Medicare Rebates for Psychology Services
Medicare rebates for psychology are available at aMAZEin’ Minds Psychology to help reduce the cost of mental health care for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re experiencing emotional, behavioural, or learning difficulties, Medicare may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
🧠 Who Can Access Medicare Rebates for Psychology?
Medicare rebates are available for eligible individuals referred by:
- A GP (through a Mental Health Treatment Plan)
- A psychiatrist or paediatrician
- A psychiatrist referral for an autism or developmental assessment under specific item numbers
📋 Mental Health Plans for Psychology: What You Need to Know
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is created by your GP and allows you to access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist.
Your GP will determine whether you or your child meets the eligibility criteria based on symptoms such as:
- Anxiety or depression
- Social or emotional difficulties
- Behavioural concerns
- Adjustment issues or stress
- Parenting-related mental health concerns
👩⚕️ How to Get Started
- Visit your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Bring your referral letter and paperwork to your first session
- We’ll handle the Medicare rebate for you after each appointment
🧾 What Psychology Services Are Eligible for Medicare?
Medicare rebates apply to specific types of psychology services when supported by a valid referral. These include:
✔️ Individual Focused Psychological Strategies
Accessed through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. This is the most common pathway and covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative. Learn more about Mental Health Care Plans here.
✔️ Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment Services
Medicare offers higher rebate amounts and a greater number of rebated sessions (up to 40) for individuals with an eligible eating disorder diagnosis and a specific referral from their GP or psychiatrist. Learn more about MBS rebates for eating disorders.
✔️ Autism and Neurodevelopmental Assessment (under 25 years)
Children, adolescents, and young adults under 25 may access Medicare rebates for diagnostic assessments of autism, ADHD, or other PDDs if referred by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. This is separate from the MHTP pathway and limited to specific item numbers. Learn more about how to get rebates for autism assessments and other neurodevelopmental assessments here.
✔️ Treatment for Children Under 15 with Autism or Eligible Disabilities
Children under 15 years may be eligible for a limited number of Medicare-funded treatment sessions for autism or developmental concerns. A referral from a specialist is required, and services must be delivered before the child turns 15. Learn more about Medicare rebates for children on the autism spectrum here.
💰 How Much Can I Claim with Medicare Psychology Rebates?
As of 2025, Medicare rebates for psychology sessions in Australia are:
- $96.65 per session with a registered (general) psychologist
- $141.85 per session with a clinical psychologist
These rebates apply when you have a valid Medicare card and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. With an MHTP, you’re eligible for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative. After the initial 6 sessions, a review with your referring doctor is required to access the remaining 4 sessions.
It’s important to note that Medicare rebates apply only from the date your referral is received; backdating is not permitted. Additionally, while referrals don’t expire, the number of rebated sessions resets each calendar year.
If you have further questions or need assistance navigating Medicare rebates for psychology services, feel free to contact our clinic.
📌 Important Medicare Rules to Know
1. No backdating allowed
Medicare rebates only apply from the date your referral is received. You must have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan in place before your session to claim a rebate.
2. Referrals don’t expire (but sessions reset)
Once you have a valid referral, it remains active until you use the allocated sessions (typically 6, with a review for 4 more). These session entitlements reset in January each year.
3. You Can Switch Psychologists Midway (But You’ll Need a New Letter)
You can change psychologists during your Mental Health Treatment Plan — the rebate entitlement follows you, not the provider. However, if you switch clinics, you’ll need a new referral letter addressed to the new psychologist or practice, even if you’re still within your 10 annual sessions.
🔹 Tip: You don’t need a whole new plan — your GP can write a brief update or letter to redirect your sessions to your new provider.
💡Can I Use Medicare for Assessments?
In most cases, Medicare does not cover educational or cognitive assessments (e.g., for ADHD or learning difficulties).
However, if your child is under 13 and you’re concerned about developmental concerns (e.g., autism), your GP or paediatrician may be able to provide a referral under a different Medicare item number to partially support an assessment.
Contact us to find out whether your situation qualifies.
📌 Do I Need a Referral?
You do not need a referral to book an appointment with us. However, a referral is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate.
We also see many clients who use NDIS funding or private health insurance instead.
❌ Do You Offer Bulk Billing?
At this time, we do not offer bulk billing for psychology sessions. While Medicare rebates help reduce the cost of therapy, there is typically a gap payment between the rebate and our full session fee.
We believe in providing high-quality, individualised care. If you’re concerned about fees, please don’t hesitate to contact our team—we’re happy to talk through your options, including using NDIS or private health where applicable.
🤝 We’re Here to Help
Not sure whether you qualify for a rebate? Need help navigating Medicare and referrals? Our admin team is happy to guide you through the process.
📞 Call us on 03 7046 4528 or
✉️ Email info@amazeinminds.com.au
📍 Or contact us online