Counselling in the Sutherland Shire: Do You Need a Referral? (Illawong Guide)
Feeling unsure where to start?
If you’ve been thinking about seeing someone, you might be asking: do I need to go to my GP first? Can I just book directly? What about rebates?
It can feel confusing, especially when you hear terms like Mental Health Care Plan or Medicare rebates. Let’s make it simple.
Do I need a referral to see a counsellor?
No referral is needed. You can book with a counsellor directly — no GP appointment, no paperwork, no waiting list.
This makes counselling a great option if you:
want to start quickly
prefer privacy, with nothing added to your medical record
just want to try it out before committing
At Mindnest, you can even begin with a free 15-minute phone consult to see if it feels like the right fit.
What about psychologists and the Mental Health Care Plan?
Many people assume seeing a psychologist with a GP referral is always cheaper, but here’s what’s important to know:
You need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP to access Medicare rebates
Rebates only cover part of the session cost — most psychologists still charge a gap fee, which is the amount you pay on top of the rebate
There are often longer wait times to see a psychologist, especially in the Sutherland Shire
So even with Medicare, you’ll usually be paying something out of pocket, and it may take longer to get started.
Why some people prefer counselling
Counselling can be the right choice if you:
don’t want to wait weeks or months for an appointment
want the freedom to choose who you see, without needing GP approval
like the idea of starting with a supportive conversation, without labels or diagnoses
Counselling in Illawong and the Sutherland Shire
At Mindnest Counselling, we support:
individuals managing stress, anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions
couples working on communication, trust, and connection
children and adolescents facing school refusal, worries, identity questions, and resilience
Sessions are available in person in Illawong, or online across Australia.
Your next step
If you’re in the Sutherland Shire and want to talk to someone, you don’t need to wait on a GP referral or worry about rebates.
Start with a free 15-minute consult — ask your questions, see how it feels, and decide from there.
Book your free consult now → Mindnest Counselling
