Seeing a Psychologist
Talking therapy works for depression, anxiety and much more. In Australia, Medicare helps pay for up to 10 sessions a year, and there are free options while you wait.
How to get started
- Free · No referralFree help nowCall the Medicare Mental Health phone service on 1800 595 212 for advice and to be connected with local services. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are free too.
- Works
- A good first step, especially while you wait
- Cost
- Free
- How long
- Same day
- Watch for
- In an emergency, call 000
You don’t need a plan to start getting help.
- Step 1 · GPBook a longer GP appointmentAsk your usual GP (the practice you mostly see) about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Since 1 November 2025, the plan must come from your usual GP or practice.
- Works
- Opens Medicare-funded sessions
- Cost
- Many GPs bulk bill this; check first
- How long
- One visit, sometimes two
- Watch for
- Telehealth plans usually need a face-to-face visit at that practice in the past 12 months
Say “I’d like a mental health plan”. That’s all.
- Step 2 · PsychologistUp to 6 sessions, then a reviewYour plan refers you for an initial course of up to 6 individual sessions. Go back to your GP for a review to unlock the rest of your 10 for the year.
- Works
- Strong evidence for CBT and similar therapies in depression and anxiety
- Cost
- Medicare pays a set rebate; most psychologists charge a gap
- How long
- Usually weekly or fortnightly
- Watch for
- The 10 sessions reset each calendar year. Group sessions (up to 10) are counted separately
Shop around: fit matters as much as fees.
- Step 3 · More supportWhen 10 isn’t enoughAsk about Primary Health Network (PHN) programs, Medicare Mental Health Centres, private health extras or a psychiatrist referral.
- Works
- Options vary by area
- Cost
- Often low or no cost through PHNs
- How long
- Varies
- Watch for
- Psychiatrists and paediatricians can refer directly without a plan
Running out of sessions isn’t the end of the road.
Choosing a psychologist
- General vs clinical psychologist: both are registered and trained; clinical psychologists have extra training and a higher Medicare rebate.
- Ask about the gap fee before booking, and whether they offer bulk billing or reduced fees.
- Look for fit: the issues they work with, their approach (such as CBT, ACT or trauma-focused therapy), and whether you feel heard.
- Telehealth (video or phone) counts towards your sessions and can widen your choice.
- You can’t use private health insurance to top up the Medicare rebate: claim one or the other.
See your GP if
- Low mood, worry or stress has lasted more than two weeks or is affecting work, study or relationships
- You’re using alcohol or other drugs to cope
- Sleep, appetite or energy have changed a lot
Call 000 (or your local emergency number) if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Lifeline 13 11 14 and Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 answer 24/7.
Common questions
How many Medicare psychology sessions can I get?
Up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year under Better Access, plus up to 10 group sessions. Your first referral covers up to 6; a review with your GP unlocks the rest.
Do I need a mental health plan to see a psychologist?
Not to see one privately, but you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (or a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician) to claim the Medicare rebate.
Who can write my mental health plan?
Since 1 November 2025, your usual GP or a GP at the practice that provides most of your care. You don’t need to be registered with MyMedicare.
How much does a psychologist cost with Medicare?
Psychologists set their own fees. Medicare pays a fixed rebate per session, and most people pay a gap of tens of dollars or more. Ask before you book.
Is there free mental health support?
Yes. The Medicare Mental Health phone service (1800 595 212), Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue and many PHN-funded programs are free.
Can I see a psychologist by video?
Yes. Telehealth sessions can count towards your Medicare sessions.
Helpful resources
- Lifeline24/7 crisis support by phone (13 11 14), text and chat. Free.
- Beyond BlueInformation, forums and a 24/7 support line, 1300 22 4636.
Evidence and more information
- Department of Health: Better Access FAQs (2026)
- Australian Psychological Society: A guide to mental health treatment plan referrals
maladywise.com/seeing-a-psychologist/