Medicare-rebated Therapy

If you are experiencing a mental health condition, a GP can assess whether you meet Medicare Better Access criteria and, if appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) with you and provide the referral.  An initial referral may include up to 6 sessions. 

When booking your GP appointment, it can be helpful to let the medical centre know the visit is for a MHTP, as this typically requires a longer consultation. 

You return to your GP for a review, where they can consider providing another referral for up to 6 additional sessions (maximum of 10 Medicare-rebated sessions available per calendar year). 

Where appropriate, ongoing treatment can continue in this way through updated referrals from your GP, as needed.

A new Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is not usually required, as plans do not automatically expire. In most cases, the existing plan can continue to support ongoing therapy, with valid repeat referrals from your treating GP. 

*A new plan is generally only needed if circumstances change in a more significant way and the focus or goals of therapy need to be adjusted. 

Yes. Appointments can be accessed privately without a referral; however, Medicare rebates are not available without one. 

If you have private health cover, check with your provider regarding funding options towards psychology appointments.

Medicare rebates are processed shortly after sessions and are paid directly into the client’s nominated bank account. This typically takes 1 business day however please allow up to 3 business days for Medicare to forward your rebate into your account, before making contact directly with them.