Medicare Funded Therapy
As a registered psychologist, most of my clients receive rebates from Medicare that partially cover the cost of therapy. This page has some information about How the Medicare Better Access initiative works, and how you can receive medicare rebates for sessions.
How to Access Medicare Funded Therapy
If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to access therapy through medicare, you can book an appointment with your GP for a mental health treatment plan. As part of your treatment plan your GP can refer you to therapy if they feel it is necessary. Seeing your GP is also a good chance for you to discuss pharmacological treatment options such as anti-depressants, or to see if other physical illnesses might be contributing to your mental health.
What the scheme entitles you to
Under medicare you are entitled to rebates for ten sessions of individual therapy and 10 sessions of group therapy. As a generally registered psychologist, the rebate for seeing me for individual therapy is $93.35 per session. This means that with my standard fee of $200, your out-of-pocket expenses would be $106.65 per session.
During treatment
An initial referral under a Mental Healthcare plan is for 6 sessions. If after those six sessions you feel that you would like additional sessions, you are able to request a mental healthcare plan review with your GP, which entitles you to another four sessions. Before the review session I will write a report to your GP outlining treatment progress. This report will not include any confidential information that you do not want shared with your GP. After your 10th session, I will write another letter to your GP summarising treatment.
What the scheme doesn’t cover
- Cancellations. If you don’t attend a session, you will not receive a medicare rebate. That means my cancellation fee of $40 will need to be entirely paid by you.
- Testing or assessment. While assessment that forms part of treatment can be covered, if you are looking for assessment or testing services only you cannot receive a rebate for these sessions.
- Non medicare card holders. If you do not hold a medicare card, you cannot receive rebates for treatment.
What if I need more than 10 sessions of therapy?
Occasionally clients will feel they need to continue in therapy after 10 sessions. This is understandable, as the therapuetic process for each client is highly individualised. Clients that decide to do this don’t receive rebates for these additional sessions. I can offer additional sessions at a reduced rate for clients experiencing financial difficulties, but I make this decision on a case by case basis. If you have used 10 sessions, it is possible you are close to the medicare safety net threshold, which would allow you to claim some of the costs of therapy
When can I get a new mental healthcare plan?
You are entitled to 10 sessions of therapy per calendar year. Once you have received 10 rebates for individual therapy, you will need to wait until next january before receiving rebates again.
Alternative funding options
Medicare is not the only third party that can provide funding for sessions. Workcover, the NDIS, Open Arms for veterans, and company employee assistance schemes can also potentially contribute to the cost of sessions.
Appointment Enquiries
If you are interested in seeing me for therapy, this page has information about how to get in touch.