Payments & Rebates

For Psychology

The good news is that for those suffering from a clinically diagnosed mental illness the Australian government has provided some financial assistance via Medicare. The scheme is known as the Better Access to Mental Health Scheme. Under this scheme, some clients will be eligible for a rebate of $136.35 (with a Clinical Psychologist) or $89.55 (with a Psychologist) for a 50+ mins consultation for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. This scheme helps relieve some of the financial stress that can be incurred through seeking psychological therapy.

Accessing the Medicare Rebate

In order to access the Medicare Rebate, you will require a valid GP Mental Health Care Plan or a written referral from a psychiatrist. The consultation by your referring doctor must be completed and appropriately processed by Medicare before you are able to receive your rebate from Medicare.

In most cases, you will be required to pay the scheduled fee upfront. Once the payment is made, your psychologist may be able to process your rebate for you or alternatively you will receive an invoice that can be used to claim your rebate with Medicare directly.

Method of Payment

Generally, payment is to be made by cash, credit (mastercard/visa only), cheque or internet transfer. In exceptional cases, some clients may be bulk billed. Bulk billing is at the discretion of each individual psychologist.

Your psychologist will inform you of their preferred payment methods.

Health Funds

Most private health funds offer rebates for clinical psychology services. Check with your health fund regarding your level of cover. Typically private health funds require eligible Medicare sessions to be used first before sessions are claimable via their health funds. In the majority of cases you cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a health fund rebate. You will need to check with your health fund if you are able to claim the gap payment with your health fund.

Concessions

Concession fees are negotiated with your psychologist. Each psychologist at Delhi Road Clinic has their own Schedule of Fees. You will need to check with your specific psychologist regarding any concession fees.