Medicare mental health plan: Better Access and 10 psychology sessions

What is Better Access?

Better Access to Mental Health Care is an Australian Government program that subsidises professional psychology and mental health services through Medicare. Millions of Australians use it each year, yet many recent arrivals are unaware of it or don’t know how to access it.

How many sessions are covered?

In each calendar year (1 January–31 December), you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with:

A registered psychologist (clinical or general registration).
A mental health social worker or mental health occupational therapist.

How the 10 sessions work: your GP refers you for an initial 6 sessions. After those 6 sessions, your GP reviews your progress. If further treatment is needed, up to 4 more sessions can be approved in the same calendar year.

How much is the Medicare rebate?

Per session with a registered psychologist:

Clinical psychologist: approximately $137 Medicare rebate per session.
General psychologist or mental health allied health professional: approximately $96 per session.

Many psychologists charge above the Medicare rebate — the difference (the gap fee) typically ranges from $0 to $150+ per session depending on the provider. Some psychologists bulk bill (no gap fee) — ask your GP for a referral to a bulk-billing provider, or search via healthdirect.gov.au.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

Tell your GP you’d like a MHTP for Better Access.
The GP assesses your mental health and prepares the plan.
The MHTP appointment uses a separate Medicare item number — confirm whether it will be bulk billed.

Step 2: Your GP writes a referral to a psychologist.

Step 3: Find a psychologist and book an appointment.

headspace.org.au (for ages 12–25; often low-cost or bulk billing)
healthdirect.gov.au → “Find a health service”
psychologytoday.com/au
Ask your GP for a direct referral to someone with availability

Step 4: After session 6, return to your GP for a review and potential extension to session 10.

Telehealth

Telehealth (phone or video call) sessions are covered by Medicare under Better Access — useful if you live regionally or find in-person attendance difficult.

Waiting times

Wait times for psychologists in Australia can be 3–6 months or longer in many areas. If you need support sooner:

Ask your GP for a referral to someone with early availability.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support, 24/7)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (anxiety and depression support)
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (family and domestic violence)

Psychiatrists vs psychologists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in mental health who can prescribe medication and treat more complex conditions. Referral from a GP is required. Medicare covers psychiatrist appointments without a session cap (subject to a valid referral and medical need), but psychiatrist fees typically carry a higher gap payment than psychologist sessions.