Medicare Rebates

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Who are Medicare Providers?

Allied Mental Health Professionals, such as Registered/Clinical Psychologists; Occupational Therapists etc who are registered with their accrediting organization may apply to Medicare to become a Medicare Provider.  All Medicare Providers have a minimum University Degree.

1. Who is eligible for Medicare Rebates?

To be eligible for Medicare Rebates you must get a referral from your General Practitioner OR your Psychiatrist.  Your GP must complete a Mental Health Care Plan to refer you for psychological services. They will talk to you about your concerns and assess if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare Rebates.  Your GP or Psychiatrist may suggest a Psychologist or other Medicare Provider, or you may request to be referred to the Psychologist or other Medicare Provider of your choice.  It is important for your successful treatment to be comfortable with your therapist, and you are entitled to request the therapist of your choice.  Your Doctor will respect your choice of therapist if they are a Registered Medicare Provider. You should request a long appointment when you see your GP about being referred to a therapist.

1. What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan is a thorough assessment of your mental health history and current problems.  It outlines the issues to be covered in therapy and is used to assess how much you benefit from therapy. It is a Confidential Document held by your doctor and your therapist. For further information ask your Doctor during your appointment. If you, or your doctor, decide not to proceed with a Mental Health Care Plan you can refer yourself to the therapist of your choice.  Discuss the cost of therapy at TASSC with our Medical Secretary.

1. How much is a Medicare Rebate?

The Medicare Rebate is determined by Medicare every year.  The level of rebate is also determined by the qualifications of your therapist. At the Trauma and Stress Specialists Centre the average Rebate for the psychological services is just over $76 per session.

1. How many sessions do Medicare cover?

Initially you are eligible for rebates on six (6) sessions.  Your therapist will provide your doctor with a report and will either indicate that therapy has been successfully completed, or that you would benefit from further therapy.  You are eligible for twelve (12) sessions per calendar year.  These may be with the same therapist, or with different therapists, as determined by yourself and your doctor.

1. What if more therapy would be useful?

If it seems like you may need more than 12 sessions you and your therapist will focus on the issues outlined in your Mental Health Care Plan to achieve the best result in the nominated number of sessions. If you wish to continue working on these or other issues, you and your therapist should negotiate a fee to be paid once you have used your Medicare Rebates.  It is important to do this at the start of therapy.  

The information provided in this document is a guideline only. For more detailed information you should contact Medicare or discuss these matters with your General Practitioner, Psychiatrist, or Psychologist.  All care has been taken to provide accurate information.