Medicare and Private Health Insurance Rebates

A number of rebates are available for psychology services. Australian citizens are able to claim a substantial rebate through Medicare and many private health insurers cover psychology services. The most common forms of rebates are outlined below.

Medicare Rebates
Focused Psychological Strategies under the Medicare program known as 'Better Access' offers support to people dealing with difficulties such as anxiety and depression. This means that if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you are eligible to claim a significant proportion of your counselling fees from Medicare. Through this plan you are entitled to a rebate for up to 10 individual therapy sessions in a calendar year. 

In order to access this service follow these steps:

1. Visit your GP who will assess whether you are experiencing mental health difficulties. The types of difficulties covered include anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep problems, adjustment disorders and others.
2. ​The GP will then determine whether the preparation of a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate for you, given your health care needs and circumstances. If your doctor determines that you are eligible they will complete a Mental Health Care Plan and can make a referral to the psychologist you would like to see. 
3. Bring your Mental Health Care Plan along with your Medicare card with you to your first counselling appointment.
4. A brief summary report of progress will be written to your GP at the conclusion of 6 sessions. Following this, if deemed appropriate, you will be eligible for an additional 4 sessions. 

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If you think that you may be experiencing the sorts of difficulties covered by this program, feel free to contact your GP to discuss it further with them.​

Pregnancy Options Counselling
Rebates are available for up to three sessions of non-directive pregnancy options counselling per person, per pregnancy. It is available to people who are pregnant or have been pregnant in the last 12 months. To receive the Medicare rebate for pregnancy options counselling  you will need to get a referral from a GP.

Private Health Insurance
Clients with private health insurance may be able to claim substantial portions of their fee from their health insurance company. Each policy includes different amounts of cover, contact your private health insurer for details of your cover in relation to psychology services. ​​