Counselor or counsellor or councilor? Are they one and the same?

Looking for mental health support can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. It’s not just about working up the courage to reach out, but also navigating confusing terminology. If you've come across terms like counsellor, counselor, or councilor, you’re not alone in wondering what they mean and who can actually help.

This article explains the difference between these similar-sounding words and helps you understand who to speak to when you're looking for mental health support in Australia. You'll also learn how to access services, whether through Medicare, private providers, or digital platforms.

Who can I talk to for mental health challenges?

Australians have several options when it comes to mental health professionals. Choosing the right therapist depends on your needs, whether you're managing stress, going through a difficult life change, or dealing with more complex mental health conditions.

Counsellors provide support with everyday concerns like relationship issues, low mood, or grief. They often use a talk-based approach to help you explore your thoughts and emotions, build coping strategies, and set goals. However, in Australia, the title "counsellor" is not legally regulated, so it’s important to check whether a practitioner is a member of a recognised organisation such as PACFA or the Australian Counselling Association.

Psychologists are university-trained professionals who are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Many Australians access psychologists through Medicare’s Better Access program, which offers rebates for up to 10 sessions per year with a referral from a GP.

Meanwhile, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. Other professionals you might encounter include social workers, psychotherapists, and therapists trained in different approaches.

Your GP can help you figure out who to see. They’ll consider your concerns, financial situation, and location before recommending a path forward.

➡️ Click here to consult an online GP and get a referral to a qualified therapist.

Counselor or counsellor?

The short answer is that both words mean the same thing, but the spelling depends on where you are.

In Australia, the correct spelling is counsellor, with two Ls. This follows British English spelling conventions. In the United States, the word is spelled counselor, with one L. So if you’re wondering how to spell counsellor in Australia, the answer is simple: use two Ls.

The same applies to the word counselling. Australians use "counselling" with a double L, while Americans use "counseling" with just one. If you're researching online and come across either version, remember that counseling vs counselling is simply a matter of regional spelling. The meaning and role remain the same.

Regardless of spelling, what matters most is the counsellor’s training, approach, and how comfortable you feel working with them.

What about councilors and councillors?

While they sound nearly identical, councilor and counsellor refer to very different roles.

A councilor (or councillor, which is the preferred Australian spelling) is an elected member of a local government body. Councillors help govern cities and towns, making decisions about community resources, planning, and local laws. They do important work, but they don’t offer therapeutic support or mental health services.

It’s easy to confuse these terms, especially in writing, but understanding the distinction helps avoid unintentional detours when you're seeking help for personal challenges.

How to connect with a mental health counsellor?

If you're ready to speak with someone, there are a few different ways to access support in Australia.

Most people start by visiting their GP. If appropriate, your doctor can write a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives you access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist.

Under the current scheme, you're eligible for up to 10 subsidised sessions each calendar year. Some practitioners bulk bill, meaning there's no out-of-pocket cost, while others charge a fee with a partial rebate from Medicare.

While many counsellors in private practice are not covered by Medicare, they may offer flexible pricing or low-cost counselling sessions. Some community services and non-profits also provide free or affordable counselling.

Online therapy has become a popular and accessible option, particularly for those in rural areas or with limited mobility. Australian research has shown that telehealth counselling is just as effective as face-to-face sessions for many conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.

No matter which path you take, it’s important to find someone you trust and feel safe with.

A few final words

Mental health challenges can be difficult enough without the added confusion of unfamiliar words or unclear pathways to care. Knowing the difference between a counsellor and a councilor, understanding how counselling is spelled in Australia, and recognising the value of online options can help make the process a little easier.

Support looks different for everyone. Some people prefer to speak with a counsellor in person, while others might benefit from the flexibility of online services. There’s no one right way to begin, but taking that first step - whether it's booking a GP appointment or browsing a counselling platform - can help you move forward and start giving yourself the mental health support you need and deserve.