Our Locations
We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and online. You can also access counselling through Zoom, Teams or Meet.
Pointer
online counselling
Online
sydney city
City
central coast NSW
Central Coast
Eastern Suburbs NSW
Eastern Suburbs
hills district
Hills District
inner west
Inner West
north shore sydney
North Shore
northern beaches sydney nsw
Northern Beaches
st george nsw
South West | St George
sutherland shire nsw
Sutherland Shire
western suburbs of sydney
Western Sydney
Wollongong NSW
Wollongong
Showing closest practices to
No location selected
Not found in your area
St Leonards
Suite 3, Level 4/66 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Ryde
Suite 7, 117 North Road
Ryde NSW 2112
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
West Ryde
79 Ryedale Rd
West Ryde NSW 2114
T:(02) 8004 9966 View details
Online
Teams - Zoom - Meet
Online
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cronulla
Level 1, 26-32 Ewos Parade
Cronulla NSW 2230
T:(02) 8004 9961 View details
Earlwood
Boomerang Ave
Earlwood NSW 2206
T:(02) 8004 9969 View details
Glebe
1 Arundel St
Glebe NSW 2037
T:(02) 8094 1796 View details
Elizabeth Street
411/185 Elizabeth St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Miranda
29 Kiora Road
Miranda NSW 2228
T:(02) 8004 9960 View details
Surry Hills
302/88 Foveaux St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
T:(02) 8094 1790 View details
Bondi Junction
404/332 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
T:(02) 8094 1792 View details
Parramatta
26 Marion Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Castle Hill
Suite 14, 15-17 Terminus St
Castle Hill NSW 2154
T:(02) 8090 0817 View details
Caringbah
Level 1, 418 Kingsway
Caringbah NSW 2229
T:(02) 8094 1799 View details
Erina Central Coast
Suite 10, 166A The Entrance Rd
Erina NSW 2250
T:(02) 8004 5170 View details
Dapto
Laver Road
Dapto NSW 2530
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Wollongong
81 Keira St
Wollongong NSW 2500
T:(02) 4210 6170 View details
Macquarie Street
504/135-137 Macquarie St
Sydney NSW 2000
T:(02) 8205 0566 View details
Cabramatta

Cabramatta West NSW 2166
T:(02) 8897 0803 View details
Campbelltown
3/167 Queen St
Campbelltown NSW 2650
T:(02) 8897 0811 View details
Dulwich Hill
Challis Ave
Dulwich Hill NSW 2203
T:02 8004 9963 View details
Lilyfield
1/358 Catherine St
Lilyfield, NSW 2040
T:(02) 8007 7337 View details
North Strathfield
Level 1/5 George St
North Strathfield NSW 2137
T:(02) 8004 9964 View details
Norwest
Suite 20/1 Maitland Place
Norwest NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Stanhope Gardens
1 View St
Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Beecroft
Karril Ave
Beecroft NSW 2119
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Bella Vista
Q Central Building, Suite 208A, 10 Norbrik Drive
Bella Vista NSW 2153
T:(02) 8820 0717 View details
Hornsby
202/16 Hunter St
Hornsby NSW 2077
T:(02) 8004 9965 View details
Northbridge
343 Sailors Bay Rd
Northbridge NSW 2063
T:(02) 8094 1793 View details
Chatswood
54/47 Neridah St
Chatswood NSW 2067
T:(02) 8004 8510 View details
Mosman
The Cottage, 44 Avenue Road
Mosman NSW 2088
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Cremorne
4/350 Military Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
T:(02) 8897 0810 View details
Lane Cove
Room 3, 67 Burns Bay Rd
Lane Cove NSW 2066
T:(02) 8002 1201 View details
Narrabeen
9/12 Rickard Rd
North Narrabeen NSW 2101
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Dee Why (Narraweena)
Mundara Place
Narraweena NSW 2099
T:(02) 8404 0622 View details
Kogarah
Suite 5.01, Level 5, 15 Kensington Street
Kogarah NSW 2217
T:(02) 8897 0806 View details
Gosford
54 Hills St
North Gosford NSW 2250
T:(02) 8094 1785 View details
(02) 8205 0566
Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Booking Request
We'll be in touch the same business day with some great options.


    Make a booking form loader

    Thanks!

    We have received your enquiry.

    We will call you today to discuss your enquiry. normally within 2 hours.

    We offer each caller a personalised service to help you to make an informed choice about counselling. Part of our service is to take the time to answer your important questions and to help you decide on the practitioner who is best suited to your needs.

    On busier days there may be a delay. Please wait as we will call you and intend to offer you our full attention and assistance within 24 hours.

    With ‘Associated Counsellors’ you are in good hands assured that your therapist is professionally registered and bound by a code of professional ethics and conduct.

    depression counselling
    Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar disorder help, treatment & counselling options

    Counselling for bipolar disorder, in person or online.

    Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a psychiatric illness which affects up to 1 in 50 Australians.
    Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings, a person might experience feelings of euphoria or irritability for a period of time (mania), followed by periods of deep sadness and profound depression.

    Read more

    The cycle of mania and depression experienced by a person with bipolar disorder can vary in intensity, and in time, each state of mania or depression might last a day, a week or for many months, and there might be periods of relative calm and normality in between. Some people with bipolar disorder experience more highs than lows, whilst others find that they are generally more depressed than manic.

    The degree to which a person experiences mania goes to making a diagnosis of either Bipolar Type 1, for more severe mania and Bipolar Type 2, for persons with a lesser degree of mania (called hypomania). You can read articles on each of these disorders in the subsections to this article. (This article is electronically protected, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD)

    We see people at our Surry Hills, Bondi Junction, Miranda, Campbelltown and Dee Why practices, and online.

    Signs to notice

    Is this you?

    • Feeling over-excited and extremely energetic
    • Thinking and speaking quickly
    • Imagining that they are more important or influential than they are in real life
    • Going without sleep
    • Acting in a reckless or uncharacteristically risky way
    • Irritability

    Clinicians offering bipolar disorder counselling

    Neera

    Neera

    Registered Psychotherapist

    Surry Hills

    Neera is a Masters-qualified psychotherapist. Empathetic, thoughtful and intuitive, Neera works with individuals to strengthen their identity and reshape patterns.

    Individuals ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Neera
    Claire

    Claire

    Counsellor & Relationship Therapist

    Sydney CBDOnline

    Claire is a Masters-qualified Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist working with individuals and couples on relationships, attachment and emotional wellbeing. Warm and collaborative, she creates a supportive space for clients to work through what feels difficult, at their own pace.

    Individuals ✓Couples ✓Weekends ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Claire
    Petra

    Petra

    Registered Counsellor

    RydeOnline

    Petra is a highly skilled, tertiary-qualified counsellor with almost 10 years experience supporting clients' mental health. Insightful and altruistic, Petra creates a safe space to support her clients to lead more fulfilling lives.

    Individuals ✓After hours ✓

    Phone bookings weekdays 9am-6pm02 8205 0566
    Book with Petra

    See all our clinicians

    Not sure who to choose?

    Call 02 8205 0566

    Weekdays 9am to 6pm, a person answers

    Request a callback

    After hours, or any time

    Why people choose us

    How we help you find the right clinician

    We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and a full telehealth team. Our intake specialists know who works with what, and they will point you to the right person, whether that is near home, near work or online.

    Step 1

    A person answers the phone

    Call us weekdays between 9am and 6pm and one of our intake team picks up. They will ask what is going on and talk you through the options before you commit to anything.

    Step 2

    We match you to a clinician

    The fit between you and your therapist is the strongest thing we know of for making therapy work. We match on what you are facing, the approach you prefer, gender, language and how far you can travel.

    Step 3

    Your booking is scheduled

    We confirm your booking in writing so that you know when and where you’ll be meeting your new therapist.

    The guide

    Causes & onset of bipolar disorder

    The exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, although it would seem that genetics does play a large role. One theory proposed by psychiatrists and psychologists is that the illness might be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

    It is thought that, in patients with bipolar disorder, the chemicals in the brain which help regulate mood (known as norepinephrine and serotonin) are easily skewed. Most people affected by bipolar disorder are in their 20s when they are first diagnosed.

    Aspects of Bipolar Disorder represent a type of psychosis, which means that a person with bipolar has an altered perception of reality, they are generally unable to understand that their behaviour is inappropriate or irrational; this is particularly the case when the person is feeling manic.

    Symptoms of bipolar disorder

    When diagnosing manic behaviour, psychiatrists and psychologists look out for the following symptoms:

    • Feeling over-excited and extremely energetic
    • Thinking and speaking quickly
    • Imagining that they are more important or influential than they are in real life (grandiosity)
    • Going without sleep
    • Acting in a reckless or uncharacteristically risky way
    • Engaging in extreme sexual behaviour
    • Aggressive behaviour
    • Irritability
    • Making unrealistic plans

    When diagnosing depression, psychiatrists and psychologists look out for:

    - Feelings of overwhelming sadness
    , Feelings of helpless and hopelessness
    , Lack of appetite
    , Difficulty making decisions
    , Difficulty concentrating
    , Abandoning hobbies and withdrawing from friends
    , Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
    However, it is the incidence of episodes of both mania and depression which indicates that a person might be bipolar. Diagnosis would generally be by a psychiatrist.

    Can counselling & psychologist treatment help?

    Treatment for bipolar disorder depends on the severity of the manic and depressed feelings, however people often require medication to help stabilise their moods. Medication for psychiatric illness is best prescribed by a psychiatrist (a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialised in mental illness).

    People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from counselling or therapy with a professional counsellor or psychologist to help them understand and better handle their illness. Psychologists or counsellors will work with clients to better recognise the onset of a particular phase and will often look for triggers as well developing management plans for the onset of manic or depressive symptoms.

