What it costs, plainly.
The rebate above is the Medicare benefit for a Registered Psychologist (general psychology item, 50+ minutes), set by Services Australia and indexed every 1 July.
How the rebate works.
1. Talk to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan
Most GPs prepare these within a standard appointment. The plan is Medicare item 2715. It is the document that unlocks the rebate.
2. Get the referral
Your GP writes a brief referral letter. The name and registration details to use appear in the footer of this site.
3. Book your sessions
You are entitled to up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year on a Mental Health Care Plan. The first six are referred; your GP completes a brief review prior to the remaining four.
4. Pay and claim
Payment is processed at booking from a card on file. The $98.95 Medicare rebate is processed at the end of the session and is typically deposited in your nominated bank account within one to two business days.
Worth knowing.
Private health rebates
Most extras policies cover psychology between $30 and $80 per session, up to an annual cap. Medicare and private health cannot be claimed for the same session. Most clients use their 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions first, then transition to private health extras after that.
Cancellations
More than 48 hours' notice incurs no fee. Inside that window, the full session fee applies. Medicare rebates cannot be claimed for cancelled sessions.
GST
Psychology services for the purposes of therapy are GST free.
All the questions.
Is a GP referral required?
A referral is required only if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year are subsidised. Without a plan, you can self-refer and pay the full consultation fee privately. For WorkCover-funded treatment, a Certificate of Capacity from your GP is required as part of the workers compensation claim.
What are the fees, and what is the out-of-pocket cost?
Sessions are $250. With a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare provides a $98.95 rebate, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of $151.05 per session. The rebate is typically processed into your nominated account within one to two business days of the consultation. For accepted WorkCover claims, there is no out-of-pocket cost; sessions are invoiced directly to the workers compensation insurer.
Are you a Clinical Psychologist?
I am a Registered Psychologist currently completing the Clinical Psychology Registrar program at a Sydney teaching hospital mental health service. I trained in clinical psychology at UNSW (Master of Psychology, Clinical). The Medicare rebate for my consultations is the general psychology rate ($98.95). On completion of the Registrar program and on receipt of endorsement, that rebate increases to $145.25.
Can Medicare and private health be claimed for the same session?
No, only one rebate may be applied per session. Most clients use their 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions first, and may switch to private health extras after that.
How does an online consultation work?
Sessions are 50 minutes, conducted via secure video (Coviu, integrated with Halaxy). No app installation is required. You will receive the session link by email and SMS. If the video connection fails, the session can be continued by telephone; the same Medicare item applies to both modalities.
Is telehealth as effective as in-person therapy?
For anxiety, depressive and stress-related disorders, the research base supporting telehealth-delivered psychological treatment is substantial. Randomised trials and meta-analyses consistently report outcomes comparable to in-person therapy.
What is the expected treatment duration?
Most clients notice meaningful change between sessions 6 and 12 for anxiety and stress-related concerns. The early sessions are focused on assessment and formulation; structured treatment typically begins from session 2 onwards.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists in Australia are not authorised to prescribe medication. If pharmacological treatment is being considered, that decision is made with a GP or psychiatrist, and I am happy to coordinate alongside that pathway.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours' notice incur no fee. Cancellations inside the 48-hour window are charged at the full consultation fee. Medicare and WorkCover rebates cannot be claimed for cancelled sessions.
What happens if we are not the right clinical fit?
Therapeutic fit is important. If, after the first or second session, the working relationship does not feel right, I will assist you in identifying a more suitable practitioner. There is no expectation to continue.
Want to talk it through first?
The 15-minute introductory call is free and does not require a Medicare plan.
Book an introductory call