Medicare Rebates and Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)
Medicare allows Australians to have access to effective psychological treatments from experienced health professionals by providing a rebate which covers some of the cost of seeing a Clinical or Registered Psychologist. Below are some further details.
Who do I have to be referred by?
Clients must be referred by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician in order to get a Medicare rebate. Clients who are referred by their GP will be given a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) which is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. MHCPs are not available for relationship counselling. Please note: Insurance companies may deny you life insurance or income protection insurance if you have had a MHCP.
What sort of services will be provided to me?
Psychologists can provide any Focused Psychological Strategy (FPS), including: psycho education, cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation strategies, skills training (e.g. problem-solving, anger management) and interpersonal therapy (especially for depression). Clinical Psychologists have a greater variety of services that they can provide.
How many sessions am I allowed?
Your GP will prepare a referral generally for 6 sessions before reviewing your progress after feedback from the Psychologist; the GP may then approve further sessions if it is deemed appropriate (4 more), bringing the total to 10 for a calendar year.
What is my psychologist required to do?
Psychologists must provide a written report to the referring medical practitioner following every six sessions and on completion of the treatment. It is also important to note that your psychologist must have a Health Insurance Commission (HIC) provider number.
Will the rebate cover the full cost of the session?
No. The full fee will need to be paid for at the time of the session. The rebate can be processed on your behalf at our office during business hours, or you can claim it yourself using the Medicare App. There will be a gap between the payment and rebate of between $75-$105 per session.
Are rebates available for Telehealth?
The MHCP can be used to claim a rebate for Telehealth sessions (either by video or telephone).
Are there any other pathways to a rebate?
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1. Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) Services for Patients who have a Chronic Condition and Complex Care Needs
2. Autism or other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD Item)
3. Pregnancy and Terminations
For further details regarding Medicare rebates please visit https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Medicare-rebates-psychological-services/Medicare-FAQs-for-the-public Private Health Insurance (HICAPS)If you have private health insurance that covers psychological treatment, we can process the claim for you (during business hours on the day of the session). You cannot claim both a Medicare Rebated and a Private Health Rebate for the same session. |
