Information

medicare

ndis

Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist

In Australia, Medicare offers rebates for sessions with a psychologist, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket costs for clients seeking support.

What is the Medicare rebate?

Medicare provides rebates for psychological services under the Better Access initiative. This scheme is designed to help Australians access affordable mental health care from qualified professionals. When you see a registered psychologist, like those at Arch Psychology Melbourne, you may be eligible to receive a rebate for part of the session cost.

How do I access the rebate?

To access the Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. This plan will outline your mental health needs and recommend that you see a psychologist. Once you have this plan, you can book an appointment with one of our psychologists.

How much is the rebate?

As of July 2024, the Medicare rebate for a standard 50+ minute session with a general psychologist is $96.65.

How many sessions are covered?

You can receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP may initially refer you for 6 sessions, after which you'll need a review to access the remaining 4 sessions.

What if I have private health insurance?

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim a portion of the session cost through your insurer. However, you cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and private health insurance rebate for the same session. It is best to check with your health fund to see what you can clam.

Booking your session

At Arch Psychology Melbourne, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible. Once you have your MHTP, simply contact us to book an appointment. Our friendly team will help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. If you are unsure about the process or your eligibility for a MHTP, feel free to reach out to us.

If you are ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about how Medicare rebates can make accessing psychology services more affordable.

For further information about Medicare, visit: Services Australia

NDIS funding for sessions with a psychologist

At Arch Psychology Melbourne, we welcome clients who are supported by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We work with individuals who are either self-managed or plan-managed under the NDIS. Please note that we are not able to provide services to clients who are NDIA-managed (also known as agency-managed).

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS provides funding for Australians with a permanent and significant disability to access the supports and services they need to achieve their goals and improve their daily life. This can include funding for psychological services to support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and capacity-building.

Can I use NDIS funding for psychology sessions?

Yes, if psychology services are included in your NDIS plan, and your funding is either self-managed or plan-managed, you can use your NDIS funding to pay for sessions with our psychologists. You or your plan manager will be responsible for paying for the sessions and then claiming reimbursement through the NDIS portal if required.

Unfortunately, we are not registered with the NDIS and therefore cannot see NDIA-managed (agency-managed) clients at this time.

How do I book an appointment using NDIS funding?

If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can contact us directly to book an appointment. When booking, please let us know that you plan to use NDIS funding so that we can ensure the correct invoicing process is followed. If you are plan-managed, we will ask you to also provide the details of your plan manager.

What types of supports can psychology sessions provide?

Psychological support through the NDIS may focus on areas such as emotional regulation, social skills, coping strategies, behavioural support, increasing independence, and improving overall mental wellbeing. We tailor our sessions to each client’s goals as outlined in their NDIS plan.

If you have any questions about using your NDIS funding at Arch Psychology Melbourne, our team is here to help. We are happy to talk you through the process and confirm whether our services are a good fit for your plan and needs.

For further information about mental health support and the NDIS, visit: NDIS