How Medicare Rebates and Mental Health Care Plans Work in Australia
In Australia, many people can access subsidised psychological support through Medicare under a program called the Better Access initiative. This program allows individuals to receive Medicare rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals such as psychologists.
The process usually begins with a Mental Health Care Plan prepared by a GP.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document prepared by a general practitioner (GP) after discussing your mental health concerns. It outlines your needs, treatment goals, and a referral to an appropriate mental health professional.
During this appointment, your GP may ask questions about your current symptoms, mental health history, and how your wellbeing is affecting daily life. If appropriate, the GP can then provide a referral for psychological treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Under Medicare’s Better Access program, eligible individuals can receive rebates for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions per calendar year.
Typically, the process works as follows:
An initial referral allows up to 6 sessions.
After these sessions, a review appointment with your GP may allow access to up to 4 additional sessions.
Your psychologist may provide a brief progress report to your GP as part of this review process.
How Medicare Rebates Work
Medicare does not usually cover the full cost of a psychology session. Instead, it provides a partial rebate, meaning there may be an out-of-pocket gap.
Current approximate Medicare rebates include:
Clinical Psychologist: about $145.25 per session
General Psychologist: about $98.95 per session
The final out-of-pocket cost depends on the clinic’s session fee.
Do I Need a Referral?
Yes, to receive the Medicare rebate you need a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician as part of a Mental Health Care Plan.
However, you can still see a psychologist privately without a referral, but the Medicare rebate will not apply.
Can Sessions Be Provided by Telehealth?
Yes. Many psychological services can be delivered via telehealth (video or phone) when clinically appropriate, and Medicare rebates may still apply.
When Should You Consider a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan may be helpful if you are experiencing challenges such as:
anxiety or excessive worry
low mood or depression
stress or burnout
trauma or difficult life experiences
relationship difficulties
sleep problems or emotional distress
Your GP can help determine whether a referral for psychological support would be beneficial.
Getting Started
If you think psychological support may help, the first step is usually to book a longer appointment with your GP and ask about a Mental Health Care Plan.
At Third Harmony Therapy Services, our clinicians work with individuals referred through Medicare as well as private clients. If you have questions about referrals or rebates, our team can help guide you through the process.
How Medicare Rebates and Mental Health Care Plans Work in Australia
In Australia, many people can access subsidised psychological support through Medicare under a program called the Better Access initiative. This program allows individuals to receive Medicare rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals such as psychologists.
The process usually begins with a Mental Health Care Plan prepared by a GP.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document prepared by a general practitioner (GP) after discussing your mental health concerns. It outlines your needs, treatment goals, and a referral to an appropriate mental health professional.
During this appointment, your GP may ask questions about your current symptoms, mental health history, and how your wellbeing is affecting daily life. If appropriate, the GP can then provide a referral for psychological treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Under Medicare’s Better Access program, eligible individuals can receive rebates for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions per calendar year.
Typically, the process works as follows:
An initial referral allows up to 6 sessions.
After these sessions, a review appointment with your GP may allow access to up to 4 additional sessions.
Your psychologist may provide a brief progress report to your GP as part of this review process.
How Medicare Rebates Work
Medicare does not usually cover the full cost of a psychology session. Instead, it provides a partial rebate, meaning there may be an out-of-pocket gap.
Current approximate Medicare rebates include:
Clinical Psychologist: about $145.25 per session
General Psychologist: about $98.95 per session
The final out-of-pocket cost depends on the clinic’s session fee.
Do I Need a Referral?
Yes, to receive the Medicare rebate you need a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician as part of a Mental Health Care Plan.
However, you can still see a psychologist privately without a referral, but the Medicare rebate will not apply.
Can Sessions Be Provided by Telehealth?
Yes. Many psychological services can be delivered via telehealth (video or phone) when clinically appropriate, and Medicare rebates may still apply.
When Should You Consider a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan may be helpful if you are experiencing challenges such as:
anxiety or excessive worry
low mood or depression
stress or burnout
trauma or difficult life experiences
relationship difficulties
sleep problems or emotional distress
Your GP can help determine whether a referral for psychological support would be beneficial.
Getting Started
If you think psychological support may help, the first step is usually to book a longer appointment with your GP and ask about a Mental Health Care Plan.
At Third Harmony Therapy Services, our clinicians work with individuals referred through Medicare as well as private clients. If you have questions about referrals or rebates, our team can help guide you through the process.
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