Medicare Psychology Services
Medicare Rebates for Mind Health are available under the Better Outcomes for Mental Health Scheme for a range of mental health concerns.
Better Access to Mental Health Care:
Medicare-funded services
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.
Under this scheme individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder can access up to 10 individual and 10 group treatment sessions per year.
Medicare Rebates Available at Mind Health
All psychologists at Mind Health are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have Medicare provider numbers, enabling you to claim a Medicare rebate for your psychology counselling and/or group sessions.
Medicare Rebate Eligibility
To claim these rebates, you must have a referral letter accompanied by a Mental Health Care Plan, from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Eligible people can receive:
- 10 individual counselling sessions in a calendar year. Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions
- 10 group therapy sessions in a calendar year
Referral Process
- Mental Health Care Plan: To get a Medicare or PMHC referral you will need to make an appointment with your GP to complete a Mental Health Care Plan. The GP needs approximately 30 minutes to discuss the plan with you and fill in the required paperwork.
- Referral Letter: You must obtain a GP referral letter prior to your first appointment in order to receive Medicare rebates.
Receiving Your Rebate
If you have provided your nominated bank details to Medicare, we are able to process the rebate claim for you. Alternatively, you can provide your bank details to Mind Health to receive your rebate by EFT.
It normally takes 1-2 business days for the Medicare rebate to be deposited into your bank account.
Medicare Safety Net
If you have significant medical expenses and have reached the threshold, you may be eligible higher rebates through the Medicare Safety Net.
Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC)
Mind Health is also registered with the Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC) (formerly ATAPS – Access to Allied Health Psychological Services scheme), under which disadvantaged patients are eligible for 18 to 24 sessions per calendar year.
— Learn more about the PMHC Program
Telehealth & Online Psychology
Telehealth & Online Psychology Therapy services can provide an effective and safe way of accessing counselling services from the comforts of your own home.
It is normal to experience mixed emotions when considering using telehealth services; however, all of our psychologists have extensive experience in providing telehealth and online therapy.
Research confirms that online telehealth sessions are just as practical as face-to-face sessions.
— Learn more about the Telehealth & Online Psychology services
At Mind Health, we offer the following psychological services in both face-to-face and online telehealth settings:
- Counselling services (e.g. anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss)
- NDIS psychology consultations
- Primary Mental Health Care (PMHC)
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
- Group programs, workshops, and self-help webinars
- Couples Therapy and Relationship Counselling
- Worker’s Compensation psychology services
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Medicare rebates?
A GP needs to determine your eligibility under the scheme. Simply book an extended consultation with your GP and ask for an Assessment under the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme. This usually takes between 30mins – 45mins.
If you fall within the relevant criteria, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and provide you with a referral. You can request a referral to our practice. You will then be entitled to claim a rebate from Medicare. Find out more about Psychologist services covered by medicare.
What mental health problems can be treated under Medicare Better Access initiative?
‘Mental disorder’ is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. The Better Access initiative covers people with mental disorders arising from:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Adjustment disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Bereavement disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic fatigue
- Conduct disorder
- Co-occurring anxiety and depression
- Depression
- Dissociative disorder
- Drug use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Enuresis
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Mental disorder, not otherwise specified
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual disorders
- Sleep problems
- Unexplained somatic complaints
Can I claim Medicare rebates for Telehealth Services?
Yes. The Australian Government recently announced a whole-population Medicare Telehealth service for anyone with a Mental Health Care Plan. It allows for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
These sessions attract a small gap payment and available until further notice. Please see our Fees and Rebates for more information.
