Our Locations
We have practices across Sydney, the coast and the Illawarra, and online. You can also access counselling through Zoom, Teams or Meet.
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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.


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    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 1 Disorder

    Counselling, in person or online.

    Type 1 Info & Treatment

    Type 1 bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is frequently upsetting and disturbing to family members and to individuals who suffer from this illness. While it is treatable, the challenges of bipolar 1 disorder can make treatment difficult and frustrating, but with help and continued treatment successful outcomes are possible.

    Read more

    • What is Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which an individual experiences mood swings that shift between periods of mania and depression.

    • What Does a Manic Episode Look Like, A manic episode is characterized by symptoms that include rapid speech, flight of ideas, extreme grandiosity and excessive energy.

    • What Does a Depressive Episode Look Like, A depressive episode is the polar opposite of a manic episode and is characterized by excessive sleep, feelings of worthlessness, lack of interest in enjoyable activities, thoughts of death including suicide.

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

    specialist couples and marriage counselling sydney
    Signs to notice

    Is this you?

    • Excessive sleeping
    • Persistently down mood
    • Poor concentration
    • Lack of desire to participate in previously enjoyable activities
    • Low sexual desire
    • Little energy

    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
    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
    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

    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

    Type 1 bipolar disorder

    Among the mood disorders, bipolar disorders are among the most challenge to treat and can be among the most disturbing for the individuals who have the illness. Bipolar disorder is divided into two separate disorders, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is often the diagnosis if there is an intense manic episode.

    What is bipolar disorder?

    Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where an individual cycles between periods of depression and mania. Type 1 bipolar disorder is what most of us recognize as “manic-depressive” disorder. Type 1 bipolar disorder may consist of a single episode of mania or repeated episodes in which a person experiences periods of mania at the end of a depressive episode.

    What does a manic episode look like?

    A person who is experiencing a manic episode for the first time may not realize what is happening to them. They may exhibit the following behaviours, although most people do not show all of these activities:

    • Pressured or fast speech patterns
    • Feelings of excessive or extreme creativity
    • Inflated self esteem or grandiosity
    • Decreased need for sleep, they may feel rested after only a few hours of sleep, for example.
    • Racing thoughts
    • Easily distracted by minor or irrelevant ideas or details
    • Hyper-sexuality or promiscuity
    • Extremely goal oriented, may start a great many projects, although may not finish them
    • Buying sprees
    • Excessive gambling

    Usually these symptoms of mania are strong enough so that the person is having difficulty functioning in their regular, everyday life.

    What does a depressive episode look like?

    Many of us are familiar with depression. For an individual with Type 1 bipolar disorder, an episode of depression can be an extreme experience compared to the average person. Depression for a person with bipolar 1 can feel like bottoming out emotionally, particularly if it is following a manic episode. Common symptoms of a depressive episode include:

    • Excessive sleeping
    • Persistently down mood
    • Poor concentration
    • Irritability
    • Lack of desire to participate in previously enjoyable activities
    • Low sexual desire
    • Poor or little appetite
    • Little energy
    • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt
    • Thoughts about death
    • Suicidal thoughts

    For individuals who swing back and forth between manic and depressive states, the dramatic differences between moods can be extremely distressing. Some individuals with bipolar disorders swing or cycle quickly between the two moods, while others may have long periods between dramatic mood swings.

    How is type 1 bipolar disorder treated?

    Type 1 bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medication and counselling therapy.  Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is the result of a disorder of the biochemistry of the brain and while medication is helpful, often it can have uncomfortable side effects that make it difficult and challenging for individuals to stay in treatment.  Common medications include Abilify, Depakote, Zyprexa, Lamictal and Tegretol among many others.

    Counselling helps individuals with bipolar disorder understand the way in which their illness affects their life and relationships and helps them develop coping skills to recognize when they are becoming manic or depressed.  Counsellors and Psychologists also help keep the perspective that it is important to maintain their medications and remain in treatment.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with Type 1 bipolar disorder the first step is to ensure that the person has been assessed and treated by a Psychiatrist. Without proper medication persons can be at real risk. Once medication is commenced, if you would like to book a consultation with a qualified counsellor, psychologist or therapist or if would like to obtain further advice please contact:

    Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney

    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
    ★★★★★

    I have a very full schedule and wanted to find a therapist close to both where I work and where I live but I’ve found it harder than expected. I have had counselling before, but was not happy with my counsellor. Just not a great fit, and I was looking for a better one. Google, led me to stumble upon the great team at Counsellors Sydney; they’re professional, efficient, and really nice to speak to on the phone. I am sure they will provide me with some great options for who my new therapist will be.

    Karlie A · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    Mental health has never been a priority in my family and so when it came time to find myself some support, I didn’t have anyone to get some guidance on where to start. Counsellors Sydney was able to find me some matches really quickly and their helpful team enabled me to trust they know what they were doing. If I ever need to find therapy in Sydney again, I know where I’m heading first :) .

    Lachlan R · April 2022
    ★★★★★

    I found Counsellors Sydney via google and I'm very happy with their help. They only got the required information from me, kept it light, and were very time efficient. Sadly, I did not feel comfortable with the assigned counsellor, but within 2 days of raising my concerns, I was speaking with a new one, so I was glad to have the help of a service rather than having to do the shopping around myself.

    Bennet E · April 2022

    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.
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