Finding a good counsellor in Sydney takes more than a quick search. The city has hundreds of practitioners operating across a wide range of specialisations, fee structures, and therapeutic approaches, which makes choosing one a genuinely time-consuming process. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, or workplace stress, the quality of the therapeutic relationship matters enormously to outcomes, and not every provider will be the right fit for every person.
Sydney’s demand for mental health support has grown steadily over recent years, with longer public waiting lists pushing many people toward private counselling services. The providers listed here were selected based on verified client ratings, breadth of services, geographic coverage across Greater Sydney, and the quality of information available to prospective clients. All ratings cited reflect aggregated client feedback at the time of publication.
The list covers solo practitioners, multi-location group practices, and specialist services, giving you a range of options depending on your location, budget, and what you are looking for in a therapeutic relationship.
1. Sydney Wide Counselling Services
A highly rated Sydney counselling service with broad client appeal
Sydney Wide Counselling Services holds a 4.9-star rating from over 100 clients, which places it among the more consistently reviewed counselling providers in the city. That volume of feedback, at that rating level, suggests a reliable standard of care rather than a handful of favourable reviews.
The practice serves clients across Sydney and covers a range of presenting concerns, making it a practical first port of call for people who are not yet sure what kind of support they need. The name reflects an intention to be accessible across the broader Sydney region, rather than being limited to a single suburb or postcode.
Prospective clients should confirm current availability, session formats (in-person or online), and fee structures directly with the practice, as these details can change.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating from more than 100 client reviews
- Broad service coverage across Sydney
- High volume of feedback suggests consistent quality
Cons
- Specific therapist profiles and qualifications are best confirmed directly
- Availability and waitlist times are not publicly listed
Best for: Individuals across Greater Sydney seeking a well-reviewed general counselling service
Website: sydneywidecounsellingservice.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
2. Associated Counsellors and Psychologists (Sydney CBD, Elizabeth Street)
Established multi-disciplinary practice in Sydney’s city centre
Associated Counsellors and Psychologists operates from Elizabeth Street in Sydney CBD, offering both counselling and psychology services in a central location. The practice carries a 4.9-star rating, with client feedback pointing to strong satisfaction across a range of presenting issues.
Having both counsellors and psychologists under one roof gives clients more flexibility. Psychologists can provide Medicare-rebatable services under a GP’s Mental Health Care Plan, while counsellors often offer shorter waiting times and lower out-of-pocket costs. The CBD location is easily accessible by public transport from most parts of the city.
The Elizabeth Street practice is one of several locations operated by the Associated Counsellors and Psychologists group, which means there may be options to transfer to another location or therapist within the same network if needed.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating with strong client satisfaction
- Both counsellors and psychologists available
- Central CBD location, easy to reach by public transport
- Part of a larger practice network
Cons
- CBD location may not suit clients in outer suburbs
- Fees and availability vary by practitioner
Best for: City workers and CBD-based clients who want access to both counselling and psychology in one location
Website: counsellingsydney.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
3. Sydney Counselling Space
Individual therapy with a perfect client satisfaction score
Sydney Counselling Space holds a 5.0-star rating, reflecting a strong record of client satisfaction for individual therapy. Solo or small practices with perfect ratings often achieve them through a consistent, personalised approach, where the same practitioner sees clients across the full course of their treatment.
The practice focuses on individual therapy, which suits people seeking one-on-one support in a stable therapeutic relationship. This kind of continuity can be particularly valuable for longer-term work such as trauma processing, identity issues, or chronic anxiety.
Prospective clients should check the practice website for current availability, whether sessions are in-person or online, and the therapeutic approaches used.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Focus on individual therapy supports continuity of care
- Personalised approach typical of smaller practices
Cons
- Smaller practices may have limited availability
- Service specialisations and fee details require direct confirmation
Best for: Individuals seeking consistent one-on-one therapy with a single practitioner
Website: sydneycounsellingspace.com
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
4. Associated Counsellors and Psychologists (Eastern Suburbs, Surry Hills)
Counselling and psychology services in Sydney’s inner east
The Surry Hills location of Associated Counsellors and Psychologists brings the group’s services into Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with a 4.8-star rating reflecting consistent client satisfaction. Surry Hills is well-connected and suits clients based in Paddington, Darlinghurst, Redfern, and surrounding areas who prefer not to travel into the CBD.
