Seeing a psychologist might be more affordable than you think.
Depending on your individual circumstances there are several ways that you can access psychology services including through:
The Medicare “Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative” or Mental Health Treatment Plan
If your GP believes you meet particular criteria for a mental health issue you will be eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. In addition to experiencing mental health disorders, you may be eligible if you are having difficulties adjusting to changes in your life such as losing a loved one, going through a divorce or separation, being unemployed or going through a break-up.
All clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan receive a rebate between $93.35 and $137.05 per session. All clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan have access to up to ten Medicare subsidised sessions per calendar year.
It is up to your GP to decide whether you are eligible for a Medicare referral. If you are, they will give you a document known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which will enable you to claim your rebate. So that you don’t need to complete the paperwork yourself, at Inner Melbourne Clinical Psychology we have an online system set up that allows us to arrange your rebate for you.
Private health insurance
If you have private health insurance that includes psychological counselling as extras cover you may be eligible for a partial rebate. It is recommended that you contact your insurance provider for further information about your coverage because the amount rebated depends on the insurance company and level of insurance that you have.
Private sessions
If you are not eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and don’t have private health insurance, sessions with a psychologist are considered “private”. Private sessions with a psychologist are paid for out of your own pocket.
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