If you are seeking psychological support you may be eligible for medicare rebates to help cover the cost of therapy. Through the “Better Access to Mental Health Care” initiative, individuals with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP (or Psychiatrist or Paediatrician) can receive rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.
To get started, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health needs. If they determine that psychological support would be beneficial, they’ll create a MHCP and refer you to a registered Psychologist. With this plan, you’ll receive a partial rebate for each session – currently $101.55 for seeing a General Psychologist and $149.05 for seeing a Clinical Psychologist, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Your initial referral covers the first 6 sessions and if further support is needed, your GP can approve an additional 4 sessions (for a total of 10). It’s important to note that these rebates are for evidence-based treatments, such as therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health concerns. If you are unsure if you qualify, your GP can assess your eligibility and guide you through the process.
At our clinics, we’re happy to support you in accessing these rebates – just let us know if you have a MHCP when booking.
You might be eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan which allows for up to 40 Medicare subsidised psychology sessions per 12 months as well as sessions with a Dietitian. Find out more here.