To receive a Medicare rebate for psychology services, you must first obtain a referral from your general practitioner (GP), a psychiatrist, or a paediatrician.

Individual Focused Psychological Strategies: These are tailored interventions under a “Mental Health Care Plan” provided by a psychologist to help manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Techniques can include cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation strategies, and psycho-education about mental health.

Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment Services: These services are designed for individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder. Treatment can include psychological counselling and therapy to address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours associated with eating disorders. A specific treatment plan must be created by a medical practitioner.

Assessment for Children (under 13 years) with Autism or Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), or an Eligible Disability: This service includes detailed assessments conducted by psychologists to diagnose autism, other PDDs, or disabilities in young children. The assessments are crucial for developing appropriate intervention and support plans.

Treatment for Children (under 15 years) with Autism or Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), or an Eligible Disability: Post-diagnosis, this service provides ongoing therapeutic support and interventions tailored to the child’s specific needs. Treatment aims to help the child develop necessary social, communicative, and behavioural skills.

These services require a referral, typically from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician, and must be part of a recognised treatment plan to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

No. We do not bulk bill (i.e., bill Medicare directly).

All appointments must be paid for in full on the day the service was provided. Rebates are processed only after full payment has been received.

Your rebate amount depends on your referral type and the context of your appointment.

Click here for an overview of some psychological services that are eligible for Medicare rebates and their scheduled rebate amounts.

This depends on the referral type.

Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people can receive:

• Up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

• Up to 10 group therapy sessions in a calendar year where such services are available and seen as appropriate by your referring doctor and the psychologist.

Referrals cannot be provided for the full 10 sessions. A referral is for a maximum of six sessions. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions and determine whether further sessions are needed.

The “referral” is the written request from a medical practitioner to the Psychologist, requesting the commencement of psychological treatment.

Referrals are valid for the number of services shown on the referral letter or note. Mental health referrals do not expire at the end of the year.