How to access a psychologist through Medicare
In Australia, the most common pathway to seeing a psychologist with a Medicare rebate is through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) created by your GP. During a telehealth consultation, your GP will assess your mental health, discuss your concerns, and determine whether an MHTP is appropriate. If so, the plan is created during the same appointment and includes a referral to a psychologist.
At NewDoc, the GP consultation to create your Mental Health Treatment Plan is bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for the appointment itself. The plan and referral are emailed to you after the consultation, and you can then contact a psychologist of your choice to book your first session.
What a Mental Health Treatment Plan includes
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a structured document your GP creates after assessing your mental health. It includes a summary of your current mental health concerns, your treatment goals, and the type of support recommended. The plan also serves as a referral, allowing you to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions.
With a valid MHTP, Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially authorise 6 sessions, then conduct a review to assess your progress before authorising the remaining 4 sessions if clinically appropriate. The review can also be conducted via telehealth at no out-of-pocket cost.
When to see a psychologist
A psychologist can help with a wide range of mental health concerns. Common reasons for seeking psychology support include anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, work-related burnout, trauma, and sleep problems. Psychology is generally the recommended first-line treatment for most common mental health conditions, often in combination with GP-managed medication if appropriate.
Unlike a psychiatrist, a psychologist focuses on talk-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches. For most people experiencing anxiety or depression, a psychologist is the appropriate specialist to see first. If your psychologist or GP believes you may benefit from psychiatric input, a psychiatrist referral can be arranged separately.
Psychologist vs psychiatrist: which do I need?
For most common mental health concerns, a psychologist is the recommended first step. GPs typically manage initial treatment with a combination of a Mental Health Treatment Plan, psychologist referral, and medication if appropriate. This is the standard first-line approach under Australian clinical guidelines.
A psychiatrist may be appropriate if your symptoms are severe or complex, if you have not responded to initial treatment, or if your GP suspects a condition that requires specialist medical assessment such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, or a psychotic illness. Your GP can advise on the best pathway for your situation and can provide both referrals if needed.
Costs and Medicare rebates
The GP consultation to create your Mental Health Treatment Plan is bulk billed at NewDoc for eligible Medicare patients. For psychology sessions, Medicare provides a partial rebate for each session. Some psychologists bulk bill, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. Others charge a fee above the Medicare rebate, and you pay the difference as a gap. Fees vary by practitioner and location, so it is worth asking about costs when booking.
Without a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you would need to pay the full cost of psychology sessions privately. Getting a plan through your GP is the most cost-effective way to access psychology services in Australia.
Getting your plan through telehealth
Book a consultation on the NewDoc website and select a convenient time. During your video or phone consultation, the GP will ask about your mental health in a confidential and supportive setting. The assessment typically covers your current symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, any previous treatment, and how your mental health is affecting your daily life.
If the GP determines a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate, it will be created during the consultation and emailed to you along with the psychologist referral. You can then contact a psychologist of your choice, provide the plan, and book your first Medicare-rebated session. If you need help finding a psychologist, your GP can offer guidance.