MEDICARE & GP REFERRAL
Understand MedicareBefore You Book Psychology
Medicare may help eligible people with the cost of mental health treatment through Australia's Better Access initiative. Understanding the pathway first can make it easier to speak with your GP, choose an eligible practitioner and know what costs to confirm before booking.
HOW THE PATHWAY WORKS
From Your GPto Psychological Support
Book an appointment with your GP
Start with your usual GP and explain what has been happening and what kind of support you are seeking.
Your doctor assesses your needs
Your doctor considers your symptoms, current functioning, relevant history and whether the Medicare pathway may be appropriate.
A treatment plan and referral may be prepared
If appropriate, your doctor may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral for eligible services.
Choose an eligible practitioner
Consider language, location, consultation format, availability, fees and Medicare eligibility.
Begin your first course of treatment
The initial course of individual Better Access treatment can include up to 6 services, depending on the referral.
Review progress if more support is needed
Your referring practitioner may review your progress and decide whether further eligible sessions are appropriate.
ELIGIBILITY
A GP AssessmentComes First
Better Access is not automatic simply because someone would like to see a psychologist. Eligibility depends on Medicare requirements and professional assessment.
Your GP or another eligible referring practitioner considers your mental health needs and whether the Better Access pathway is clinically appropriate for you.
ELIGIBLE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Medicare Support Is Not Limitedto One Type of Practitioner
Eligible clinical psychologists may provide psychological therapy services under Better Access.
Eligible registered psychologists may provide focussed psychological strategies.
Eligible mental health social workers may provide Medicare-rebatable psychological strategy services.
Eligible occupational therapists may also provide focussed psychological strategies.
Not every practitioner is eligible to provide Medicare-rebatable Better Access services. Confirm Medicare eligibility directly with the practitioner before booking.
FEES & MEDICARE REBATES
Medicare RebateDoes Not Always Mean Free
What is your full session fee?
Is this service Medicare-rebatable?
What Medicare rebate may apply?
What will my out-of-pocket cost be?
Do you offer Bulk Billing?
Do you offer telehealth or in-person appointments?
PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT
You Do Not Needto Explain Everything Perfectly
Sleep, mood, anxiety, stress, concentration, appetite or motivation.
Think about when you first noticed the change and whether it is becoming more difficult.
Work, study, relationships, parenting, sleep and everyday functioning.
Previous counselling, medication, self-help, lifestyle changes or other support.
Language, cultural understanding, location, gender, telehealth, fees or availability.
You do not need a perfect answer. A few key concerns are enough to begin.
HENRRISON REPORTS
A Report Can Help YouOrganise the Conversation
If you find it difficult to explain what has been happening, a Henrrison wellbeing report can help organise your self-reported results, concerns and relevant background before speaking with a GP or psychologist.
- Organise self-reported wellbeing information
- Highlight areas you may want to discuss
- Support clearer professional communication
- Diagnose a mental disorder
- Create a Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Replace a GP or clinical assessment
- Guarantee Medicare eligibility or a referral
FINDING SUPPORT
The Right PractitionerIs More Than a Medicare Number
Registration and Medicare eligibility matter, but so can language, cultural understanding, consultation style, location, availability and cost.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Medicare PsychologyFrequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically get 10 psychology sessions?
No. Better Access allows eligible patients to claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual treatment services in a calendar year. The first individual course can be up to 6 services, with further treatment subject to review and referral requirements.
Does a Mental Health Treatment Plan mean psychology is free?
No. Practitioners set their own fees. Medicare may cover only part of the fee. If an eligible service is bulk billed, there is generally no gap for that service.
Can I choose my own psychologist?
You can discuss practitioner options with your referring doctor and choose an eligible provider who meets the relevant Medicare requirements.
Do I need a Henrrison report to get a GP referral?
No. A Henrrison report is optional. It may help organise information before an appointment, but it is not required for Medicare and cannot replace a GP assessment or referral.
What happens after my first 6 sessions?
If further support is appropriate, the referring practitioner may review your progress and determine whether further eligible services should be referred within the annual limit.
What if I need more than the Medicare-funded limit?
Further treatment may still be available, but Better Access benefits do not continue beyond the applicable annual limit. Ask your provider about private fees or other funding pathways that may apply to you.
When does the session limit reset?
Better Access service limits are calculated by calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Check Current MedicareRules Before Booking
This page provides general service navigation information and does not determine Medicare eligibility, provide medical advice or replace assessment by a GP or other qualified health professional. Medicare rules, MBS items, rebates and provider fees can change. Confirm current information with Medicare, your GP and your chosen provider.
If life is in danger or immediate medical help is needed, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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