How Medicare Rebates Work for Psychology Sessions in Australia

Understanding the cost of psychology sessions can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with something difficult. If you have ever found yourself searching "does Medicare cover psychology?" late at night, you are not alone. Many Australians are unsure about how rebates work, what a Mental Health Treatment Plan actually is, or how many sessions they can access each year. We want to make this as clear and straightforward as possible so you can focus on what matters most — getting the support you need.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan) is a document prepared by your GP that outlines your current mental health concerns and a plan for treatment. It is the key that unlocks Medicare rebates for psychology sessions.

To get one, you simply book a longer appointment with your GP — let them know when booking that you would like to discuss your mental health, so they can allow enough time. During the appointment, your GP will:

• Ask about what you have been experiencing — your symptoms, how long they have been going on, and how they are affecting your daily life
• Complete a short assessment to understand the severity of your concerns
• Discuss treatment options, which may include referring you to a psychologist
• Prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide you with a referral

This process is covered under Medicare as a standard GP consultation, so there is generally no additional cost for the plan itself if your GP bulk bills, or only your usual GP gap fee if they do not.

How many Medicare-rebated sessions can you access?

Under the current Medicare Better Access initiative, you can receive a rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. This resets on 1 January each year.

Your GP will typically refer you for an initial block of six sessions. After those six sessions, your psychologist will provide a brief report to your GP, and your GP can then refer you for an additional four sessions if needed.

What does Medicare actually cover?

Medicare provides a set rebate amount for each psychology session. This rebate covers a portion of the session fee, meaning you pay less out of pocket than you would without a Mental Health Treatment Plan in place.

What is a gap fee?

The gap fee is simply the difference between the total session fee charged by your psychologist and the Medicare rebate. Most psychology practices charge above the Medicare rebate amount, which means there will usually be some out-of-pocket cost for each session.

If cost is a concern, we always encourage people to raise this with our team. We want to help you access the support you need and can discuss your options with you.

The step-by-step process

Step 1: Book a longer appointment with your GP

Let the receptionist know you would like to discuss your mental health so your GP has enough time.

Step 2: Your GP prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan

During the appointment, your GP will assess your needs, create a plan, and write a referral to a psychologist.

Step 3: Book your first psychology appointment

Contact our team to schedule your first session. Have your referral and Medicare card details ready.

Step 4: Attend your session

Bring your referral, your Medicare card, and if you have one, your private health insurance details.

Step 5: Claim your Medicare rebate

We process your Medicare rebate on the spot. You pay the full session fee, and Medicare usually pays the rebate into your nominated bank account within 24 to 48 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral every year?

Not necessarily. Your plan doesn't expire at the end of the year, but your 10 rebated sessions reset on 1 January, and your GP may need to write a new referral for more sessions. Your GP can confirm what you need.

Can I choose any psychologist with a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

You can see any registered psychologist who is eligible to provide Medicare-rebated services. The choice is yours.

Can children and adolescents access Medicare-rebated sessions?

Absolutely. Children and adolescents are eligible for Medicare-rebated psychology sessions in the same way adults are.

Taking the first step

We understand that navigating Medicare, referrals, and rebates can feel like one more hurdle when you are already dealing with something difficult. But the process is simpler than it looks, and our team is here to walk you through every step.

Ready to get started? You don't need a referral to see us, and we can explain rebates before your first session. Call us on 1300 151 110 or send an enquiry and we'll talk it through.