Counselling Psychologists Sydney /
Medicare Psychologist Rebates /
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.

IMPORTANT: We do not bulk bill.

 

1. You will need to pay around $180 – $220 at your appointment.

2. The Psychologist will issue a receipt.

3. You can then claim with Medicare. Expect an out of pocket fee of around $80  (depending on the clinician’s fees). 

Psychologist Services Covered by Medicare

The Australian Government has approved rebates for Psychologist services under Medicare under the Better Outcomes for Mental Health Scheme introduced by the Australian Government to assist consumers to access Psychologist services for a range of mental health concerns.

This requires a valid referral from your GP. The list of mental health conditions that are current covered by the scheme are:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Bereavement (Grief)
  • Panic Disorders
  • Phobia
  • Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
  • Eating Disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating)
  • Sleeping Problems
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug Addiction
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
  • Sexual Disorders
  • Conduct Disorder
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bi-Polar Disorder (previously known as Manic Depression)
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression

Please note that Anger Management and Relationship Issues/Relationship Counselling are not covered by the Better Outcomes for Mental Health scheme unless these problems are caused by or linked to one of the above-mentioned psychological conditions.

Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney offers access to registered Psychologists eligible to provide services, including CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) under Medicare.

However we are not a bulk billing practice, a gap payment applies and you must pay the full fee before claiming a rebate from Medicare. Please contact us to find out about our current rates.

Book Now
“ACPS made the Medicare process very clear when I called. I booked in and then saw my GP and get a referral to their psychologist before the first appointment. Everything was streamlined and extremely simple.”

Richard

Our Services
We offer a variety of services dealing with wellbeing and mental health. Select from one of the options below for further details.
anxiety psychologists
Anxiety
depression counselling
Depression
relationship and marriage counselling
Relationship & Marriage
anger management services
Anger Management
addiction psychologist sydney
Addiction
psychological concerns
Other Concerns
  • 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. Find out more about Psychologist services covered by 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 through Associated Counsellors?

    You do not need a referral from your GP to see one of our associated psychologists. Most clients book an appointment with a psychologist through our central booking number and 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 or in person at your local Medicare office.

  • 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 at 1 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

  • How much is the Medicare rebate for psychologist services?

    Around $84 for a registered psychologist and around $124 for a clinical psychologist. To receive this rebate, you will need a referral from your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist. The rebate can only be claimed for therapy sessions for an individual and is not available for couples therapy or relationship counselling.