Fees + Medicare FAQ

We understand that fees, Medicare rebates and out-of-pocket costs can be confusing when you’re looking for a psychologist.

Fees and out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on the clinician you see, the type of appointment,
and whether you are eligible for Medicare rebates or private health insurance benefits.

Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about psychology fees, Medicare rebates,
Mental Health Care Plans, private health insurance and payment options.

How do I choose the right psychologist?

Choosing the right psychologist can depend on a few things, including the type of support you’re looking for, the concerns you’d like help with, your age, appointment availability, and whether you have a preference for a particular treatment approach or clinician style.

At Think Clinical Psychologists, our clinicians have different areas of focus, including support for adults, children, teenagers, couples and families across a wide range of presentations.

If you’re unsure who would be the best fit, our admin team can help guide you based on the information you provide in your enquiry. Where appropriate, they can suggest clinicians whose experience and availability may be suited to your needs.

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a psychologist.

You can contact Think Clinical Psychologists directly to enquire about availability or book an appointment. However, if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for your psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

If you are unsure whether you need a referral, our admin team can talk you through the booking options and help you understand what may apply to your situation.

How much does it cost to see a clinical psychologist?

Fees vary depending on the type of appointment and the clinician you see.

Initial consultations with one of our clinical psychologists range from $265 to $350, while standard follow-up appointments range from $250 to $295. Family sessions, couples therapy, and parent-child intervention sessions range from $265 to $335.

Payment is made at the time of your consultation by Visa or Mastercard. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan or referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions?

Yes, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions if you have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Treatment Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

These plans allow eligible clients to claim back part of the session fee through Medicare. To find out whether you are eligible, you will need to book an appointment with your medical provider. When booking, it is helpful to let them know you would like to be assessed for a Medicare plan, as they may need to schedule a longer appointment.

To find out more about how a Mental Health Care Plan works, click here.

To find out more about how an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan works, click here.

How much is the Medicare rebate for a psychologist?

The Medicare rebate amount depends on the type of referral and the clinician you see.

At Think Clinical Psychologists, eligible clients can usually claim back between $98 and $145 per session through Medicare when they have a valid Medicare Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Treatment Plan.

The rebate does not cover the full session fee, so there will usually be an out-of-pocket cost. You can find more information about how Mental Health Care Plans and Eating Disorder Treatment Plans work below.

How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?

The number of psychology sessions Medicare covers depends on the type of referral or treatment plan you have.

Under a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan, eligible clients can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. To find out more about how a Mental Health Care Plan works, click here.

Under an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan, eligible clients may be able to access Medicare rebates for up to 40 psychological treatment sessions over a 12-month period, depending on their eligibility, referral and review requirements. To find out more about how an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan works, click here.

Your referring doctor will usually provide an initial referral for a set number of sessions. After those sessions, you may need to return to your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician for a review before accessing further Medicare-rebated sessions.

Do you claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions for me?

Yes, if you have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Treatment Plan, we can process your Medicare rebate after your psychology session.

Session fees are paid in full at the time of your appointment, and your Medicare rebate is then claimed back through Medicare. The rebate is usually paid into the bank account you have registered with Medicare.

Can I see a psychologist without a Mental Health Care Plan?

Yes. You can see a psychologist without a Mental Health Care Plan.

A Mental Health Care Plan is only needed if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible psychology sessions. You are also welcome to book an appointment privately without a Medicare plan or GP referral.

Some clients choose to see a psychologist privately because they do not have a current Mental Health Care Plan, prefer not to involve Medicare, have used their available Medicare sessions for the year, or wish to attend appointments that are not eligible for Medicare rebates, such as some couples therapy or family sessions.

Do Medicare rebates apply to child and teen psychology sessions?

Yes, Medicare rebates may apply to child and teen psychology sessions if your child or teenager has a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan from their GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

A Mental Health Care Plan allows eligible clients to claim a Medicare rebate for individual psychology sessions. For children and teenagers, the plan is usually completed by a GP in consultation with the parent or caregiver, and the referring doctor will assess whether your child or teen is eligible.

If you are unsure whether a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate, we recommend speaking with your GP and letting them know you would like your child or teenager to be assessed for a plan.

Can I use Medicare for online psychology sessions?

Yes. Eligible clients can usually claim Medicare rebates for online psychology sessions, also known as telehealth psychology sessions, if they have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan.

Telehealth sessions may be helpful if you have difficulty attending in person, live outside the local area, are unwell, or prefer the convenience of attending from home.

Can I claim psychology sessions through private health insurance?

You may be able to claim psychology sessions through your private health insurance, depending on your level of cover and your health fund.

Private health insurance rebates vary between providers, so we recommend contacting your insurer directly to check whether psychology sessions are included in your extras cover, how much you can claim back, and whether any annual limits apply.

Can I claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same psychology session?

No. You generally cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance rebate for the same psychology session.

If you are eligible for both Medicare and private health insurance benefits, you may wish to compare the rebate or benefit amounts to decide which option gives you the lowest out-of-pocket cost.

Your private health insurer can confirm what psychology benefits are included in your policy and whether any annual limits apply.

Do you process private health insurance claims?

No, we do not process private health insurance claims directly.

After your appointment, we will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your private health insurer. Private health insurance rebates vary between funds and levels of cover, so we recommend checking with your insurer to confirm what you may be able to claim.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

We understand that things can come up and appointments sometimes need to be changed. However, short-notice cancellations can affect clinician schedules, administration processes, and the availability of appointments across the practice.

Unless there are significant extenuating circumstances, sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will attract a cancellation fee.

Cancellations made with 24-48 hours’ notice attract a fee of 50% of the session fee. Cancellations made with 0-24 hours’ notice attract a fee of 100% of the session fee.

Cancellations must be made by phone or email. If you cancel by email, we will confirm your cancellation by reply email.