How Medicare rebates for psychology work (and what you'll actually pay)

The short version

If you have a valid Medicare card and a referral from your GP, you can claim a Medicare rebate on a portion of your psychology fees. It doesn't make sessions free, but it meaningfully reduces the cost.

Step one: a Mental Health Treatment Plan

The process starts with your GP. If it's appropriate, they'll prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan) and refer you to a psychologist, you can ask to be referred to a psychologist of your choice. This plan gives you access to Medicare-rebated sessions.

How many sessions?

Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Your GP will usually refer you for a few sessions at a time and review your progress before referring for more.

What's the rebate?

The rebate depends on the type of practitioner, a session with a clinical psychologist attracts a higher rebate than one with a general psychologist. You pay the practice's fee and Medicare refunds the rebate amount; the difference between the two is known as the 'gap fee'.

How you claim

Most practices can process your Medicare rebate on the spot after your session, so the rebate lands back in your account quickly. Alternatively, you can claim online through your Medicare account.

Does telehealth count?

Yes. Eligible telehealth psychology sessions (by video or phone) are covered under a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, so you can access support from home or anywhere in Australia.

A few things worth knowing

• You need the GP referral and plan before your first rebated session.
• Rebates reset each calendar year.
• Fees and rebate amounts change over time, so it's always worth checking the current figures with the practice when you book.

If you'd like help understanding the costs before you commit, just ask, we're happy to walk you through our fees and how the rebate applies.