How to Seek Psychology Support in Australia: Your Options Explained

Taking the first step to seek psychological support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about the process or the costs involved. In Australia, there are several pathways to access psychology services, and understanding your options can make the process feel much more manageable.

Below is an overview of the three most common ways to access therapy in Australia: through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, private health insurance, or self-funded sessions.

Accessing Psychology Sessions with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a common way to access psychology sessions in Australia. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan you can access rebates for up to ten psychology sessions per calendar year, reducing the overall cost of sessions.

To obtain one, you’ll need to book an appointment with a GP and discuss your mental health concerns. They will typically ask some questions about some of your symptoms and may ask you to complete a short questionnaire during the appointment. If appropriate, your GP can then prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral to a psychologist. Prior to your GP appointment you can research the particular psychologist you’d like to see and provide their details to the GP for their referral. This is often preferred as you are more likely to find a psychologist who appeals to you and who specialises in working in the area you’re seeking support for. Alternatively, your GP will often have a psychologist that they refer to if you don’t have a preference.

With a valid plan and referral, Medicare currently offers rebates for ten psychology sessions per calendar year. You pay the full session fee upfront after your psychology appointment, and the Medicare rebate is then claimed back, reducing your out-of-pocket cost. The total cost will depend on what your psychologist charges per session, and what the Medicare rebate is at the time of your session (see here for an outline of my session fees and rebates). Mental Health Treatment Plans are reviewed periodically by your GP to ensure ongoing support is appropriate.

This option can be helpful if you want to reduce the cost of your sessions and if you’re comfortable involving your GP in your mental health care.

PROS: Cheaper sessions – yay!

CONS: You’re limited to ten rebated sessions per calendar year (however see below for other options for further sessions should you require more than ten per year).

Using Private Health Insurance for Psychology Sessions

Some people choose to access psychology sessions using their private health insurance. If your policy includes “extras” cover for psychology, you may be able to claim a rebate on your sessions. The amount you can claim depends on your individual policy, annual limits, and waiting periods. Check with your insurance policy for details regarding how much is covered.

It’s important to note that you cannot claim both Medicare and private health rebates for the same session.

Many clients choose private health if they don’t wish to use a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or have used their ten Mental Health Treatment Plan sessions for the year.

PROS: No need for a GP referral. Cheaper sessions – yay!

CONS: The rebate can be lower than with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (depending on your policy), and you are still often limited to a certain number of sessions per year.

Self-Funded (Private Paying) Psychology Sessions

Self-funded sessions are another straightforward option. This means you pay the full session fee without claiming a rebate from Medicare or private health insurance. No referral is required, and you can book directly with a psychologist at any time.

Some people prefer this pathway for greater privacy, flexibility, or simplicity, while others choose it if they’re not eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan or private health rebates.

PROS: More flexible, private (as your GP is not involved), and there is no limit on the number of sessions you can access.

CONS: Sessions are more expensive due to not receiving a rebate.

Choosing the Right Option for You

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to access psychology support. The best option depends on your personal circumstances, financial considerations, and what feels most comfortable for you. If you’re unsure which pathway is suitable, many psychology practices are happy to talk through your options and help you decide.

Seeking support is a meaningful step towards improving your mental health and wellbeing. Whether you choose to access therapy through Medicare, private health insurance, or self-funded sessions, support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about referral pathways or seeking support – I’d be happy to help you take the next step. Our contact details can be found here.

Kristy