Medicare Rebates
On 1 November 2006, the Australian Government introduced new Medicare items for psychological treatment by registered psychologists. Under the new Medicare scheme, all registered psychologists who are endorsed by Medicare Australia can provide treatment for mental health problems.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has a consumer fact sheet that explains the Medicare referral procedure. This information is available for download here:
- APS consumer fact sheet (PDF).
Referral procedure
When seeking the Medicare rebate, an assessment needs to be made by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. Doctors complete a formal mental health assessment and then make the referral. Usually this requires a longer appointment with the doctor to complete this information and make the referral to — Deborah Jepsen.
Under the Medicare rebate individuals may claim up to 12 sessions per calendar year. If after the twelfth session ongoing care is required, the doctor may recommend an additional six sessions that are also claimable under the Medicare system. (The maximal number of sessions is then increased to 18 sessions per year.)
Information for Consumers on GP Mental Health Care Plan from the Royal Australian College for General Practitioners is available for download here:
Rebates
- 50 minute consultation — $80.20 from Medicare.
- 30 minute consultation — $56.80 back from Medicare (for very young children).
Private health insurance
Check with your private Health insurance to see if psychological services are covered. Rebates will depend on level of cover and service provider. Clients cannot use their private health insurance ancillary cover to pay the gap between the Medicare rebate and the charge for psychological services.
Clients need to decide if they will use Medicare or their private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for psychological services they receive. Clients with this insurance can either access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process. It is the client's choice, not that of the health insurance company or the psychologist.
Please note: If the client chooses to claim against their health insurance (gets a better rebate, has exhausted the 12 sessions, or does not have a specified mental health disorder), we will assist the client and the health insurance company by not using the Medicare item numbers and marking on the account 'Not claiming under Medicare'. Such a process will ensure that any confusion will be removed for the private health insurance company and the client's claim will be processed promptly.
Assessment
Please note that Medicare rebates are not available for psychological assessment. You may be able to claim a rebate for a "long consultation" from your private health insurance provider. Please check this directly with your provider.
Request a booking
Limited places available. Waiting time may be 2-4 weeks during busy periods.
More questions?
See our Counselling FAQ listing the most frequently asked questions and answers about counselling.
Please contact us if you have any questions not covered in the FAQ.
