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Medicare Rebates for Psychology Sessions

Medicare rebates are offered for different psychological treatments. At Reach Psychology we use the following initiatives. For the Medicare initiatives listed below, a valid referral letter from your GP is required. The date on the referral is when you become eligible for rebates. Rebates cannot be applied to sessions completed before this date.

Answers to frequently asked questions are also provided here.

  • Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative

    This is the primary Medicare program utilised by individuals. The Better Access Initiative allows individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder to receive up to 10 individual therapy sessions each calendar year.

    To access the rebates on offer, you'll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) prepared by your GP or specialist, along with a referral from your GP for an initial course of treatment (up to six sessions). Once your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is in place, your GP can continue to provide referrals for additional courses of treatment as needed.

    However, you can only claim a maximum of 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.

  • Eating Disorder Services (EDMP)

    If you are suffering with an eating disorder and receive a diagnosis from your GP or psychologist, you are eligible to receive 40 psychological and 20 dietetics sessions of care within a 12-month period under an Eating Disorder Plan (EDMP). Your GP is required to review your plan after the initial 10 sessions and after each subsequent set of 10 sessions.

    An Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP) expires 12 months from its start date, at which time, a new EDMP is needed to continue accessing services under the program.

  • Chronic Disease Management (CDM)

    If you have a chronic condition and complex care needs managed by your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on psychologist services. Under the CDM plan, individuals can receive up to 5 individual sessions per calendar year to help manage their diagnosed chronic condition.

    To access these services, your GP create a GP Management Plan (GPMP) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA) in collaboration with you. Medicare requires that psychological treatment under the CDM Scheme is solely utilised for managing a chronic disease. However, if your GP determines that your psychological disorder meets the requirements as a chronic disease and confirms this in writing, treatment may also be covered.

Medicare FAQs