Can I see a bulk billed psychologist with Medicare?

Some psychologists bulk bill eligible sessions, so you pay nothing out of pocket. You usually need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your regular local GP first to access the Medicare rebate.

How Medicare helps

Through the Better Access initiative, Medicare provides a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions per calendar year for eligible people. When a provider bulk bills, they charge only the rebate, so there is no gap. When they do not, you pay the gap fee, the difference between their fee and the rebate.

Finding bulk billing or low gap care

Some private psychologists bulk bill, particularly for concession card holders or those in financial hardship. Community health services and headspace centres for young people may also offer bulk billed or low cost sessions. Telehealth widens the pool beyond providers near you.

How to start

A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your regular local GP is the usual starting point for Medicare-rebated psychology — see how to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan in Australia. An Abby Health Nurse Practitioner can also refer you to a psychologist as a private referral (without a Medicare rebate) — see getting a psychology referral through Abby.

See our guide to the bulk billed psychologist and Medicare.

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