As with other locations in this network, clients can access both counsellors and registered psychologists. For those with a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP, psychology sessions may attract a Medicare rebate, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Being part of a group practice means that if a preferred therapist has no immediate availability, there may be colleagues at this or nearby locations who can accommodate sooner.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating
- Convenient for eastern suburbs residents
- Access to both counsellors and psychologists
- Part of a wider practice network with multiple locations
Cons
- Less convenient for clients in western or northern Sydney
- Individual therapist availability varies
Best for: Eastern suburbs residents wanting access to counselling and psychology services close to home
Website: counsellingsydney.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
5. Blue Horizon Counselling
Sydney counselling service with a perfect client rating
Blue Horizon Counselling carries a 5.0-star rating and has built a reputation for strong client satisfaction. The practice name and client feedback suggest a focus on creating a calm, supportive therapeutic environment, which is a meaningful factor for people who are approaching counselling for the first time or who have had mixed experiences elsewhere.
The service is Sydney-based and available to clients across the city. For many people, the first step in accessing counselling is simply finding a place where they feel comfortable, and Blue Horizon’s ratings indicate it achieves that consistently.
Check the practice website for details on session types, therapeutic approaches, and current availability, as well as whether telehealth options are offered alongside face-to-face appointments.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Consistent positive feedback across reviews
- Suitable for clients new to counselling
Cons
- Specific service areas and session formats require direct confirmation
- Availability at peak times may be limited
Best for: People seeking a warm, well-reviewed counselling environment, including first-time clients
Website: bluehorizoncounselling.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
6. Associated Counsellors and Psychologists Sydney (Inner West, Glebe)
Counselling and psychology services for Sydney’s inner west
The Glebe location extends the Associated Counsellors and Psychologists network into Sydney’s inner west, serving clients from Glebe, Newtown, Annandale, Leichhardt, and surrounding suburbs. It carries a 4.8-star rating, consistent with other locations in the group.
Inner west residents have historically had fewer options for accessible psychology services compared to the CBD or eastern suburbs, making this location a practical choice for those who want quality care without a long commute. The combination of counsellors and psychologists under one practice gives clients the ability to step between service types if their needs change.
Clients with a GP-referred Mental Health Care Plan should ask specifically about which practitioners at this location are registered psychologists eligible for Medicare rebates.
Pros
- 4.8-star rating
- Well-placed for inner west clients
- Access to both counselling and psychology services
- Connected to a multi-location group practice
Cons
- May not suit clients in the north or south of Sydney
- Waitlist times depend on individual practitioner availability
Best for: Inner west residents who want counselling or psychology services without travelling to the CBD
Website: counsellingsydney.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
7. Sydney City Couples Counselling
Specialist couples counselling in Sydney CBD with consistent five-star feedback
Sydney City Couples Counselling focuses specifically on couples and relationship work, which sets it apart from most general counselling practices on this list. It holds a 5.0-star rating built on consistent client feedback, a strong result for a specialised service where sessions can be emotionally demanding for all involved.
Couples counselling requires a different skill set from individual therapy. Practitioners need to manage two people simultaneously, address communication patterns, and hold a neutral stance while both parties feel genuinely heard. The consistent five-star rating suggests the practice navigates this well.
The CBD location makes it convenient for couples where both partners work in or near the city. Prospective clients should check whether the practice offers evening or weekend availability, which is often essential for working couples.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating with consistent client feedback
- Specialist focus on couples and relationships
- CBD location accessible from across Sydney
Cons
- Not suited to individual therapy needs
- Session availability for two people simultaneously can be harder to schedule
Best for: Couples in Sydney seeking specialist relationship counselling in a central location
Website: sydneycitycouplescounselling.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
8. Sydney Counsellor .org and Inner Peace Wellness Therapy
Counselling and wellness therapy in Sydney with five-star client ratings
Sydney Counsellor .org and Inner Peace Wellness Therapy combines counselling with a broader wellness therapy approach, which may suit clients looking for support that extends beyond traditional talk therapy. The practice holds a 5.0-star rating from client reviews.
