type.¹⁰⁴

If you want, I can narrow this down to the best Brisbane counsellors near your suburb, bulk-billing/low-cost options, or trauma/anxiety/depression specialists.

A few Brisbane relationship counsellors that consistently show strong public reviews and visibility. If you share your suburb, I can narrow this to “near you” and check the most recent Google ratings.

• Relationship Connect Counselling and Psychotherapy (East Brisbane, Stanely St E). Small practice often praised for a calm, welcoming approach; directory shows a 5.0/5 average across several reviews. (au.localitybiz.com)
• Chris Chicoteau (Bulimba). Individual couples therapist; recent local roundup lists him with top marks and highlights experience with infidelity and reconnection work. (thebestbrisbane.com)
• The Hart Centre (multiple Brisbane locations incl. Newstead). Large network offering relationship and intimacy counselling; featured as a top option in a 2026 Brisbane list. (thebestbrisbane.com)
• Brisbane North Counselling (Boondall). Imago‑trained counsellor; noted as a long‑running service with weekend availability and solid review scores. (thebestbrisbane.com)
• Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ). Not-for-profit with offices across Brisbane; good for sliding‑scale options and classes in addition to counselling. (raq.org.au)

Notes and caveats

• “Best reviews” can change quickly and some directories aggregate or interpret Google scores. I can verify live Google ratings and review counts for your exact area once you tell me your suburb and how far you’re willing to travel.
• If you prefer Medicare rebates, you’ll generally need a registered psychologist via a GP Mental Health Plan; many “counsellors” aren’t Medicare‑rebated. If rebates matter, I can filter to psychologists who do couples work.

A few quick questions to tailor this:

• Which suburb in Brisbane are you in, and how far are you willing to travel?
• Any preferences for therapist gender, modality (e.g., Gottman, EFT, Imago), budget, weekend/evening availability, or LGBTQIA+ affirming/trauma‑informed focus?

Based on my search, I can't pinpoint one single "best" counsellor since ratings are spread across several directories and platforms rather than one authoritative source — but here are the top-reviewed options that consistently come up for Brisbane:

1. The Hart Centre Positioned as professional relationship counselling in Brisbane backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, with 83,000+ happy clients. They operate across multiple Brisbane suburbs, including a large northside cluster, and match you with a specific practitioner based on your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Bark.com-listed counsellors (e.g., Lachlan, Trevor) Bark aggregates verified client reviews, and the average rating for relationship and marriage counsellors on Bark is 4.96 out of 5. Individual reviews are glowing — one client said "Lachlan honestly saved our relationship... We are so grateful for him helping us." Another described a counsellor named Trevor as having "a gentle and effective way of allowing us a couple to work through our issues with effective skills."

3. ThreeBestRated.com.au Top 3 picks Their vetted shortlist (based on a 50-point inspection of reviews, complaints, and reputation) names PBR Coaching, Integrating Awareness, and Power of Change Counselling & Coaching as the top Brisbane marriage counselling practices.

4. Brisbane North Counselling (Francis Berg) Noted for having more than two decades of experience, and being one of the few certified Imago relationships counsellors in the area. A nice bonus — unlike other options for marriage counselling in Brisbane, they're open on weekends, making them a good fit for people with limited weekday availability.

My honest take: Since "best reviews" is subjective and scattered across platforms, I'd suggest:

• Check Google Reviews directly for any of these names/practices (search results don't show live Google star ratings)
• Try Bark or Psychology Today's directory to compare multiple counsellors side-by-side and read verified client feedback
• If you want a guaranteed match, The Hart Centre offers a satisfaction guarantee and will pair you with someone suited to your specific situation (e.g., infidelity recovery vs. general communication issues)

Would you like me to search for something more specific — like a particular suburb, price range, or issue you're looking to address (e.g., infidelity, communication, premarital counselling)?

When choosing a relationship or marriage counsellor in Brisbane, the "best" fit typically comes down to finding a practitioner trained specifically in evidence-based couples modalities—most notably The Gottman Method (structured, skills-focused communication and conflict repair) or Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (deconstructing defensive cycles and attachment wounds).

