How Therapy Works: 32 Proven Stats from Melbourne Psychologists

There’s something powerful quietly brewing in Melbourne, and it’s not another laneway bar or street art installation in Fitzroy.

A city that has always been ahead of the curve culturally, jumping on oat milk lattes and climate action, is now leading a quiet shift in the way we perceive mental health. Therapy is emerging as another form of self-care and the statistics are here to back it up.

The demand for psychological services in Melbourne has surged in recent years, with more individuals seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma and overall wellbeing.

More people are going to therapy. And not only when something is “wrong”, but also because something finally feels right about being proactive and introspective about your mental health.

Individuals are proactively seeking out therapy to build resilience, clarity and emotional regulation. 65% of Melbournians say therapy has helped reduce symptoms of anxiety.

As therapy becomes more accessible through Medicare, telehealth and community awareness, understanding how and why therapy works is crucial for reducing stigma. Data-backed content like this article aims to inform, build trust and empower people to take the next step.

If you’re new to all this and wondering, what actually happens in therapy? Is it all just talking, or are there real tools behind the couch cushions?

In the next section, we dive into the fascinating world of therapy types, from CBT and ACT to EMDR and DBT, with 32 data-backed insights that show how and why these modalities work. Whether you’re a journalist chasing credible statistics, a psychology student preparing for exams or simply curious about what therapy could offer you or someone you love, this guide simplifies it for you.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used, well-researched therapies for anxiety and depression. The main aim is to talk through situations you find difficult and discuss what changes can be made to resolve them internally. Studies have shown it can reduce anxiety symptoms by up to 60% in just 12–16 weeks. Think of it as structured overthinking, out loud and with a worksheet.

(Source: Australian Psychological Society, 2023)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), especially popular in Melbourne clinics, aims to increase psychological flexibility by encouraging acceptance of difficult emotions and committing to a purposeful life hurdles and all. Research has shown it to be beneficial for anxiety, depression and chronic pain. It helps you stop fighting or avoiding your feelings and make peace with them.

(Source: Beyond Blue, 2022)

Psychodynamic therapy, the classic talk therapy aims to explore the subconscious, accessing childhood memories, dreams and all the deep stuff. It’s less “quick fix,” more “long game,” with studies showing benefits that can last for years after therapy ends. It’s like detective work, but for your inner child.

(Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) helps people manage intense and extreme emotions, particularly those with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Over 50% of individuals doing DBT report significant improvements. Many Melbourne psychologists also offer DBT skills groups where people can find a community and learn from others’ experiences and perspectives. (Source: Journal of Personality Disorders, 2020)

Family therapy – Studies show it boosts communication and reduces conflict in 70% of families. When dinner table debates start sounding like court proceedings, family therapy can help.

(Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2022)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps individuals process trauma by following guided eye movements and simultaneously recalling painful memories. It has shown to have a 77% success rate for PTSD. It can be like yoga but for your brain.

(Source: WHO Mental Health Atlas, 2020)

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps you improve your relationships, with success rates of 60-70% in treating depression within 12-16 weeks. This form of therapy focuses less on your inner thoughts and more on the people around you.

(Source: Australian Psychological Society, 2023)

Therapy can significantly alleviate anxiety. A 2022 study found a 55% reduction in symptoms of anxiety in those completing 10 CBT sessions in Melbourne with a psychologist. (Source: APS, 2022)

Therapy elevates emotional dysregulation. A 2021 survey by Beyond Blue found that after 12 weeks of therapy, 68% of people in Melbourne experienced significantly improved emotional wellbeing. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2021)

Psychologists in Melbourne can help individuals suffering from depression. A 2020 study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that 74% of people with moderate to severe depression improved after 8–10 sessions of therapy. (Source: AIHW, 2020 – https://www.aihw.gov.au)

Therapy helps develop coping skills. A 2023 study found that patients who received therapy in Melbourne experienced a 45% lower risk of relapse in anxiety or depression. (Source: APS, 2023)

A 2019 meta-analysis showed that therapy can be up to 60-80% effective for a wide range of issues, including stress, trauma, relationship difficulties and grief. Psychologists in Melbourne are able to offer diverse treatments to address these challenges. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders, 2019)

Psychologists in Melbourne are able to offer several therapy modalities, including CBT, ACT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy. Provided by 58% of psychologists in Melbourne, CBT seems to be the most popular. (Source: APS, 2022)

Medicare offers rebates for therapy sessions with a psychologist in Melbourne under the Better Access initiative. In 2023, over 250,000 people accessed subsidised therapy sessions across Melbourne. (Source: AIHW, 2023)

EMDR’s rapid effectiveness has made it a preferred option in trauma-focused practices, especially in Melbourne (World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Guidelines, 2020). A large-scale international study reported that 84% of people diagnosed with single-incident PTSD no longer met the criteria after just 3 EMDR sessions.

