Medicare
MEDICARE REBATES to see a PSYCHOLOGIST
From Nov 1, we are thrilled to be able to offer all Wellbeing Clinic clients substantial Medicare Rebates when seeing any of our Registered or Clinical Psychologists due to the introduction of the new Mental Health Care Initiative.
How do I access the rebate?
To be eligible to receive the medicare rebates you will first need to visit a GP who will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and provide you with a referral to take to your Psychologist (see our Therapist’s Profiles page to choose who may be most suitable for you)
Nb. Referrals can also be made by Psychiatrists or Paediatricians.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A ‘Mental Health Care Plan involves the GP assessing the patient, identifying needs, setting and agreeing management goals, identifying any action to be taken by the patient, selecting appropriate treatment options and arrangements for on going management of the patient, and documenting this on a plan.’ (Source: www.health.gov.au)
How many sessions may I receive?
You are able to receive rebates for 12 sessions per calendar year, although 18 may be approved in exceptional circumstances. You are required to return to your GP after the first 6 sessions for review of your progress and you can then access your other 6 sessions.
Further to these individual sessions, you are also entitled to receive rebates for 12 support groups per calendar year.
How can my Psychologist assist me?
Your Psychologist is a highly trained and experienced health professional and will use a variety of what we call focussed psychological strategies (fps) to assist you to reach your goals and support you. Those strategies may include any of the following:

1. Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
2. Cognitive behaviour therapy, including:
   • Behavioural interventions - behaviour modification; exposure techniques; activity scheduling
   • Cognitive interventions - cognitive therapy
3. Relaxation strategies - progressive muscle relaxation; controlled breathing
4. Skills training - problem solving skills and training; anger management; social skills training; communication training; stress management; parent management training
5. Interpersonal therapy (especially for depression)

‘Specialist’ Clinical Psychology Services can also be used for the provision of psychological therapies and associated assessment in more severe clinically relevant cases.
How much Rebate will I receive?
The following table shows Wellbeing Clinic Fees and the rebates you can claim from Medicare for the most commonly accessed items.

Mental Health MBS Items – Referral Items Only