Online Psychology

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.