Did you know, Under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, Medicare rebates are now available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists? This scheme provides assistance to people living with mental heath problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.

What mental health problems can be treated under the Better Access initiative?

‘Mental disorder’ is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. The Better Access initiative covers people with mental disorders arising from:

Can I go directly to a psychologist to receive treatment through Medicare?

You must be referred by your GP, your psychiatrist or paediatrician. Your GP will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You should book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.

Can I access any psychologist?

Under the scheme you can only see a registered psychologist with a Medicare Provider Number who you have been referred to by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

All of our psychologists at Lifepath Psychology are registered with a Medicare Provider Number.

Can I request a referral to a specific psychologist or does my doctor have to choose?

Your doctor must first assess that you require the services of a psychologist. Your doctor may allow you to request a specific psychologist. The psychologist in question must be registered and have a Medicare Provider Number for you to be entitled to the Medicare rebate. 

If you would like to see a psychologist at Lifepath Psychology just ask your GP to write a referral letter, and attach your Mental Healthcare Plan. You will need to bring this referral letter and Mental healthcare Plan with you to your first appointment to receive the Medicare rebate.

How many sessions with a psychologist am I entitled to?

Eligible people can receive:

• Up to 10 individual sessions in a calendar year (1 January – 31 December). Your referring doctor will assess your progress after the first six sessions.
• Up to 10 group therapy sessions in a calendar year where such services are available and seen as appropriate by your referring doctor and the psychologist.

After you have reached the maximum number of allowable session for the calendar year you will not be eligible for any further Medicare rebates for treatment you receive from a psychologist until the new calendar year.

What about my private health insurance?

You cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover to top up the Medicare rebates for these services.
You need to decide if you will use Medicare or your private health insurance ancillary cover to pay for psychological services you receive. You can either access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process or claim where available on your insurer’s ancillary benefits.

Lifepath Psychology Fees

For clients referred by their Doctor under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Rebate, with a current Mental Health Care Treatment Plan, we offer:

• Gap fee payment only per session
• If you are on a current Healthcare Card or Aged Pension Card we Bulk Bill
• Children 17yrs and younger are Bulk Billed
• Department of Veteran Affairs card holders are also Bulk Billed.

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our psychologists, or would like some further information about our services, please feel free to email your query to admin@lifepathpsychology.com.au and one of our friendly staff will assist.