elevate psychologists sydney

Psychologist Medicare Rebates in Sydney

Does Medicare Cover Psychologists?

Medicare rebates are available for your visits to an Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) registered psychologist under the Australian government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative (Better Access).

Clinical psychologists at Elevate Psychologists Sydney are registered with AHPRA and Medicare and your sessions with them should be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $141.85 per session as of July 2024 (subject to a maximum of 10 sessions per year). 

Medicare pays the rebate directly to your bank account after you have fully settled bill for that session with Elevate Psychologists. It normally takes 2-3 business days for the funds to hit your bank account.

 

Who is Eligible for Medicare Rebates with Psychologists?

Anyone diagnosed with a “Mental Disorder” is eligible for the Medicare rebate. 

Mental disorders for the purposes of Better Access are clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. Common examples include:

  • Alcohol addiction
  • Adjustment disorder
  • ADHD
  • Bereavement 
  • Bipolar 
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Conduct disorder
  • Depression
  • Dissociative disorder
  • Drug addiction

Do I Need a Referral to Get a Psychologist Medicare Rebate?

To access Medicare rebates for psychologist services, you need a referral from a GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician.

If a GP is the referrer, they will need to prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. 

Please note, all referrals should be addressed to:

Vyda S. Chai 
Elevate Psychologists
Suite 11, Level 7
428 George Street 
Sydney, NSW 2000

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan for individuals with a mental health disorder prepared by your GP.

The plan identifies what type of health care you need. Your doctor will ask a few questions, fill in the plan and you will set treatment objectives together. You should book a longer session with your GP to enable time for preparation of the Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Do I Need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to See a Psychologist?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is only required to see a psychologist if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.

Can I Claim Private Health Insurance and Medicare Rebates for Psychologists?

In most cases, you are not able to claim Medicare rebate and private health insurance on the same visit to the psychologist.

Further information on the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care and Medicare initiative can be found here.