40% of therapy sessions in Melbourne are provided by public mental health services while 30% take place in private practices. (Source: Victorian Government, 2023 – https://www.vic.gov.au)

Online therapy, or telehealth, is growing in popularity. A 2022 study showed 42% of residents in Melbourne now choose telehealth sessions with their therapist with the comfort and flexibility of choosing your own location. (Source: Australian Journal of Telemedicine, 2022)

Many clinics in Melbourne offer group therapy as a cost-effective alternative and community-based approach to individual sessions. Group therapy is especially beneficial for treating anxiety and depression. (Source: APS, 2023)

Psychologists in Melbourne are highly effective in treating depression. A 2022 study found that 60% of people with moderate to severe depression show improvement after 10–12 weeks of therapy. (Source: APS, 2022)

Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with therapy. CBT, offered by psychologists in Melbourne, shows success rates of 60–70% for reducing anxiety symptoms. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2021)

EMDR therapy is effective for PTSD, with success rates of 77% in individuals who complete treatment with a skilled psychologist in Melbourne. (Source: WHO, 2021)

Therapy can help individuals process grief and loss. A 2023 study found a reduction in emotional distress in 73% of those who participated in grief-focused therapy. (Source: Australian Grief and Bereavement Care, 2023)

Relationship hurdles can be a common trigger for individuals seeking therapy. A 2022 survey found that 60% of couples therapy sessions in Melbourne focus on communication and conflict resolution. (Source: APS, 2022)

Psychologists in Melbourne can treat ADHD by improving symptom management and executive function. A 2021 study showed a success rate of 65% for patients who complete therapy. (Source: Journal of Attention Disorders, 2021)

Demand for therapy in Melbourne significantly increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to longer wait times for appointments with psychologists. (Source: Victorian Government, 2023)

30% of psychologists in Melbourne are employed in public mental health services while 65% work in private practice. (Source: APS, 2023)

There has been a significant increase in demand for youth mental health services in Melbourne, with a 45% rise in young people seeking therapy between 2020 and 2023. (Source: AIHW, 2023)

Mental health disorders are widespread, with 1 in 5 Australians annually experiencing a mental illness. ​(Source- Mental illness – types, causes and diagnosis of mental health issues | healthdirect)

Myth# 1 – You can only see a psychologist for severe mental health issues. Psychologists in Melbourne can help anyone, not just in severe cases. Therapy is beneficial for managing clinical diagnosis, personal growth and preventing future mental health problems. (Source: Beyond Blue, 2022)

Myth# 2 – Talking to friends is just as good as therapy.
While social support is crucial, friends are not trained professionals. A 2021 study found therapeutic outcomes are significantly higher in structured professional therapy than informal conversations. (Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology)

Long-term therapy success is high, with 70% of individuals reporting lasting improvements in their mental health after completing 6–12 months of therapy with a psychologist in Melbourne. (Source: Australian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021)

Psychologists in Melbourne have a high retention rate, with 80% of patients attending at least 5 sessions before completing treatment. (Source: APS, 2022)

In Melbourne, we’re a community that’s slowly getting comfortable talking about identity, social justice, climate anxiety, late-stage capitalism, intergenerational trauma and so on. So it makes sense that people around here are increasingly turning to therapy not as a last resort, but as a tool for growth and grounding.

The rise in psychological treatment in Melbourne is a sign of a community that’s beginning to prioritize emotional intelligence, mental fitness and deep personal growth.

It’s not a trend. It’s a movement.

If you’re considering therapy, Melbourne offers world-class care backed by research. Reach out to an APS-accredited psychologist in Melbourne (Find a Psychologist | APS) or explore therapy directories like Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) to find the right provider for your needs.

Take the first step toward improving your mental health today.