Medicare Rebates

Medicare Rebate Requirements

To claim Medicare rebates, you must provide us with a valid referral letter from your GP. The date shown on the referral must be current, and rebates cannot be back-dated for sessions that have been completed prior to the date of the referral.

Medicare FAQ

How many sessions do I get?

After preparing your Mental Health Care Plan, your GP will refer you to a psychologist for an initial round of treatment (up to 6 sessions). Once your initial course of treatment is complete your psychologist will assess your progress and make a recommendation as to whether therapy needs to continue. If you and your psychologist agree to continue therapy, your psychologist will write a letter to your GP and request a referral for further sessions.

Generally, the maximum number of consultations you may be able to claim through Medicare is 10 individual sessions per calendar year, but they must all be covered by a valid referral from your GP. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is also offering an extension to the usual amount of session covered. Under the direction of your GP, you can currently claim an additional 10 session per year, making it a total of 20 session per calendar year. This 10 session extension is currently available to until 30 June 2022.

Do I need a GP Referral?

Only if you want to claim a Medicare rebate. We are able to see you without a GP referral although it’s sometimes a good idea to keep your GP in the loop if you have a significant issue.

Does Medicare cover Couples/Marriage Therapy?

Referrals under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative are for individuals with a diagnosed mental disorder. If you are an individual with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP or MHCP) and your relationship with a significant other is contributing to your distress, your therapist can assess whether it is appropriate for you to involve a partner or family member in your treatment, however, Medicare states that the focus of treatment should always remain on the individual.

If you have a MHTP and think relationship counselling would be relevant to your treatment, please call or email us for more information on Medicare rebates for relationship counselling.

I have a referral addressed to another psychologist, can I use it at Mindview?

Yes, Medicare allows us to accept referrals addressed to other psychologists. Once you have attended your first session, your psychologist will notify your GP that you have commenced treatment.

I have private health insurance, can I claim both Medicare and PHI on the same session?

No, you can only make one claim (Medicare or PHI) per session.

How much is the rebate?

Rebates for a single session are $129.55 with a clinical psychologist and $88.25 with a general psychologist.

Does your practice Bulk Bill

No, Mindview Psychology is not a bulk billing practice. Your session fees full need to paid in full and your Medicare rebate will then be refunded into your nominated bank account. Please contact us for more information on fees.