Referrals, rebates and funding

You do not need a referral to see one of our psychologists. You are welcome to self-refer at any time, whether you are ready to start or just have a few questions first. What a referral does change is what you can claim back.

Medicare rebates

The most common way Australians reduce the cost of psychology sessions is through Medicare. To access rebates you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, which gives you up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year.

The process is straightforward:

• Book a longer appointment with your GP.
• Your GP prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral.
• Book your psychology session with us.
• We process your Medicare rebate on the spot, and Medicare usually pays it into your bank account within 24 to 48 hours.

The rebate covers part of the session fee. The rest, known as the gap fee, is yours to pay. The gap varies depending on the type of session and the psychologist you see.

NDIS

If you are an NDIS participant with psychology included in your plan, we can provide services funded through your package. Unbound Minds is a registered NDIS provider, and our team can help you work out how to use your funding for therapy or assessments.

Private health insurance

Many private health policies include psychology under extras cover. How much is covered depends on your insurer and your level of cover. You can use either Medicare or private health for a session, but not both for the same appointment. Client Care, the people who answer our phones, can help you work out which one suits you better.

Employee Assistance Programs

Many Australian employers offer an Employee Assistance Program, which provides a set number of free and confidential sessions. These are usually short-term and do not need a GP referral. Check with your employer or HR team to see whether it is available to you.

WorkCover and workers' compensation

If you have experienced a psychological injury at work, you may be able to access sessions through your workers' compensation claim. This pathway involves your employer's insurer and usually needs approval before sessions begin.

Department of Veterans' Affairs

Veterans and eligible family members can access psychology services through DVA. A GP referral is generally required, and DVA covers the cost of approved sessions.

Paying privately

You do not need a referral or any funding pathway at all. You can self-refer and pay the full session fee privately. Many people choose this because it is quick and straightforward, and means you can start without waiting for a GP appointment.

If cost is a concern

Tell us. We would rather talk it through than have you decide against getting help because you are not sure what it will cost. Call 1300 151 110, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, and we will walk you through the options that apply to you.