Medicare rebates explained
Medicare and psychology — what you need to know.
A short, plain-language guide to Medicare's Better Access scheme, Mental Health Care Plans, and how to claim your rebate at Mind Health.
The headline
If your GP gives you a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), Medicare rebates 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. The rebate is $96.65 per 50-minute session. You pay the gap between our fee and the rebate. We process the claim for you on the day; the rebate lands in your bank account in 1–2 business days.
Step-by-step
1. Book a longer GP appointment
Ask for a Mental Health Care Plan. The appointment takes about 20 minutes; the GP fee is partly Medicare-rebated.
2. Discuss what's going on
Your GP will ask about symptoms, daily functioning, and goals. They may use the K10 questionnaire.
3. GP writes the MHCP & referral
You receive an MHCP document, a referral letter, and an MBS plan with 6+ initial sessions.
4. Book with Mind Health
Bring the MHCP/referral to your first session, or email them ahead. Our intake team handles the rest.
5. Claim happens automatically
We process the Medicare rebate at the end of each session. You pay the gap; Medicare deposits the rebate.
6. Review at session 6
After 6 sessions, return to your GP for a review. They can authorise the next 4 sessions (10 per year max).
Common questions
Do I need an MHCP to see a psychologist?
No. You can see a psychologist without an MHCP — you'll just pay the full fee and won't get the Medicare rebate. Private health funds with psychology cover often rebate part of the fee.
What about telehealth?
Telehealth sessions are rebatable on the same MBS items as in-person sessions (since 2020). Same fees, same rebate.
Can I switch psychologists mid-plan?
Yes. You can use your MHCP with any registered psychologist. If you're not feeling the fit, tell us — we'll help find someone else.
What if I've used all 10 sessions?
Some people qualify for the additional 'better access' sessions beyond 10, on specific clinical grounds. Your GP and clinician can advise. Private health funds may cover further sessions.
Other rebate options
Private health funds
Most funds with psychology extras rebate $40–$120 per session. Check with your fund.
EAP (workplace)
Your employer may have an Employee Assistance Program covering 3–6 free sessions.
NDIS
Plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants can use their plan for psychology.
DVA
Veterans' Affairs gold/white card holders receive fully-covered psychology sessions.
Beyond Medicare, the following pathways may cover part or all of your psychology fees:
Questions about your rebate?
Our intake team explains Medicare clearly before you book. No jargon.
Call 1300 084 200Not sure where to start?
Our reception team can help you choose the right next step without needing to tell your story twice.
Ask about rebates