Can psychology be claimed on Medicare?

Key summary

• $137.05 clinical psychologist rebate or $93.35 general psychologist medicare rebate

• You can claim rebates on psychology sessions for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

• You need a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to claim rebates.

• You need a referral and MHCP from your GP

Yes, Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual mental health services in a calendar year. The services may consist of psychological therapy services delivered by registered psychologists. This means that the 10 eligible sessions “renew” every year. Psychologists as allied health professionals can provide mental health service sessions.

How do I access the Medicare rebate?  

A referral and Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) has been made by a GP or medical practitioner who is managing the patient (you) under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan;

• a referral has been made by a medical practitioner (including a general practitioner (GP), but not a specialist or consultant physician) who is managing the patient under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan; or

• a referral has been made by a psychiatrist or paediatrician from an eligible psychiatric or paediatric service.

If you are unsure, please discuss your circumstances with your GP. Most clients (known as patients to their GP) access Medicare psychology via their GP.

What are the Medicare MHCP rebates?

• Current Medicare rebate for clinical psychologists $137.05 per session (usually 50 minutes)

• Current Medicare rebate for general psychologists $93.35 per session (usually 50 minutes)

This is capped at 10 sessions per year. The 10 session limit renews every January 1.

For example; Your psychology fees are $250 a session which you pay in full at each session. You claim a clinical psychologist rebate of $137.05. This means your out-of-pocket fee is $112.95.

Always confirm fees with your chosen psychologist before you commence sessions.

How do I get a MHCP?

See your medical practitioner which is likely your GP.

Make a longer doctor's appointment and express your interest in a MHCP plan. Your doctor will assess your mental health by asking questions, discussing goals, and potentially referring you to a mental health professional. It may take a few visits to reach a diagnosis.

What kind of psychology is available with medicare?

A range of acceptable strategies has been approved for use by allied mental health professionals under the Medicare Benefits Schedule:

1.       Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
2.       Cognitive-behavioural therapy including:
 ·              Behavioural interventions
 -      Behaviour modification
 -      Exposure techniques
 -      Activity scheduling
 ·              Cognitive interventions
 -      Cognitive therapy
3.       Relaxation strategies
 -      Progressive muscle relaxation
 -      Controlled breathing
4.       Skills training
 -      Problem solving skills and training
 -      Anger management
 -      Social skills training
 -      Communication training
 -      Stress management
 -      Parent management training
5.       Interpersonal therapy (especially for depression)
6.       Narrative therapy (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
7.       Eye-Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)