Medicare Rebates for Psychologists & Mental Health Social Workers

Rebates for a Psychologist under Medicare are offered under the Better Outcomes for Mental Health Scheme for a range of mental health concerns. When you have an appointment with one of our associated psychologists you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of approximately $84 (if you see a Registered Psychologist) and approximately $124 (if you see a Clinical Psychologist), per session.

We do not bulk bill. There is an out of pocket fee (which varies depending on the clinician you see) of around $80.

Generally, you are required to pay for the full cost of your session at the time of your appointment. Your psychologist will then provide you with a receipt, listing the appropriate item number, and you can take that receipt to Medicare to receive your rebate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for medicare?

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.

How many sessions can I claim?

Once you have a referral to our practice from your GP, up to 10 sessions with a psychologist may be claimed in a calendar year. You will need to return to your GP for a review and extended referral after the 6th session.

Do I need to see my GP before I can make an appointment?

You do not need a referral from your GP to see one of our psychologists. Some clients book an appointment with a psychologist first and then visit their GP in the intervening period. Others pay the full costs associated with their first session, and subsequently see their GP to take advantage of the rebate scheme for future sessions. A Mental Health care plan must be in place before you can claim for a given session.

How do I claim my rebate?

Your GP will advise Medicare of your entitlement to claim a rebate for psychological services after they prepare your Mental Health care plan. You will then be able to claim a portion of your costs back from Medicare on presentation of a receipt from your psychologist. Please note that you will still need to pay the full costs of your session at the time of your consultation, after which you will be able to claim from Medicare in the usual way – either by post, in person at a serice centre, or online via MyGov.

What about my private health insurance?

Many private health insurers cover psychology services as part of their ‘extras’ cover. Please contact your insurer to see whether you are covered and what rebate you might receive. Unfortunately, it is not possible to claim your private health insurance rebate to top up your Medicare rebate. Some clients therefore choose to make use of their private health insurance rebate, and when that runs out, they turn to Medicare.

How much do I get back from Medicare?

The current rates, as of the 1st January 2020, are set out below: For psychological services provided by a Registered Psychologist (50-60 minute session), the Medicare rebate is $84.80 per session For psychological services provided by a Clinical Psychologist (50-60 minute session), the Medicare rebate is $124.50 per session