Mental health Medicare rebates exist to make professional psychological support accessible to every Australian, regardless of income. Yet a significant number of people who would benefit from them have no idea how they work, what they cover, or how to access them.
If you have been putting off seeing a psychologist because of cost, or if you are currently paying full price without knowing you might be eligible for a rebate, this guide is for you.
The Department of Health and Aged Care administers the Better Access initiative, which is the primary pathway through which Australians access Medicare-subsidised mental health care. It has been one of the most significant mental health policy developments in Australia’s recent history.
The Better Access Initiative Explained
The Better Access initiative is the Medicare program that funds mental health treatment in community settings. It allows eligible Australians to access a set number of subsidised sessions with mental health professionals each calendar year.
To access these sessions, you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared by your GP, a psychiatrist, or a paediatrician. This plan documents your mental health needs and formally refers you to an appropriate provider. Without this plan in place, Medicare rebates for psychology sessions do not apply.
The plan itself requires an appointment with your GP that is slightly longer than a standard consultation. Most GPs will schedule a longer appointment for this purpose. There is no additional cost for the plan itself beyond the standard GP consultation fee.
How Many Sessions Are Covered
Under the current Better Access structure, eligible Australians can access up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group sessions with an eligible mental health professional per calendar year under Medicare.
The way these sessions are structured matters. After your initial referral, you can access up to six sessions. To access the remaining four individual sessions, you need to return to your GP for a review of your Mental Health Treatment Plan. This review appointment gives your GP the opportunity to assess your progress and determine whether additional sessions are appropriate.
What the Medicare Rebate Actually Covers
The Medicare rebate does not cover the full cost of a psychology session. It covers a portion of it, with the gap between the rebate and the psychologist’s fee paid by the patient.
For a consultation with a clinical psychologist, the Medicare rebate is currently around $137 per session for an individual consultation. For a registered psychologist, the rebate is around $93 per session. These figures are indexed periodically so it is worth checking the current amounts through Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Psychologists who bulk bill do not charge a gap, meaning the session costs you nothing out of pocket. Bulk billing for psychology is not universal and varies considerably by provider and location.
It is more commonly available in community health settings, through some headspace centres, and through certain bulk-billing psychology practices.
If your psychologist does not bulk bill, the out-of-pocket gap can range from a small amount to $100 or more per session depending on the provider’s fee structure.
Who Can Provide Better Access Sessions
Not all mental health professionals are eligible to provide Better Access sessions under Medicare. The eligible providers include clinical psychologists, registered psychologists, occupational therapists who are accredited in mental health practice, and social workers who are accredited mental health social workers.
Counsellors and psychotherapists, regardless of their qualifications or experience, are not currently eligible Medicare providers under the Better Access initiative. This is a common source of confusion and frustration.
Psychiatrists operate under a different Medicare pathway and can provide both assessment and treatment, with rebates available for both. Referral to a psychiatrist typically comes from your GP and may involve longer wait times for an initial appointment.
Telehealth Mental Health Sessions
Since 2020, Australians have been able to access their Better Access sessions via telehealth, meaning video or phone consultations. This has been a significant development for people in regional and remote areas, those with limited mobility, and anyone who finds it easier to engage with mental health support from home.
Telehealth sessions attract the same Medicare rebates as in-person sessions, provided the provider is eligible and the session meets Medicare’s requirements for telehealth consultations.
What to Do If You Cannot Afford the Gap
If cost is a barrier, there are several options worth exploring. Community mental health services through your local Primary Health Network often provide low-cost or no-cost mental health support. The Head to Health program provides free telephone and online support and can help connect you with local services.
headspace centres provide free and low-cost mental health support specifically for young Australians aged 12 to 25. Beyond Blue, Lifeline, and other organisations also provide free telephone and online crisis and support services.
Conclusion
Mental health Medicare rebates in Australia make professional psychological support more accessible, but navigating the system can feel complicated when you are already struggling. The single most important first step is booking an appointment with your GP and asking about a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
From there, your GP can connect you with the right provider and help you understand what costs to expect. You do not need to manage mental health challenges without support, and you do not need to pay full price to access it.
FAQs
1. Can I choose my own psychologist under the Better Access initiative?
Yes. Once you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can take that referral to any eligible Medicare provider of your choice. Your GP may suggest someone, but the decision is yours.
2. Do Medicare mental health rebates cover couples or family therapy?
The Better Access initiative primarily covers individual sessions. Group therapy sessions are also covered under the scheme, but couples counselling and family therapy do not attract Medicare rebates under Better Access unless they are structured as individual sessions with a Medicare-eligible provider.
3. Can children access mental health Medicare rebates in Australia?
Yes. Children can access Better Access sessions with parental consent. The same session limits apply. headspace and other youth-specific services also provide accessible support for children and adolescents.
4. What happens if I have used all my sessions but still need support?
Once you have used your annual allocation, you can continue seeing your psychologist at the full fee without a rebate, access community mental health services, or wait until January 1 when your sessions reset. Your GP can also explore whether other Medicare pathways are applicable to your situation.
5. Is there a Medicare rebate for online mental health programs?
Some digitally delivered mental health programs are covered under Medicare in specific circumstances. Your GP can advise whether any digital programs are appropriate for your situation and whether they attract a rebate.