REFERRALS

A referral is not required, however, there are many referral options available which may provide rebates and assist with the cost of sessions.

A referral from your General Practitioner (GP), Paediatrician or Psychiatrist is required to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. If you plan to use private health insurance for your treatment, you do not need a referral.

Medicare Mental Health Care Plans

Medicare rebates are available for psychological services provided under a Mental Health Care Plan. This plan is a referral that is completed by a GP or specialist, which provides access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per person, per calendar year. Your GP will determine your eligibility for this plan. Upon completion of the initial 6 individual sessions, and following a successful Review with your GP, you could receive another 4 sessions of individual psychological treatment (i.e. total of 10 sessions per calendar year). Should you wish to discuss Mental Health Care Plan referrals with your GP, please ensure that you book a long consultation.

Medicare and private health insurance rebates are not able to be claimed for the same consultation. Although a Medicare rebate can be claimed, there is generally a gap fee involved. For more information visit the Human Services website.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

If you have private health cover, you may be able to claim for the cost of your Psychotherapy services. You do not require a referral if you are planning to claim from a private health fund. There is no limit to the number of sessions you may have as a private client, however, Medicare rebates are not available.

We advise you to check with your insurance provider regarding your level of cover and rebates for Psychological Services under ‘Extras’, prior to commencing services

WORKERS COMPENSATION or Work cover

Consultation fees may be covered in the case of a workers compensation claim. Your GP can make a referral under this scheme. A claim number must be provided at the time of the initial appointment.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS (DVA)

Consultation fees may be covered by DVA. Please consult with the Department or your GP for further information.