Understanding Medicare Rebates for Psychological Services in Australia
A Guide to Accessing Subsidised Psychological Support

At Southcoast Psychology, we are here to support you in understanding how Medicare rebates work, making it easier for you to access affordable psychological care. With these rebates, eligible clients can receive subsidised psychology services, reducing out-of-pocket costs for treatments related to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship issues. Our team of experienced, fully registered Medicare psychologists is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while guiding you through the process.

How to Access a Medicare Psychologist

To access Medicare rebates for psychological services, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit Your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan
   To be eligible for Medicare rebates, you first need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. During your consultation, talk about your mental health concerns, and your doctor will assess your needs, referring you to a Medicare psychologist for ongoing support.

2. Book an Appointment with a Medicare Psychologist
   After receiving your MHCP, you can schedule an appointment with a registered Medicare psychologist. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique goals.

3. Receive Medicare Rebates for Your Sessions
   With a valid MHCP, you can claim up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year in two bundles (6 sessions, then 4 sessions). Medicare will cover a portion of the session fee, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. At Southcoast Psychology, we help you make the most of your available rebates to ensure a smooth process.

Medicare Schemes for Psychology

Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative

This is the most common Medicare initiative for those seeking psychological support. Under the Better Access Initiative, you can access up to:

• 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year

• 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year

To access these services, you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP or specialist. After your first referral (up to 6 sessions), your GP can provide ongoing referrals for additional courses of treatment. You can claim up to 10 rebates per calendar year, regardless of how many referrals you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Yes, to claim Medicare rebates, you must have a valid referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. The referral will outline the course of treatment, typically up to 6 sessions per referral.

How much is the rebate for each session?

As of the 2024-25 financial year, the rebate for a single session under a Mental Health Treatment Plan is $96.65 for general psychology services. This may vary depending on your individual circumstances.

Can I claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session?

No. Medicare does not allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for a session if you have already used your private health insurance for the same session.

How many sessions can I claim under the Mental Health Care Plan?

You can claim up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The first referral is typically for 6 sessions. After completing these sessions, you’ll need to visit your GP for a review, where they can issue a new referral for an additional course of treatment.

Do Mental Health Treatment Plans expire?

Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) do not expire. However, they can be reviewed and extended indefinitely. If you change GPs, your new GP may prefer to create a new plan, depending on your condition.

What if I don’t use all the sessions on my referral?

Referrals do not expire, but if there is a long gap (over 3 months) between your sessions, your psychologist will need to report back to your GP. If the gap is significant (over 6 months), your GP may need to review your MHCP before you resume treatment.

Do I need a new referral if I change psychologists?

No, you do not need a new referral if you change psychologists. You can continue using the same referral for up to the maximum number of sessions. However, your psychologist will need to send reports to your GP and notify them if you decide to change therapists.