    Counsellors and psychologists will often work in partnership with a treating psychiatrist to manage the care of a person with bipolar disorder. This is especially important if the person is taking medication to help control their manic or depressive episodes.

    Acute episodes

    People with bipolar disorder can experience acute or heightened episodes of mania or depression, which can lead to dangerous behaviour (particularly if the person is acting delusional or suicidal).

    If you are concerned that someone you know might be experiencing an acute episode of either mania or depression, they may require immediate care and treatment. Contact a psychiatric hospital or the emergency department of your local hospital for advice about where to go.

    To enquire about professional counselling by qualified Counsellors & Psychologists for the ongoing psychological management of Bipolar Disorder in Sydney call Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney. We welcome your enquiry.

    Disclaimer

    All health information provided on counsellingsydney.com.au is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. The information contained on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat psychological conditions, nor should it be used as an alternative to obtaining counselling or psychological advice from a qualified counsellor, psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist or medical practitioner. Please consult a counselling professional or a health care provider about any health concerns you might have about yourself or others. Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd does not accept liability for any loss or damage associated with the use of this site.

    This site may contain links to third party sites including sites on counselling, psychologist services, mental health and other unrelated material.

    The existence of these links is not to be construed as an endorsement by Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney Pty. Ltd as to the accuracy or quality of the information or services provided by these third party sites and we do not accept liability for any loss or damaged associated with the use of these third party sites.

    This page is electronically copyright protected, do not copy, Copyright © Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney PTY LTD

    Questions

    Questions about bipolar disorder

    Before you book

    Do I need a referral?

    No referral is needed to start. For Medicare rebates, ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please speak to our team about your options.

    How soon can I get an appointment?

    Most new clients are seen within days, sooner by telehealth. Many of our practices offer early morning, evening and weekend appointments, and our intake team will find the times that suit you.

    Can I see someone in person or online?

    Yes, you can choose either. You can see a clinician at one of our practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, or by video from anywhere in Australia, and many clients switch between the two.

    What happens in the first session?

    Your clinician listens to what’s brought you in, asks about your goals, and agrees to a plan with you. There is never any pressure to share more than you’re ready to.

    What are the fees, and can I claim Medicare?

    Sessions run for 55 minutes, and the fee depends on who you see. Counsellors start from $150, social workers and psychologists from $200, and clinical psychologists from $230. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, a Medicare rebate may apply to sessions with a psychologist or a registered mental health social worker, so please speak to our staff about your options.

    Fees & rebates

    Clear fees, no surprises

    Counsellors

    From $150per 55-minute session
    No referral needed · start straight away

    Social workers

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Psychologists

    From $200per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Clinical psychologists

    From $230per 55-minute session
    Medicare rebate may apply, please speak to our staff

    Every clinician is fully registered and insured, and bound by their professional association's Code of Ethics, as our counsellor guarantee sets out.

    How to get started, and how Medicare can help
    Pathway A · Start now
    Book directly
    • No referral needed, so you can start straight away.
    • No Medicare rebate on this path.
    • You can still get a plan from your GP later and start claiming Medicare then. If a rebate matters, ask for a psychologist.
    Pathway B · With Medicare
    See your GP
    • Your GP assesses you. If you are eligible you get a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
    • The plan lets you claim Medicare rebates.
    • Tell us you have a plan and ask for a psychologist or registered mental health social worker when you book.
    • The rebate only applies to services provided by psychologists or registered mental health social workers.

    Not sure which suits you? Speak to our team about your options.

    Getting started

    From first call to first session

    Book with Sydney’s most trusted network
    With a wealth of experience and a board of certified professionals, you know you’re in safe hands.

    Call us, or ask us to call youMon to Fri 9am to 6pm a live intake specialist answers. No referral needed.
    We listen and matchBy concern, therapy style, gender, language and location across our practices and telehealth.
    Your first sessionIn person at a practice near you or by video, with evening and weekend times available.
    Review the fitIf it doesn't feel right, tell us, we'll rematch you quickly.
    Reviews

    What clients say about getting matched

    4.8
    189 Google reviews across our 20 practice listings
    Counted 7 October 2026. Read them all on Google
    ★★★★★

    Very helpful and informative throughout the whole process.

    Wade H. · January 2025 · Google review, Miranda practice
    ★★★★★

    Very welcoming and friendly staff. Would highly recommend

    Ben B. · September 2024 · Google review, Chatswood practice
    ★★★★★

    I had a couple of recommendations for good psychologists from friends, but I feel weird about seeing someone who's already working with people close to me. Maybe it's a bit paranoid of me, but I really just wanted a clean slate. Spoke to someone from this site. They asked a few questions about why I needed help and put me in touch with the right psychologists. It was pretty easy and straightforward.

    Tom W · December 2021

    Reviews are shown as written, about our booking and matching service.

    We are not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
    Request a Booking