How Medicare Covers Psychology Sessions in Australia
If you have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. The current Medicare rebate for an eligible psychology session is $101.55, which means you’d pay a gap of around $128 per session at a fee of $230. This article explains how the Mental Health Treatment Plan works, how many sessions you can access, and what the process looks like from referral to appointment.
What is a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a Mental Health Care Plan, or MHCP) is a structured plan your GP prepares with you when you’re experiencing a mental health difficulty. It identifies your mental health needs and recommends a course of treatment, including a referral to a psychologist.
Your GP assesses whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate based on your situation and symptoms. Common reasons people get one include anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, burnout, and stress-related presentations.
Once your GP creates the plan and refers you, you can use it to access Medicare-rebated sessions with a registered psychologist.
How Many Sessions Does Medicare Cover?
Under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can access up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year at the Medicare rebate rate. These are split into two blocks:
- Your initial referral covers the first 6 sessions
- Your GP reviews your progress after those 6, and can refer you for up to 4 more sessions in the same calendar year if needed
The 10-session limit resets each calendar year (1 January to 31 December). If you need ongoing support beyond 10 sessions, you can continue seeing your psychologist and pay the full fee, or discuss other funding options with your GP or psychologist. More details on funding options are available on the Fees and Funding page.
What Does It Cost With Medicare?
At Veronica West Psychology, sessions are charged at $230. With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, you’ll receive a Medicare rebate of $101.55 per session, leaving an out-of-pocket gap of approximately $128 per session.
It’s worth knowing that not all psychologists bulk bill. Bulk billing means a psychologist charges only the Medicare rebate with no gap, which is uncommon in private practice psychology. Most private practice psychologists charge a fee above the rebate, and it’s reasonable to confirm the fee structure before booking.
Payment is required in advance, with the Medicare rebate processed back to you after the session. For a broader look at what psychology costs in Australia, see what does it cost to see a psychologist?
How Do I Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Book a longer appointment with your GP. A standard 10-minute appointment isn’t usually enough time to complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Let the receptionist know you’d like to discuss a referral for psychology so they can allocate enough time.
Your GP will talk through your symptoms and situation, complete the plan with you, and provide a referral letter for your psychologist. You can bring this referral when you book, or your GP can send it directly. How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan covers the appointment step by step.
If you don’t currently have a GP, telehealth GP services are available across Australia. The Better Access initiative provides more information on the program that funds these sessions.
Can I Use My Mental Health Treatment Plan for Telehealth Psychology?
Yes. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychology sessions, not just in-person appointments. This makes psychology more accessible for people in regional areas, those with busy schedules, or anyone who finds telehealth more comfortable.
Sessions at Veronica West Psychology are available in person in Maroochydore from November 2026 or via telehealth, and your Mental Health Treatment Plan rebate is the same for both. You can read more about how therapy sessions work or get in touch to check availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my psychologist need to bulk bill for me to use my Mental Health Treatment Plan?
No. You can use your Mental Health Treatment Plan regardless of whether your psychologist bulk bills. The difference is that bulk-billing psychologists charge only the Medicare rebate with no gap fee, while most private practice psychologists charge a higher fee and you receive the rebate back separately.
Can I use private health insurance alongside Medicare for psychology?
Generally, you can’t claim both Medicare and private health insurance on the same session. Most people find Medicare provides a more straightforward rebate for psychology sessions. For more detail, see our article on claiming psychology on private health insurance. Private health can however be very helpful if you want to continue accessing psychology after the 10 rebated sessions. Its recommended to check with your private health fund if psychology is included in your extras cover.
What happens if I need more than 10 sessions in a year?
You can continue seeing your psychologist beyond the 10 Medicare-rebated sessions. Additional sessions are charged at the full fee without a rebate. Speak with your GP or psychologist about your options.
Can I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan without a formal diagnosis?
Yes. A diagnosis isn’t required. Your GP assesses whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate based on your current difficulties and mental health needs.
If you’d like to understand the full cost of psychology at Veronica West Psychology, including Medicare, NDIS, and private health options, the Fees and Funding page has a complete breakdown. Veronica is currently accepting new clients, by telehealth across Australia and in person in Maroochydore from November 2026. You can book online or get in touch to find out more.
Veronica West is a registered psychologist (BPsychSc(Hons), MPH, MPsych) and Board-Approved Supervisor based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, ADHD, trauma, and other complex presentations, seeing clients in person in Maroochydore from November 2026 and via telehealth. About Veronica.