The inclusion of wellness therapy alongside counselling suggests the practice may incorporate modalities such as mindfulness, somatic work, or holistic wellbeing frameworks. For clients who want a more integrative approach to mental health support, this kind of combination can be appealing.
As with any practice that blends multiple modalities, it is worth asking during an initial consultation which specific approaches the practitioner uses and how they determine which is most appropriate for each client.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Broader wellness approach alongside counselling
- May suit clients looking for integrative support
Cons
- Scope of wellness services should be confirmed directly
- Integrative approaches are not suited to every client or presenting issue
Best for: Clients who want counselling combined with broader wellness and wellbeing support
Website: sydneycounsellor.org
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
9. Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for Men Sydney
Men’s mental health counselling and psychotherapy in Sydney
This practice addresses a genuine gap in the Sydney counselling market. Men are statistically less likely to seek mental health support than women, and a service that positions itself explicitly for men can make the step of reaching out feel less fraught. The practice holds a 5.0-star rating from client reviews.
The focus on men’s mental health means practitioners are likely experienced with issues that commonly affect men, including work-related stress, relationship breakdown, anger management, identity, and grief. A specialised environment can reduce the discomfort some men feel in approaching general counselling or psychology services.
Psychotherapy, as offered alongside counselling here, typically involves deeper, longer-term work on underlying patterns and history, rather than short-term symptom management. This may suit men dealing with longstanding issues who have not found shorter interventions sufficient.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating
- Specialist focus on men’s mental health
- Offers both counselling and psychotherapy
- Accessible entry point for men who find general services less comfortable
Cons
- Service is not suited to women or couples seeking joint support
- Depth of psychotherapy work means it may not suit clients seeking brief intervention
Best for: Men in Sydney seeking counselling or psychotherapy in a setting specifically designed with them in mind
Website: counsellingformen.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
10. Counselling Sydney, Dominique Smajstr
One-on-one counselling and psychotherapy with a Surry Hills practitioner
Dominique Smajstr is a Sydney-based counsellor and psychotherapist offering individual therapy sessions with a 4.9-star client rating. The practice is based in Surry Hills, a well-connected inner suburb accessible from the CBD and eastern suburbs.
Solo practitioners like Smajstr often suit clients who want a stable, long-term relationship with one therapist rather than rotating through different practitioners in a group setting. A 4.9-star rating across individual sessions reflects strong personal rapport and client outcomes.
For clients considering psychotherapy for the first time, working with a named practitioner whose background and approach can be researched in advance often makes the initial contact easier.
Pros
- 4.9-star client rating
- Named, individual practitioner with consistent personal reviews
- Located in Surry Hills, accessible from CBD and eastern suburbs
- Offers both counselling and psychotherapy
Cons
- As a solo practitioner, availability may be limited
- No backup practitioner if unavailable
Best for: Clients in Sydney’s inner south who prefer working consistently with one named practitioner
Website: counsellingsurryhills.sydney
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
11. Clear Day Counselling, Coaching and Psychotherapy Services
Counselling, coaching and psychotherapy combined under one Sydney practice
Clear Day Counselling, Coaching and Psychotherapy Services holds a 4.9-star rating and occupies an interesting position in this list by combining therapeutic counselling with coaching. For clients whose needs sit at the intersection of personal development and mental health support, this kind of dual offering can be genuinely useful.
Coaching and counselling serve different functions. Counselling typically addresses emotional difficulties, past experiences, and psychological symptoms. Coaching is more future-focused, oriented toward goals, performance, and behaviour change. Practices that offer both can move between these modes as the client’s needs shift, which suits people at particular life transitions such as career changes, relationship shifts, or major personal decisions.
