How to access a Psychologist using a Medicare Rebate

Assistance is available to help people afford the cost of seeing a Psychologist by way of Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and a Medicare rebate.

At the time of writing this article the Medicare Rebate for Psychologists is $86.15 and for Clinical Psychologists it is $126.50.

A Mental Health Care plan allows each Australian to access 10 Medicare rebates per year to see a Psychologist for one to one therapy. You can also access 10 group therapy sessions per year.

To obtain a MHCP we recommend the following steps:

1.Take some time to determine which Psychologist you may want to see (see our guide on how to choose a good psychologist here)

2. Book a double appointment with your GP

It can take the GP a fair amount of time to complete an assessment and put together one of these documents. They will appreciate you doing them the courtesy of booking a double appointment to allow them to do it accurately.

3. Describe your concerns to your GP

Your GP will need to assess if you are eligible to receive a MHCP. To receive a plan you must meet the criteria for a mental health disorder that is listed in Chapter V of the ICD-10 (a diagnostic manual that doctors use).

Once you have obtained a MHCP you can make an appointment with your Psychologist.

Please note that the Medicare rebate rarely covers the cost of your appointment. That is, there will be a gap between the rebate amount and the cost of our service. The cost of our services are below the recommended rate by the Australian Psychological Society. We are unable to  bulk bill appointments.

At Prosper Health Collective your Medicare rebate can be processed at the time of payment. The rebate will be deposited into the account you have nominated with Medicare.

The MHCP is a helpful way to allow you to access mental health treatment and invest in your mental wellbeing.

If you have any questions about the MHCP or Medicare rebates for accessing Psychology please get in touch with us at 6381 0071.