Frequently Asked Questions

Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients who have a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) from their GP. Your GP will assess whether a plan is appropriate and provide a referral if you are eligible.

If you would like to access Medicare rebates, please book an appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to discuss a MHTP or EDP. You may wish to request a longer GP appointment so there is enough time to talk through your concerns.

As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate is $145.25 for a Clinical Psychologist and $98.95 for a Registered Psychologist.

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, but you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your GP refers you under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Eating Disorder Plan or another eligible referral pathway.

If you have private health insurance with psychology included in your extras cover, you may also be eligible to claim a rebate through your private health insurer.

Please note that you generally cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session

The Better Access initiative supports treatment for a broad range of mental health concerns. Your GP will assess whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan and may provide an initial diagnosis or referral reason.

Psychologists can support clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, stress, grief, sleep difficulties, substance use concerns and other mental health presentations.

If you are unsure whether your concerns are eligible for Medicare-rebated sessions, please speak with your GP. 

No. You do not need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) to see a psychologist at VPC.

You can attend privately without a referral. However, if you would like to claim Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral and MHTP or EDP or  from your GP.

Other funding options may also be available depending on your circumstances, including private health insurance, WorkCover, TAC, DVA, NDIS or Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans.

Your GP may recommend a particular psychologist or clinic, but you are also welcome to choose your own psychologist.

If your referral is addressed to a specific psychologist or clinic, another eligible psychologist may still be able to accept the referral in many circumstances. If you are unsure, please contact us and we can help check the referral details.

Eligible clients with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions per calendar year. Group therapy sessions may also be available under Medicare and are counted separately.

You will not receive all 10 individual sessions at once. Your GP will refer you for an initial course of sessions. After this, your psychologist will provide a progress update to your GP, and your GP can review your plan and referral if further sessions are clinically appropriate.

Eligible clients with an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) may be able to access Medicare rebates for up to 40 eating disorder psychological treatment sessions and up to 20 dietetic services within a 12-month period, subject to GP and specialist review requirements.

Medicare limits and requirements can change, so your GP or Medicare can confirm your current eligibility.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan or Eating Disorder Plan provide access to Medicare rebates, but it does not cover the full cost of a psychology session.

You will pay the full session fee at the time of your appointment. VPC then processes your Medicare rebate through Halaxy, and the rebate is usually paid into your nominated bank account within a few days.

As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate is $145.25 for a Clinical Psychologist and $98.95 for a Registered Psychologist.

If you reach the Medicare Safety Net threshold, you may receive a higher Medicare benefit for eligible out-of-pocket costs. Services Australia can provide more information about Medicare Safety Nets.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) itself does not usually expire. However, your referral will be linked to a specific number of sessions, and Medicare-rebated sessions reset each calendar year.

An Eating Disorder Plan (EDP) works differently. EDP sessions are available over a 12-month period from the date the plan is created and are subject to review requirements.

If you have used the sessions on your current referral, if your plan or referral period has ended, or if there has been a significant change in your circumstances, you may need to return to your GP for a review or new referral.

If you are unsure whether your referral is still valid, please contact the clinic and we can help check the details.

You may need to see a GP or prescribed medical practitioner for a new Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), review or referral if your circumstances have changed, your previous referral has been used, you are starting with a new psychologist, or your treatment needs require review.

Under current Better Access requirements, MHTPs, referrals and reviews need to be completed by either a GP or prescribed medical practitioner at your MyMedicare registered practice, or by your usual medical practitioner.

Your usual medical practitioner may be someone who has provided most of your care over the past 12 months, or someone who is likely to provide most of your care over the next 12 months. This may include a GP you intend to see regularly for your ongoing care.

If you have an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP), you will also need to see your GP for required reviews during the 12-month plan period to continue accessing eligible sessions. Your GP will let you know when these reviews are due.

Your GP, medical clinic or Medicare is the best source of advice about whether you need a new plan, review or referral.

Under current Better Access requirements, Mental Health Treatment Plans, referrals and reviews need to be completed by either:

– a GP or prescribed medical practitioner at your MyMedicare registered practice; or
– your usual medical practitioner.

Your usual medical practitioner may be someone who has provided most of your care over the past 12 months, or someone who is likely to provide most of your care over the next 12 months.

This means you can speak with your regular GP or medical clinic, or a GP you intend to see regularly for your ongoing care. If you are unsure who can complete your plan or review, please contact your GP clinic or Medicare for guidance.