Prospective clients should clarify in an initial consultation which service is most appropriate for their situation, and whether individual sessions are offered or whether packages are the primary offering.
Pros
- 4.9-star rating
- Combines counselling, coaching and psychotherapy
- Useful for clients at life or career transition points
Cons
- The blend of modalities may not suit clients who need clearly defined clinical support
- Coaching is not a regulated profession in Australia, so qualifications vary
Best for: Clients who want support spanning personal growth, mental health, and goal-oriented coaching
Website: cleardayconsulting.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
12. Associated Counsellors and Psychologists Sydney (Sydney CBD, Macquarie Street)
Face-to-face counselling and psychology sessions on Macquarie Street
The Macquarie Street location of Associated Counsellors and Psychologists Sydney carries a 5.0-star rating, the highest within the group’s Sydney listings. Macquarie Street is well-known as a hub for medical and health professionals, which gives this location a strong professional context for clients who prefer a clinical setting.
Face-to-face sessions are offered here, which remains the preferred format for many clients, particularly those working on relational or trauma-related material where in-person presence makes a meaningful difference to the therapeutic relationship.
As part of the broader Associated Counsellors and Psychologists network, clients at this location benefit from the group’s infrastructure while receiving appointments with practitioners who hold individual professional registrations and specialisations.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating
- Prestigious Macquarie Street CBD location
- Face-to-face sessions in a professional medical precinct
- Part of a multi-location group practice
Cons
- CBD location is not convenient for all Sydney residents
- Parking in the Macquarie Street area is limited and costly
Best for: Professionals based in or near Sydney’s CBD who prefer in-person sessions in a formal clinical setting
Website: counsellingsydney.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
13. Sally Walsh Clinical Psychotherapist, Online Australia Wide
Online clinical psychotherapy for clients across Australia
Sally Walsh is a clinical psychotherapist offering sessions entirely online, with a 4.8-star rating from client feedback. The Australia-wide availability makes her practice relevant for anyone in Sydney who prefers telehealth, has limited mobility, works irregular hours, or simply finds online therapy more comfortable than attending in person.
Clinical psychotherapy typically involves longer-term, depth-oriented work. It differs from short-term counselling in its scope and its focus on underlying patterns, relational history, and complex psychological material. Clients seeking this level of engagement need a practitioner with the training and experience to hold that kind of work safely, and Walsh’s rating and clinical credentials point in that direction.
The online-only format suits some clients very well and others less so. People new to therapy or dealing with severe symptoms may benefit from exploring whether in-person options are available alongside or instead of telehealth.
Pros
- 4.8-star client rating
- Available to clients anywhere in Australia via telehealth
- Clinical psychotherapy focus for deeper, longer-term work
- Flexible scheduling without travel requirements
Cons
- Online-only format is not suitable for all clients or all presenting concerns
- Clinical psychotherapy is typically a longer-term commitment
Best for: Clients across Sydney and Australia who prefer telehealth and are looking for depth-oriented clinical psychotherapy
Website: sallywalsh.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
14. Sydney Hills Counselling
Five-star counselling services in Sydney’s Hills District
Sydney Hills Counselling serves clients in Sydney’s Hills District, an area that has grown substantially but can be underserved for specialist mental health services compared to inner Sydney. The practice holds a 5.0-star rating, reflecting strong client satisfaction.
For residents of suburbs like Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, and Bella Vista, travelling into the CBD for counselling represents a significant time commitment. A local Hills District provider reduces that barrier, making it easier for clients to maintain regular appointment schedules.
Prospective clients should check the practice website for the specific issues addressed, the therapeutic approaches used, and whether telehealth appointments are available for sessions when travel is not practical.
Pros
- 5.0-star rating
- Serves the Hills District, an area with fewer local options
- Reduces travel time for north-western Sydney residents
Cons
- Not conveniently located for clients in other parts of Sydney
- Service specialisations and availability require direct confirmation
Best for: Residents of Sydney’s Hills District seeking quality local counselling without travelling to the city
Website: sydneyhillscounselling.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
15. Here Completely
One-on-one Sydney counselling with a focus on presence and personal attention
Here Completely is a Sydney-based counselling practice with a 5.0-star rating. The name itself signals an orientation toward attentiveness and full engagement in the therapeutic space, qualities that matter greatly in counselling and that clients frequently cite in positive reviews.
