Medicare Rebate Psychologist: Your Complete Guide for 2025
Finding affordable mental health support is important, and Medicare rebates make seeing a psychologist in Australia more accessible. Here’s everything you need to know about Medicare rebates for psychology sessions in 2025.
Table of Contents
What Is a Medicare Rebate for Psychology?
A Medicare rebate is a partial refund from the Australian Government to help cover the cost of seeing a psychologist. This means you pay the psychologist’s fee, and Medicare gives you some money back, making mental health care more affordable
MBS Codes for Telehealth Psychologist Services in Australia
Guidelines and billing codes for psychologists in Australia are outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Medicare categorises and lists telehealth services and their corresponding billing codes on the official Medicare website.
Clinical Psychologists (Telehealth):
Item 91166: Telehealth consultation by a clinical psychologist lasting more than 30 minutes but less than 50 minutes.
Item 91167: Telehealth consultation by a clinical psychologist lasting at least 50 minutes.
Items 91181 and 91182: Additional items for telehealth consultations of similar durations, typically used for different settings or patient groups.
Registered Psychologists (Telehealth):
Item 91170: Telehealth consultation by a registered psychologist delivering focused psychological strategies, lasting at least 30 minutes but less than 50 minutes.
Item 91171: Telehealth consultation by a registered psychologist delivering focused psychological strategies, lasting at least 50 minutes.
Each MBS code corresponds to a specific type and duration of service. Accurate use of these codes is essential to avoid claim denials and to ensure timely reimbursement.
How Much Is the Medicare Rebate for Psychologists in 2025?
Clinical Psychologist: $141.85 per session
Registered (Generalist) Psychologist: $96.65 per session
Neuropsychologist: $96.65 per session
These rebates apply to individual therapy sessions. Fees set by psychologists may be higher, so you may have an out-of-pocket cost.
How Many Rebated Sessions Can I Get?
- Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year
- Up to 10 group sessions per calendar year
After your first 6 sessions, you’ll need to see your GP for a review to access the remaining 4 sessions
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare Rebate?
To access a Medicare rebate for psychology:
- You must have a valid Medicare card
- You need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician
- Your GP will assess your needs and refer you to a psychologist
- You must not have exceeded the maxium number of sessions in a calendar year
In general, patients are eligible for up to ten separate sessions every year, (for which they can receive a Medicare rebate). Patients may choose to have extra sessions using private funding
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How to Access Medicare Rebates for Psychology Sessions
1. Book an Appointment with Your GP
Ask for a longer consultation to discuss your mental health concerns
If you’re eligible, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan
2. Get a Referral to a Psychologist
Your GP will give you a referral letter
This allows you to see a clinical or registered psychologist under Medicare
3. Book Your Psychology Session
Choose a psychologist near you or online
At your first appointment, bring:
Your Mental Health Treatment Plan
The GP referral letter
4. Claim Your Medicare Rebate
Most clinics process the rebate electronically after your session
The rebate will be paid directly to your bank account
What If I Need More Than 10 Sessions?
If you need more support, you can discuss other options with your GP, such as:
- Private health insurance (if covered)
- Paying the full fee privately
- Accessing community or low-cost mental health services
Bulk Billing Psychologists
Some psychologists offer bulk billing, which means Medicare covers the entire session cost and you pay nothing out of pocket. However, not all practices bulk bill, so check with your psychologist before booking
Other Medicare Rebated Plans
- Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP): Up to 40 rebated sessions per year for eligible clients
- Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan: For people with chronic medical conditions
Psychologists Telehealth Service Billing Instructions for Medicare Claims:
Usually, Your Online Psychologist (YOP) will file this claim on your behalf, and as Medicare to put the money directly into your account within 30 business days.
Some patients choose to file the claim themselves and can do so using the following instructions:
- Check that the details you have provided is Medicare eligible and that you meet the claim requirements.
- Keep careful notes on the services provided, along with the nature, duration, and any other relevant information. The receipt of Your Online Psychologist (YOP) provides you with will have a list of all this.
- Select appropriate MBS codes for the offered services.
- Utilising the appropriate claim submission method or the Medicare online portal, submit your claim.
- Watch the claim status and respond promptly to any requests Medicare makes for further information.
Conclusion
Medicare rebates make mental health care with a psychologist more affordable for Australians. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each year. Always check with your psychologist about fees and bulk billing options to make the most of your Medicare benefits.
FAQs – Medicare Rebate for Psychology Sessions
1. How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Book an appointment with your GP, discuss your mental health concerns, and ask if you’re eligible. If approved, your GP will create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for you.
2. Can I use private health insurance and Medicare for the same session?
No, you can only claim one type of rebate per session—either through Medicare or private health insurance, not both.
3. Do Medicare rebates reset each year?
Yes. You’re eligible for up to 10 rebated sessions each calendar year (January–December). These reset every year.
4. What if my psychologist charges more than the rebate?
You’ll need to pay the gap fee, which is the difference between the psychologist’s full fee and the Medicare rebate amount.