Understanding Medicare rebates for mental health services in Australia. Learn how to access subsidised psychology sessions, what you need to know about Mental Health Treatment Plans, and how to maximise your benefits.
Medicare provides vital financial support for Australians seeking mental health treatment. Through the Better Access initiative, eligible individuals can access up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year, making professional mental health support more affordable and accessible.
Whether you're seeking help for anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health concerns, understanding how Medicare works for psychology services is the first step towards getting the support you need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan to understanding rebate amounts and finding the right psychologist. If Medicare isn't suitable for your situation, there are other pathways available - you may be eligible for mental health support through Employee Assistance Programs if you're employed, or NDIS services and funding if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Medicare's Better Access initiative provides rebates for mental health services delivered by qualified professionals. This program aims to improve access to mental health care for all Australians by reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Key features of the Better Access program include:
The program is designed to support people with diagnosed mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and other mental health issues that significantly impact daily functioning.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a document prepared by your GP that outlines your mental health needs and treatment goals. It's your key to accessing Medicare rebates for psychology services.
Your GP will spend 20-40 minutes with you to complete the assessment and create your personalised plan. This consultation is also covered by Medicare, with some GPs bulk billing this service. Once you have your referral, you can search for qualified psychologists who accept Medicare rebates.
Schedule a longer consultation with your GP (usually 20-40 minutes). You can visit your regular GP or use an online telehealth service. Let them know you'd like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
During your appointment, your GP will ask about your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, and how they impact your daily life. Be honest and thorough – this helps ensure you get the right support.
Your GP will provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral letter. You can request a referral to a specific psychologist or ask for a general referral.
Contact your chosen psychologist to book an appointment. Provide them with your referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan before or at your first session.
After your session, your psychologist will typically process the Medicare claim for you. The rebate is usually deposited into your nominated bank account within 2-3 business days.
Medicare rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government and are updated periodically. Here are the current rebate amounts for different types of mental health professionals:
| Professional Type | Session Length | Medicare Rebate | Average Fee | Typical Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 50+ minutes | $145.25 | $200-$300 | $55-$155 |
| Registered Psychologist | 50+ minutes | $98.95 | $150-$300 | $50-$200 |
Note: These rates are effective from July 1, 2025. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your psychologist's fees.
When a psychologist bulk bills, they accept the Medicare rebate as full payment for the session. This means you pay nothing out of pocket. However, bulk billing psychologists can be difficult to find due to the gap between Medicare rebates and standard professional fees.
Most psychologists charge above the Medicare rebate amount, meaning you'll have a "gap" payment. Here are examples with 2025 rates:
Registered Psychologist Example:
Clinical Psychologist Example:
Important note: You cannot use both Medicare rebates and private health insurance for the same visit - you must choose one or the other.
Medicare rebates are available for sessions with registered mental health professionals. Here's who's covered and who's not:
Always check that your chosen professional is registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) to ensure Medicare eligibility.
You're entitled to up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (January 1 - December 31). These sessions are typically structured as:
After your initial 6 sessions, you'll need to see your GP for a review. During this appointment, your GP will:
Good news for those who prefer online therapy or live in remote areas: Medicare rebates apply equally to telehealth psychology sessions. To learn more about comparing online vs in-person options, see our complete guide to accessing therapy in Australia.
Find qualified psychologists who accept Medicare and offer the support you need.
Find Medicare PsychologistsA: Yes, you can see a psychologist privately without a referral, but you won't be eligible for Medicare rebates. You'll need to pay the full fee yourself.
A: Your MHTP doesn't expire, but your referral is typically valid for 12 months. You can use your 10 sessions anytime within the calendar year.
A: Yes, you can change psychologists at any time. Just request a new referral from your GP specifying the new psychologist. Your session count continues regardless of which psychologist you see.
A: After using your 10 Medicare sessions, you'll need to pay full fees for additional sessions. Some people use private health insurance or seek lower-cost options through community mental health services.
A: Yes, many telehealth GP services can provide Mental Health Treatment Plans. Make sure to book a longer consultation as the assessment takes 20-40 minutes.
A: This depends on your psychologist. Most require upfront payment and process the claim for you (rebate in 2-3 days). Some bulk bill (no payment required), while others may require you to claim through Medicare yourself.