Individual therapy sessions are the focus here. For clients who have previously felt unheard in therapeutic or medical settings, a practice that centres presence and attentiveness can make a meaningful difference to their willingness to engage and continue with therapy.
Check the practice website for current session formats (in-person or online), areas of focus, and appointment availability. As with smaller practices, waiting times and session frequency options are best confirmed directly.
Pros
- 5.0-star client rating
- Focus on attentiveness and individual engagement
- Suited to clients who value a personalised, present therapeutic relationship
Cons
- Smaller practice may have limited appointment availability
- Service scope and fee structure require direct inquiry
Best for: Individuals seeking one-on-one counselling with a practitioner who prioritises personal presence and attentiveness
Website: herecompletely.com.au
Full listing: View on Best in Sydney
Who is the best counsellors in Sydney?
Several providers on this list hold 5.0-star ratings, including Sydney Counselling Space, Blue Horizon Counselling, Sydney City Couples Counselling, Sydney Counsellor .org and Inner Peace Wellness Therapy, Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for Men Sydney, Associated Counsellors and Psychologists on Macquarie Street, Sydney Hills Counselling, and Here Completely. The best choice depends on your location, the type of support you need, your budget, and your preference for individual practitioners versus group practices. Sydney Wide Counselling Services and the Associated Counsellors and Psychologists group stand out for the volume of reviews they have accumulated alongside their high ratings.
How much does a counsellor cost in Sydney?
Private counselling in Sydney typically costs between $100 and $200 per session, with some practitioners charging above that range. Registered psychologists often charge between $180 and $300 per session, though a GP-referred Mental Health Care Plan through Medicare can provide a rebate on psychology sessions (currently around $96 per session for a standard consultation, subject to annual changes). Counsellors are generally not eligible for Medicare rebates unless they hold dual registration, but many charge lower fees than psychologists. Some practices offer sliding scale fees for clients experiencing financial hardship. Always ask about fees and rebate eligibility before booking.
How do I choose a counsellor in Sydney?
Start by identifying what you are seeking support for, since some counsellors specialise in particular areas such as relationships, trauma, grief, men’s mental health, or anxiety. Consider location and whether you prefer in-person or online sessions. Check the practitioner’s qualifications and whether they are a member of a recognised professional body such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). Read client reviews where available, and book an initial consultation to assess whether the relationship feels right before committing to ongoing sessions.
What should I look for in a counsellor?
Relevant qualifications and professional membership are a practical baseline. Beyond that, the most important factor is whether you feel comfortable with the person. A counsellor who listens carefully, explains their approach clearly, and does not push you to disclose more than you are ready to is a good sign. Ask about their experience with your specific concern, how they structure sessions, and what their approach is if things are not working. Good practitioners welcome these questions. Practical factors such as location, session costs, availability of evening or weekend appointments, and telehealth options are also worth clarifying before your first appointment.
Are there good counsellors for small businesses in Sydney?
Several providers on this list, particularly Clear Day Counselling, Coaching and Psychotherapy Services, are positioned to support clients dealing with work-related stress, career transitions, and the pressures that affect business owners and self-employed people. Coaching combined with counselling can be particularly relevant for small business owners dealing with burnout, decision fatigue, or the personal dimensions of business challenges. For more structured business advisory support, counselling services are best used alongside financial or legal professionals rather than as a replacement for them.
Sydney has no shortage of counselling options, but quality and fit vary considerably. The practices listed here have demonstrated strong client satisfaction and cover a wide range of therapeutic approaches, locations, and client needs. Whether you are looking for a specialist couples counsellor, a men’s mental health service, a Hills District local, or a telehealth psychotherapist, there is a well-reviewed option on this list worth contacting first.