This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
If you are considering seeing a psychologist in Australia, you may be able to receive a Medicare rebate to help cover the cost. Here is how the system works.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
To access Medicare rebates for psychology, you generally need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan). This is prepared by your GP during a longer appointment where you discuss your mental health concerns.
The plan outlines your current situation, goals, and the type of support recommended. Your GP will then provide a referral to a psychologist.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Under the Better Access initiative, Medicare currently provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP will typically approve an initial batch of sessions (often six) and can approve additional sessions after a review.
Note that Medicare policies can change, so it is worth checking the current guidelines with your GP or on the Services Australia website.
How Much Is the Rebate?
The Medicare rebate covers a portion of the session fee, not the full amount. The rebate amount depends on the type of psychologist:
- Clinical psychologists receive a higher rebate due to their additional training
- Registered psychologists (also called general psychologists) receive a slightly lower rebate
Rebate amounts are set by Medicare and are updated periodically. As of recent schedules, rebates range from approximately $93 to $150 per session, depending on the provider type and session length.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Many psychologists charge more than the Medicare rebate, which means you may have a gap payment (out-of-pocket cost). Some psychologists offer bulk billing, where they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment – meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you.
When booking, ask about the session fee, whether they bulk bill, and what your expected gap payment will be.
How to Claim
If your psychologist is registered with Medicare, they can often process your rebate on the spot (this is called EFTPOS claiming or HICAPS). Otherwise, you can claim through:
- The Medicare app (myGov)
- A Medicare service centre
- By post
You will need your receipt and the Medicare item number for the service.
Telehealth Sessions
Medicare rebates also apply to telehealth psychology sessions (video or phone), making it easier to access support from home. The same referral and treatment plan requirements apply.
Other Funding Options
If you do not have a Mental Health Treatment Plan or have used your sessions, other options may include:
- Private health insurance (check your extras cover)
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through your workplace
- Community mental health services
- Low-cost or sliding-scale services offered by some practices
Getting Started
If you are unsure whether you are eligible or how to begin, a good first step is to book a longer appointment with your GP to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan. They can guide you through the process and provide the referral you need.