Are psychologists available on Medicare?
August 12, 2025 9:15 am
If you’re considering seeing a psychologist but are concerned about the cost, you may be wondering: Are psychologists available on Medicare?
The short answer is yes, Medicare does offer rebates for psychological services, making it more accessible for individuals who need mental health support.
In this article, we will explore the specifics of Medicare coverage for psychologists, eligibility criteria, and other details you need to know.
What is a Medicare rebate?
A Medicare rebate is a partial refund provided by the Australian government to help cover the cost of eligible health services.¹
For psychological services, this means that you can receive a rebate for certain therapy sessions, making mental health treatment more affordable.
The purpose of the Medicare rebate for psychology is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for Australians who need mental health care.
These rebates are available under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, which aims to improve access to psychological services for people dealing with mental health conditions.
Does Medicare cover a psychologist?
Yes, Medicare does cover psychologists under specific circumstances. According to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), a range of psychological conditions qualify for a rebate, helping individuals receive the support they need.
The rebate applies to sessions with eligible psychologists, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals.
However, to access the Medicare psychology rebate, certain conditions must be met. Generally, Medicare coverage is available for patients who are referred by a general practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist and meet specific diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions.
The types of services covered include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and other evidence-based therapies for conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
Psychological concerns covered by Medicare
Medicare rebates for psychology are available for a variety of mental health conditions. Here are some of the key conditions covered:
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health conditions in Australia², and therefore one of the most common reasons people seek psychological support. These individuals are eligible for the Medicare rebate for psychologist services.
If you have been diagnosed with anxiety, your GP can refer you for up to 10 sessions per year with a psychologist, depending on your needs.
Depression
Depression is another mental health concern that qualifies for the Medicare rebate for psychologist services.
If you experience symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, or trouble sleeping³, a referral from your GP can help you access Medicare-covered therapy.
Am I eligible to claim a Medicare rebate when seeing a psychologist?
To be eligible for a Medicare rebate for psychology, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
1. You must be referred by a GP or psychiatrist through a mental health care plan.
2. Your mental health condition must be eligible for coverage under the Better Access program.
3. The psychologist you are seeing must be registered and qualified to offer services under Medicare.
If you meet these criteria, your GP may provide a referral and develop a mental health care plan, which outlines the number of sessions you are eligible for.
How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?
Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care program, Medicare covers up to 10 individual therapy sessions per year.
These sessions must be with an eligible psychologist, and they must be part of an approved treatment plan.
However, after the initial six sessions, your GP will need to review your progress to determine whether additional sessions are required. This ensures that the Medicare rebate for psychology services is being used effectively.
Do I need a referral, or can I go to the psychologist directly?
You will need a referral from a GP to claim the Medicare rebate for psychologist services. Once your GP has referred you and you have a mental health care plan in place, you can access the Medicare psychologist rebate for your sessions.
How much will it cost me to see a psychologist through Medicare?
The cost of seeing a psychologist can vary depending on the psychologist’s fees. However, with the Medicare psychology rebate, you can expect to receive a partial refund for your sessions.
The gap you pay, known as the out-of-pocket expense, will depend on the psychologist’s fees.
It is important to check with your psychologist ahead of time to understand the total cost and the rebate amount you will receive.
Does the Medicare Safety Net apply to my out-of-pocket expenses for therapy?
Yes, the Medicare Safety Net can apply to your out-of-pocket expenses for therapy. The Safety Net is a system designed to help reduce your healthcare costs once you’ve reached a certain threshold.
If you reach this threshold through Medicare-rebated psychological services, the government may cover additional out-of-pocket costs.
For more details, you can refer to Medicare’s Safety Net information.
Visit a psychologist in Newcastle, NSW
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better mental health, our qualified psychologists in Newcastle are here to help.
Learn more about our Psychology services or contact us to schedule a consultation.
References
1. Services Australia. (2025, 4 June). About Medicare. Retrieved 30 June 2025, from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/about‑medicare
2. Australian Psychological Society. (n.d.). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/anxiety
3. Healthdirect Australia. (2023, December). Depression. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/depression
