Fees & Charges

Am I eligible for Treatment Under Medicare?

You can book an appointment with us today. If you wish to make use of the Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme through Medicare you need to book an appointment with your GP. They will conduct an assessment, and determine your eligibility over a 30 – 45 min consultation.

If you qualify within the criteria, your GP will provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral. You can nominate this practice as your psychologist treatment of choice. Bring along your referral , Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare card to your consultation to claim your Medicare rebate.

How many Sessions are Available for Treatment?

Up to 10 sessions are available for continued psychological treatment in any calendar year. You need to return to your GP for a review following 6 sessions of treatment. 

Fees and Charges:

Payment of $240 is paid in full at the time of consultation.  . If you have a current Mental Health Care Plan , a Medicare rebate  of $131.65  is claimed on the day.  It is usually  paid into your account  almost straight away from Medicare. 

Payment:

Credit and EFPOS facilities for payment are available. A non-attendance fee of $100.00 will be charged for non-arrival without at least 1 business days notice.

Private Health Insurance:

Many private health insurers cover psychological services as part of extras cover for a limited number of sessions per calendar year. Please contact your insurer to check whether you are covered and your level of cover. You can generally claim your private health insurance component here and pay the difference on the day. 

It is not possible to claim your private health insurance to cover the gap payment above Medicare. However you can choose to utilise your private health insurance and when that expires, and if you are eligible, claim services under Medicare.

Work Cover CTP, Insurance Claims and Veterans Affairs:

Psychological services are available under Work Cover, VVCS, Private Insurance, Victims of Crime and Motor Accident Commission (MAC), CTP. Please telephone to speak about your funding options for treatment and about making an appointment to discuss your treatment options.

Assessments and Report Writing:

Are charged at $240 per hour plus GST. including an initial clinical interview, a consultation for assessment for psychometric testing and a consultation for providing the findings and report recommendations. Further assessment may be undertaken depending on the circumstances and clinical requirements of testing, observation and reporting. 

Medicare for Psychological Services

The Australian Government has approved rebates for Psychological Services under Medicare under the Better Outcomes for Mental Health Scheme introduced by the Australian Government to assist consumers to access Psychologist services for a range of mental health concerns.

This requires a valid referral from your GP. The list of mental health conditions that are current covered by the scheme are: 

  • Adjustment Disorder

  • Anxiety

  • Alcoholism

  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

  • Bereavement (Grief)

  • Bi Polar Disorder (previously known as Manic Depression)

  • Conduct Disorder

  • Co-occurring Anxiety and Depression

  • Depression

  • Drug Addiction

  • Eating Disorders (such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating)

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Panic Disorders

  • Phobia

  • Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

  • Psychotic disorders

  • Schizophrenia

  • Sexual Disorders

  • Sleeping Problems

 

Please note that Anger Management and Relationship Issues/Relationship Counselling are not covered by the Better Outcomes for Mental Health scheme unless these problems are caused by or linked to one of the above-mentioned psychological conditions.