What does Medicare cover for mental health?

Medicare provides rebates and subsidised sessions for mental health through programs such as the Better Access initiative, which covers a set number of psychology sessions per calendar year for eligible people.

The Better Access initiative

Eligible people can receive a Medicare rebate for a set number of individual sessions with a registered psychologist or other approved professional each calendar year. The number and rebate amount are set by the Australian Government and can change.

The Mental Health Care Plan

To access these sessions you usually need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, which is the referral pathway that unlocks the Medicare rebate.

Gap fees

Where a provider charges only the Medicare rebate, there is no gap to pay. When they charge more, you pay the difference between their fee and the rebate.

Read our full guide on Medicare and mental health, or book an appointment.

If you are in crisis, call 000, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or 13YARN on 13 92 76 at any time.

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