You do not need a referral to see a Psychologist, however to claim Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)  from your GP.

In order to determine if you are eligible for a MHCP, you will need to book a double appointment with your GP. A MHCP puts in writing what support you require and what your treatment goals will be. Your GP will then give you a copy of your MHCP to bring to your first session, or they will fax it directly on your behalf. A MHCP will provide you with up to twenty sessions per calendar year.

Treatment costs are as follows:

$210.00 with a rebate of $136.35 from Medicare if you have an eligible Mental Health Care Plan. This means that the out of pocket expense is $73.65 per session while you have a valid referral. You will be required to pay the full fee after your session, and the Medicare rebate will then be processed. Please note, that a MHCP allows eligible clients, 10 sessions per calendar year. After this, you can use your private health care, or pay the full fee. 

You are not able to use Private Health Insurance as well as claim through Medicare. However if you require more than ten sessions within a calendar year, you can use your Private Health to claim some of the cost per session back. How much you get back will depend on the level of cover you have and what Health Fund you are with. 

Each session will last for fifty five minutes. It is difficult to say how many sessions each person may need, as everyone’s circumstances are different. This can be discussed in more detail after your first session.