How Many Group Psychological Therapy Sessions Can You Get with Medicare?
When it comes to accessing mental health support in Australia, Medicare provides assistance through its rebates for psychological services. For those with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and a referral from a General Practitioner (GP), Medicare offers coverage for both individual and group psychological therapy sessions.
Group Psychological Therapy Sessions
Under the Australian Medicare system, you may be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 group psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. These sessions must be conducted by a registered psychologist or another eligible allied health professional. Group therapy can be a cost-effective and beneficial way to receive support, as it allows individuals to share experiences and gain insights from others facing similar challenges. At Cetas, most of our clients have access to the fully subsidised sessions, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs!
Combining Group and Individual Therapy Sessions
Medicare's mental health support isn't limited to individual therapy alone. Individuals with a valid MHCP and GP referral can also access up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year. This means you can combine both sessions to suit your specific needs and treatment goals. For instance, you might find it beneficial to engage in individual sessions for personalised attention and group sessions for peer support and shared learning.
How to Access These Services
Visit Your GP: Discuss your mental health concerns with your GP, who will assess your needs and prepare a Mental Health Care Plan.
Get Referrals: Your GP will provide referrals for individual and/or group therapy sessions as needed.
Book Your Sessions: Contact us to schedule your therapy sessions.
Benefits of Combining Therapy Types
Combining individual and group therapy sessions allows for a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Individual sessions provide tailored strategies and one-on-one support, while group sessions offer community support, diverse perspectives, and the opportunity to practice social skills in a supportive environment.
Conclusion
Medicare makes it possible to receive a well-rounded approach to mental health care by offering rebates for both individual and group psychological therapy sessions. With a Mental Health Care Plan and GP referral, you can access up to 10 sessions of each type per calendar year, allowing you to tailor your treatment to your unique needs.
For more information or to start your mental health journey, visit Cetas Psychology and explore our range of psychological services.
