Fees for some psychological services may attract a rebate through Medicare or other fundings programs.
Medicare Funding
Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)
You may be eligible to receive a Mental Health Care Plan prepared under the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme. General Practitioners, Paediatricians and Psychiatrists can refer their patients for psychological services.
Eligibility is assessed by the referring doctor, who will monitor and review regularly. A maximum of ten sessions per calendar year are eligible for rebates.
The minimum rebate for a standard consultation is $145.25 under Better Access MHCP. This rebate increases if families have reached their Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan
An EPC referral allows a client to access up to five therapy sessions over a 12-month period. Medicare pays a rebate for these sessions (minimum $61.80), which increases if the family reaches their Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Doctors can also prepare an EPC plan or a CDM plan for patients who require access to a number of different therapy services. These referrals can be used to access Psychology, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Paediatric Physiotherapy services.
Please note that parents are entitled to claim a rebate under their child’s MHCP for two parent sessions.
Learning assessments are not claimable under Medicare.