Medicare Care Plans & Referrals

Medicare rebates for psychology and allied health services are available when you have the appropriate care plan and referral in place.

The type of plan you need depends on your circumstances and the kind of support you’re seeking.

Mental Health Treatment Plans

Better Access Initiative

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is prepared by your GP (or sometimes a psychiatrist or paediatrician) to support access to psychology services under Medicare.

What you need

• A valid Mental Health Treatment Plan

• A referral to your psychologist

Session limits

• Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year

• Typically:

  • 6 sessions initially

  • GP review

  • Up to 4 additional sessions

• Up to 10 group therapy sessions (separate to individual sessions)

Medicare rebates (per 50+ minute session)

• Clinical Psychologist: $145.25

• Registered Psychologist: $98.95

Psychologists set their own fees — there is usually a gap payment.

Timing

• Sessions reset on the 1st of January each year

• Unused sessions can carry over, but count toward the new year’s limit

Reviews

• A GP review is required after the first 6 sessions

• A new referral is needed to continue claiming rebates

Key points

• The 10-session limit applies across all providers

• You can continue therapy beyond this, but Medicare rebates will no longer apply

Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans

An Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDP) supports more intensive, coordinated care for eligible individuals with an eating disorder.

What you need

• An Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan from your GP

• A referral for each stage of treatment

Session limits (12-month period)

• Up to 40 psychological sessions

• Up to 20 dietetic sessions

Medicare rebates (per 50+ minute psychology session)

• Clinical Psychologist: $145.25

• Registered Psychologist: $98.95

Rebates are the same as Better Access, with higher session limits reflecting the complexity of care.

Timing

• Runs for 12 months from the date the plan is created

• A new plan is required after 12 months

Reviews

• Initial referral: up to 10 sessions

• GP review required after each 10 session block

Key points

• Designed for multidisciplinary care (e.g. GP, psychologist, dietitian)

• Regular reviews are required to continue accessing sessions

• Eligibility criteria are stricter than for a standard Mental Health Treatment Plan

Chronic Condition Management Plans

A Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) supports people with a long-term health condition who may benefit from coordinated care across multiple health providers.

What you need

• A Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP

• A referral to each allied health provider

Session limits

• Up to 5 allied health services per calendar year

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients:

• Eligible clients may access an additional 5 services per calendar year

• These services may be provided by an allied health professional or an Aboriginal Health Practitioner

• This is typically accessed through a health assessment and follow-up services pathway, alongside a CCMP

Medicare rebates (per session)

• Psychologist (Registered or Clinical): $61.80

This rebate is the same regardless of psychologist endorsement under this pathway.

Timing

• Sessions reset on the 1st of January each year

Reviews

• Ongoing GP involvement is required to coordinate care

• A formal review of the plan is required at least every 18 months

Key points

• Applies to conditions present (or expected) for 6 months or longer

• The session limit is shared across all allied health services

Before your first appointment

If you’re planning to claim a Medicare rebate, please ensure your care plan and referral are in place before your appointment.

If you’re unsure, our team can help guide you.

Medicare rebates are set by the Australian Government and may change over time.