How can I get Free Therapy?
Therapy should be accessible to anyone who needs it, regardless of their budget.
With Medicare Australia, some health services can be bulk billed through Medicare, resulting in a ‘free’ service because the client has zero out-of-pocket expenses to pay. Services are being paid for with Medicare, however it can feel ‘free’ to the user as no money is exchanged.
How do ‘free’ therapy sessions work?
‘Free,’ also known as Bulk-billed therapy, means the cost of the psychology session can be fully reimbursed through Medicare, leaving the client with zero out-of-pocket expenses.
What are the Medicare rebates?
Current Medicare rebate for clinical psychologists $141.85 per session (usually 50 minutes)
Current Medicare rebate for general psychologists $96.65 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 $141.85. This means your out-of-pocket fee is $108.15.
But! say your psychology fees are $141.85 a session and you claim a clinical psychologist rebate of $141.85. This means your out-of-pocket fee is $0, meaning these sessions are bulk billed. Always confirm fees with your chosen psychologist before you commence sessions.
Does everyone get Bulk Billing?
Some places bulk bill for all clients. Others, like Cetas Psychology, offer bulk bill (no fee) sessions to certain people who are financially unable to receive therapy otherwise and have an eligible Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
Fees and rebates change regularly, so please check with your psychologist.
What do I need to be eligible for free therapy?
In most cases, to get your therapy sessions bulk billed, you must meet certain eligibility criteria alongside the relevant Medicare documents. At Cetas Psychology, you can check your eligibility by Contacting us. This considers your residential location, whether you are experiencing financial hardship, your employment status, and whether you hold a certain concession.
