The Better Access Initiative
The Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative is run by the Australian Government. The Scheme assists eligible people with mental health problems to gain affordable access to some mental health services, through Medicare rebates. The initiative also aims to assist people living in rural and remote areas, where access to a psychologist is usually scarce, to access telehealth psychology services.
People with diagnosed mental health problems are entitled to a total of 10 rebated psychology sessions per calendar year.
Who is able to get Medicare rebates?
To get the Medicare rebate, you must be diagnosed with a mental health issue. This includes many conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
A copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral letter that you receive from your GP must be sent to us before your session. Without this, we cannot process your rebate.
How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
To get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral, you must book an appointment with your General Practitioner and explain your situation to them. You can ask them for a MHTP. When they give you your MHTP and referral, you will be entitled to 6 initial psychology sessions that will rebated. You must send us your MHTP and referral letter when booking your first appointment.
When you have completed your 6 initial sessions, your psychologist will write a review and send it back to your GP. You must then book another appointment with your GP and depending on your review, they will give you an additional 4 sessions that can be rebated. You will receive another MHTP and referral letter, which must be sent to us as well.
How much is the Medicare rebate for Psychology?
As of 1 November 2023, the Medicare rebate for seeing a general psychologist is $93.35. The rebate for seeing a clinical psychologist is $137.05.
Medicare rebates do not apply to provisional psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors.
How does paying for the session work?
When completeing the client intake forms prior to your first session, you will need to enter your debit/credit card details. This allows us to secure your appointment. You will also need to enter your Medicare card details and attach your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and referral letter. We cannot process your rebates without any of these.
At the end of your first session, you will need to pay the full service fee, based on our fees page. When the payment is successful, we will trigger your Medicare rebate, which will go to your nominated bank account within 2-5 business days.