Mental health support is often seen as a luxury — something people turn to only when things fall apart. But many who reach out for help wish they’d done so much earlier.
So why do we delay?
Often, one of the biggest barriers is cost.
Yes, Mental Health Can Be Expensive
In Australia, psychological services can add up. Medicare offers rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), and some private health funds may contribute too — but gap fees still leave many out-of-pocket.
Seeing a psychologist weekly or fortnightly can cost hundreds per month. It’s enough to make many people hesitate.
And we get it. With the rising cost of living, these expenses aren’t easy to manage. For some, attending therapy means cutting back in other areas — social outings, personal purchases, or even essentials — just to make it possible.
These are not small decisions. Prioritising mental health in this way takes courage and reflects a deep belief in the value of support.
But there’s another side of the equation we don’t talk about enough.
The Hidden Cost of Not Getting Support
What’s the cost of pushing through anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress without help?
Here’s what it can look like:
- Personal life: Tension in relationships, emotional reactivity, or isolation
- Social life: Withdrawing from friends, avoiding events, losing joy
- Work life: Burnout, underperformance, time off — even job loss
Over time, the emotional, relational, and financial cost of untreated mental health concerns can outweigh the price of therapy.
Mental Health Is an Investment
Therapy isn’t about fixing something broken. It’s about building insight, clarity, and tools that make life more manageable — and more meaningful.
Think about it:
- If therapy helps you regulate emotions and communicate better, you might reconnect with your partner or child.
- If it helps you manage anxiety, you might pursue a goal you’ve put off — or just move through daily life with more ease.
- If it supports you through depression, you might start showing up more fully in your life again.
These outcomes aren’t easy to quantify — but they’re often life-changing.
A Return That Goes Beyond Dollars
Many people say:
"This therapy has cost me a lot… but I got my life back."
And really, isn’t that what matters?
Whether it’s gaining clarity, finding confidence, or feeling like yourself again, the return on good mental health care goes far beyond financial value.
Final Thoughts
Mental health care might not be cheap. But the more important question is:
What is it costing you to delay it?
When you think of therapy as an investment — in your wellbeing, relationships, and future — it becomes not just worthwhile, but necessary.
After all, you are your most important asset.
Considering Therapy?
If you're thinking about whether therapy is right for you — or whether now is the time — you're not alone. Feel free to get in touch to explore what support might look like for you or your family.
Khalil Dolatyar is a registered psychologist with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in engineering. Khalil has experience working with individuals across various life stages, from school-aged children to adolescents, young adults, and those in middle and late adulthood. Central to his practice is the therapeutic alliance, which he builds through empathy, authenticity, a non-judgmental attitude, and empowerment.