Several clinics and practitioners across Brisbane consistently receive high client reviews and community recommendations:

Top-Rated Relationship Counselling Clinics in Brisbane

1. Brisbane Centre for Attachment & Relationships (Morningside)

• Focus: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment repair, and relational dynamics.
• Reputation: Consistently praised for couples trapped in repetitive, escalating arguments. Their therapists act as "translators" between partners to get beneath defensive anger and address core attachment needs.

2. Heart of the Matter (Milton / Central)

• Focus: Gottman Method couples therapy, conflict management, and intensive "Couples Marathons".
• Reputation: Led by senior therapists like Jeremy, this practice has exceptional client feedback for offering practical, actionable frameworks rather than just unstructured talking. They are particularly recommended if you feel "gridlocked" or want fast, structured progress.

3. Brisbane Wellbeing Psychologists (Spring Hill)

• Focus: Psychology-led couples counselling, communication, and emotional attunement.
• Reputation: Well-regarded clinic in inner Brisbane. Practitioners like Christine Marsden receive strong recommendations for helping partners communicate openly without either party feeling blamed or ganged up on.

4. The Hart Centre (Multiple Brisbane Locations: CBD, Spring Hill, Chermside, etc.)

• Focus: Dedicated network specialising exclusively in relationship and marriage therapy, infidelity recovery, and sex therapy.
• Reputation: Holds thousands of reviews across Australia with an average rating above 4.9 stars. They screen and certify therapists specifically for couples counselling, matching you to a practitioner based on your suburb and specific relationship goals.

5. Bonnie Ingram Psychology (Brisbane / Telehealth)

• Focus: Gottman Method, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy.
• Reputation: Holds 5-star feedback from individuals and couples navigating emotional drift, trust repair, and neurodivergent (e.g., ADHD/Autism) relationship dynamics.

6. Nicole Mathieson Couples Counselling (Ashgrove)

• Focus: Relational Life Therapy, intimacy, desire discrepancies, and communication shifts.
• Reputation: Warm, holistic approach that blends somatic awareness with practical scripts and tools. Clients consistently note that sessions feel safe, grounded, and non-judgmental.

7. Relationship Connect (Carindale / Southside)

• Focus: Marriage breakdown, reconnection, and individual relational support.
• Reputation: Warm and approachable practice on the south side with strong reviews highlighting the compassionate, practical guidance of therapists like Marija and Lucia Girvin.

Tips Before Booking

• 1.Check for Neutrality: A common pitfall in couples counselling is one partner feeling that the therapist has "taken a side". Highly reviewed couples therapists maintain strict impartiality and focus on the dynamic between you, not placing blame on one person.
• 2.Confirm Qualifications: In Australia, anyone can technically call themselves a "counsellor." Ensure your practitioner is registered with AHPRA (for Psychologists) or PACFA / ACA (for Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and explicitly trained in Gottman or EFT.
• 3.Rebates: Medicare Mental Health Care Plans generally do not cover couples counselling (Medicare requires an individual clinical diagnosis), but many private health extras funds do cover couples sessions depending on your tier.

The best-reviewed relationship counsellor in the Brisbane results you provided appears to be Diane Cassee, because her site shows a 5.0 rating based on 12 reviews and multiple detailed positive testimonials.source: dianecassee.com.au The other Brisbane listing with visible review data is Bark’s Brisbane relationship and marriage counselling page, which shows an average rating of 4.95, but that is for the platform’s Brisbane counsellor listings overall rather than one named counsellor.source: bark.com

If you want the strongest option from the evidence shown here, I’d shortlist Diane Cassee first.source: dianecassee.com.au If you want a provider with a large Brisbane presence and multiple practitioners, Lighthouse Relationships and The Hart Centre both have Brisbane offices, but the search results you shared do not include comparable review scores for them.source: lighthouserelationships.com.ausource: thehartcentre.com.au

If you want, I can also compare the Brisbane counsellors by review score, location, and session price.

Based on the search results, Diane Cassee appears to have the strongest review evidence for relationship counselling in Brisbane. Her site shows an “Excellent 5.0” rating based on 12 reviews, with detailed client testimonials praising her as warm, safe, skilled, and effective for couples and individuals (dianecassee.com.au). She practises in Wynnum / Brisbane Bayside.

