Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government's Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This scheme provides considerable assistance to people living with mental health problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.

You must be referred by your GP, your psychiatrist or paediatrician. Your GP will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You should book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.
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How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to under Medicare? 

Eligible people can receive:
  • Up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year (1 January - 31 December). Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions.
  • 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.
After you have reached the maximum number of allowable session for the calendar year you will not be eligible for any further Medicare rebates for treatment you receive from a psychologist until the new calendar year.

Medicare Safety Net

You are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate for services under this scheme. These out-of-pocket expenses will count towards the Medicare Safety Net. The Medicare Safety Net is designed to protect high users of health services from large out-of-pocket expenses.

If I am seeing a psychologist, can I access Medicare benefits

In order to receive a Medicare rebate, you must be referred to a psychologist by an appropriate medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician). The doctor must first make an assessment that you need the services of a psychologist.

​If you are already seeing a psychologist, discuss this with your doctor. 

Private health insurance?
Your private health insurance ancillary cover may be used to pay for psychological services you receive. You will need to check with your Private health fund for further information on this.  You cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover to top up the Medicare rebates for these services.