What is covered under Medicare?
In October 2020 as a response to heightened mental health issues brought on my the global pandemic, the Australian Federal Government doubled medicare funded psychology session from 10 to 20 un the better Access Scheme, for an initial two year period.
In order to claim your psychology fees through medicare, it is necessary to first obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or Psychiatrist. A mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 20 sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist.
Initially your doctor will refer you to a Psychologist with 6 rebatable sessions after which time you need to make a review appointment with your doctor. If you need to continue with your Psychologist your GP will then refer you for further sessions. After the 10th session you must see your doctor again to receive the additional 10 sessions if required. After your 20th session you should see your doctor again for a review appointment. Any additional sessions left over from 2020 will be carried over into 2021.
If you have private health insurance, you may be able to get some additional money back.