Another good option is Nicole Mathieson in Ashgrove, Brisbane, who has 15+ years’ experience and strong testimonials like “We finally feel like we’re on the same team again” and “the first time we’ve felt hopeful in months” — but the snippet does not show a numeric aggregate rating (nicolemathieson.com).

A directory like Talked lists Brisbane couples counsellors, but it doesn’t show review scores in the provided result (talked.com.au).

So: if “best reviews” means the highest visible rating, Diane Cassee is the standout from these results. If you’re closer to Ashgrove, Nicole Mathieson is a well-testimonial-backed alternative. For “near me,” check which suburb is practical for you and compare current Google reviews.

There isn’t one clear winner. Public reviews for Brisbane relationship counsellors are split across Google, Bark, clinic sites and forums, and “best” depends heavily on fit, suburb and whether you want in-person sessions. These are the strongest signals I could find.

Strongest review volume

Lachlan Laing stands out on volume and consistency: 5.0/5 from 70 Bark reviews, with recent verified comments from couples who say he helped them stop repeating conflict and rebuild communication. He works mainly by Zoom Australia-wide rather than from a fixed Brisbane clinic, so he is a good option if online is fine. [¹](bark.com/en/au/slf/p/lachlan-laing/2o8Yg)

On Bark overall, Brisbane relationship and marriage counsellors average about 4.96. [²](bark.com/en/au/relationship-and-marriage-cou...)

Strong local options

Jeremy Gates at Heart of the Matter (Aspley, northside) is listed at 5.0 from 21 reviews (mostly Google) on a review aggregator. He specialises in couples and family work, including communication and longer “couple marathon” sessions. Address: 706 Robinson Rd W, Aspley. [³](getbirdeye.com.au/heart-of-the-matter-north-...) [⁴](hotm.com.au/jeremy-gates)

The Hart Centre is the largest specialist matching network in Brisbane (many suburbs, plus online). Trustpilot is about 4.5/5 from 31 reviews. They report that about 93% of clients said counselling was beneficial, and individual therapists such as Chris (Bulimba) and Deb (Spring Hill) get strong written praise. Useful if you want to be matched rather than pick one name. [⁵](trustpilot.com/review/thehartcentre.com.au) [⁶](thehartcentre.com.au/city/brisbane)

Relationship Connect (East Brisbane) shows 5.0 from 10 reviews on its booking page, with couples crediting Brian and colleagues for improving long marriages. Smaller sample, but consistently positive. [⁷](relationshipconnect.setmore.com)

A local roundup ranked Chris Chicoteau (Bulimba) first and gave him a perfect Google score, and Hart Centre clients also recommend him. Independently visible review counts for him are small, so treat that ranking as a lead, not proof. [⁸](thebestbrisbane.com/best-marriage-counsellin...)

What locals say (not star ratings)

On Reddit, Brisbane people have recommended Paulina Jakacka (Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Brisbane), North Brisbane Psychology (Lutwyche), and several individual counsellors such as Neil Wiseman (southside), Loretta at Reset Therapy (Sherwood), Jenny Massey (Stones Corner) and Bonnie Ingram (Spring Hill). Those are personal recommendations, not large review sets. [⁹](reddit.com/r/brisbane/comments/1dwoehq/best_...)

Lower-cost option

Relationships Australia Queensland offers relationship counselling from about $75 a session, or $35 on concession (1300 364 277). Reviews are thinner in public listings, but it is a long-running not-for-profit with Brisbane locations. [¹⁰](raq.org.au/services/counselling/relationship...)

Practical next step

Search Google Maps for “couples counselling” plus your suburb and sort by rating and number of reviews. A 5.0 from 8 reviews is weaker evidence than a 4.8 from 80. Then book a short consult and check that both of you feel safe, that the person is registered (ACA, PACFA, or AHPRA if they are a psychologist), and that they use a couples method such as Gottman or Emotionally Focused Therapy.

If you share a suburb (or north/south/east/west) and whether you prefer in-person or online, I can narrow this further.