Fees & Medicare Rebates for Clinical Psychologists

Medicare Referrals

Since November 1, 2006 clients with a relevant psychological problem and an appropriate Medicare referral from a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 12 visits per year. The Medicare rebates are currently $117 per 50-minute consultation.

All of the psychologists in our practice have a Masters or Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology and have been accredited with Medicare to provide specialist Clinical Psychology items. To qualify for Medicare rebates, you must be referred under a GP Mental Health Care Plan (unless referred by a psychiatrist or paediatrician).

What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

The first step is to visit your GP and discuss your concerns. GPs undertake early intervention, assessment and management of patients with mental health disorders and may refer patients for treatment with psychiatrists, clinical psychologists or other allied mental health workers.

Once a GP Mental Health Care Plan has been completed and your visit to the GP has been lodged (by the GP) with Medicare, you are eligible to claim up to twelve sessions per year (starting from the date of your plan). After completing the first six treatment consultations, your clinical psychologist must provide a written report about the treatment and your progress to your GP. If appropriate, your GP can then refer for a further six sessions. Each new calendar year you may be eligible for a further 12 sessions. NB. Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also write Mental Health Care Plans. If you already see one of these specialists, you can also ask them to write a plan.

Mental disorders that qualify for the Medicare Mental Health Care Plan include: