Navigating the landscape of mental health support in Australia can feel daunting, especially when you are already managing the weight of stress, anxiety, or low mood. One of the most important resources available to Australians is the Medicare Better Access initiative. This program is designed to ensure that professional mental health support is not just available, but affordable, by providing significant rebates for sessions with registered psychologists.
At Complete Allied Health Care (CAHC), we understand that the first step is often the hardest. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, understanding how to use your Medicare benefits can remove the financial uncertainty that often prevents people from seeking the care they deserve.
What Is the Better Access Initiative?
Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a Commonwealth Government program, introduced in 2006, that improves outcomes for people with diagnosed mental health conditions by making evidence-based treatment more accessible.
Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, yet cost can create a real barrier to care. The Better Access initiative addresses this by allowing eligible individuals to receive a Medicare rebate when they see a mental health professional — the government pays back a portion of your session fee, reducing your out-of-pocket cost. The program covers a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Many Sessions Do You Get?
Under Better Access, you’re eligible for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (plus up to 10 group sessions separately). These sessions aren’t granted all at once — they follow a staged model:
- Initial referral — your GP typically refers you for an initial course of up to 6 sessions.
- Review — after your sixth session, your psychologist provides a short report back to your GP, and you return for a review to determine if further sessions are needed.
- Further sessions — if your GP determines more support is needed, they can refer you for the remaining sessions, up to the 10-session yearly total.
Rebate amounts vary depending on which practitioner type and Medicare item is billed. As a general guide, for a longer in-person session, current MBS rebates are approximately $145 for a clinical psychologist (item 80010), $99 for a registered psychologist (item 80110), and $87 for an eligible social worker (item 80160) — these figures are indexed and can change, so it’s worth confirming the current rate for your specific practitioner. Most clinics charge above the rebate amount, resulting in a gap fee for the patient.
It’s also worth knowing that if you don’t use all your sessions within the calendar year, unused sessions can generally carry over into the next year — though they still count toward that new year’s 10-session cap, rather than adding on top of it.
An Important Change from 1 November 2025
Worth knowing before you book: as of 1 November 2025, Mental Health Treatment Plans and referrals can only be prepared by a GP at your MyMedicare-registered practice, or your “usual medical practitioner” — generally defined as the GP or clinic that has provided the majority of your care over the past 12 months, or will over the next 12 months. This change was introduced to improve continuity of care. If you’re not sure whether your regular GP meets this definition, it’s worth checking with your practice before your appointment, since it affects whether your referral will be valid for a Medicare rebate.
How to Access Better Access Psychology at CAHC (Step-by-Step)
Accessing support through the Better Access initiative is a straightforward process involving your local doctor and our team.
Step 1 — Book a long appointment with your GP Ask for a “double appointment” or “long consultation” specifically to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan, giving your GP sufficient time for a thorough assessment.
Step 2 — Assessment and plan creation Your GP will discuss your concerns and symptoms with you. If they determine you have an eligible condition, they’ll create a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).
Step 3 — Referral to CAHC You can request that your GP address the referral to a psychologist at one of our CAHC clinics. Your GP can give you the referral to bring in, or send it to us directly.
Step 4 — Book your initial appointment Once we have your referral and MHTP, contact our team to schedule your first session. We’ll match you with a psychologist who fits your specific needs.
Step 5 — Attend your sessions You’ll begin your initial course of up to 6 sessions, working with your psychologist to develop coping strategies and helpful ways of thinking.
Step 6 — GP review After your sixth session, you’ll return to your GP for a formal review to access the remaining sessions for the calendar year.
Gap Fees and Bulk Billing Explained
One of the most frequent points of confusion is the final cost of a session. It’s worth having honest expectations before you begin.
- Bulk billing — the psychologist accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment, meaning no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
- Gap fees — most private practices, including multidisciplinary clinics, charge a fee above the government rebate. The “gap” is the difference between what the clinic charges and what Medicare pays back.
Fees can vary based on the practitioner’s experience and the session length. At CAHC, we encourage all patients to confirm current fees and potential out-of-pocket costs with our reception team at the time of booking.
In-Person vs Telehealth Sessions
Under Better Access, you can choose between attending sessions in person at our clinics or via telehealth.
- In-person sessions — a dedicated, private clinic space to focus entirely on your mental health.
- Telehealth sessions — video or phone consultations, a good option for busy schedules, limited mobility, or when travelling to a clinic is difficult.
We support patients in choosing the delivery method that best fits their lifestyle and comfort level.
Referral Pathway for GPs
For our referrers, we aim to make collaboration as seamless as possible. When completing a Mental Health Treatment Plan, please ensure the referral clearly states the number of sessions the patient is being referred for (usually six) and confirms the patient meets the MyMedicare/usual medical practitioner requirement introduced from 1 November 2025. GPs can refer patients to CAHC through our direct booking line or secure referral portal, and we provide timely reports following each course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to access Better Access?
Yes. To be eligible for Medicare rebates, your GP must determine that you have a diagnosed mental illness or an eligible condition significantly impacting your daily life.
Can children use Better Access?
Yes. Psychologists treat people of all ages, including children and adolescents. A child’s GP can create an MHTP to help them access support for developmental, emotional, or behavioural challenges.
What happens after 10 sessions?
Medicare rebates are limited to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. If you need more support, you can continue seeing your psychologist as a private patient, or wait until the new calendar year for a fresh allocation.
Can I see the same psychologist each time?
Yes, and it’s generally recommended — a strong, trusting relationship with one professional is one of the most important factors in successful treatment. That said, you’re entitled to change providers if a psychologist isn’t the right fit.
Does private health insurance add to my Medicare sessions?
Generally, no — you cannot claim a rebate from both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. Most people use their Medicare sessions first, then use private health extras cover (if they have it) for any additional sessions.
What languages are available at CAHC?
Language support can vary by clinic and individual practitioner — contact your nearest CAHC clinic directly to confirm current language availability or interpreter arrangements for your appointment.
