Appointments + Fees
While you don’t need a referral to see a psychologist, you will need a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP if you wish to claim rebates for psychology services through Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health initiative.
Medicare rebates
If you would like to claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, you will need a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also provide Mental Health Care Plans. This will entitle you to claim rebates for an initial 6 sessions under Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health initiative. After your 6th session, your GP will review your progress and may grant you an additional 4 sessions. This means you can access up to 10 sessions which you can receive a rebate per calendar year.
Please bring your referral and your Mental Health Care Plan to your first session.
You can also find more information through the Australian Psychological Society and the Department of Health.
Health fund rebates
Some private health funds offer rebates for psychology services. The amount of the rebate depends on your level of cover. You will be provided with a receipt so that you may claim directly from your health fund.
Please note that you cannot claim both Medicare and private health fund rebates for the same session.