Understanding Medicare Rebates for Mental Health Treatment
Step 1: Make sure you have Medicare
You must have a valid Medicare card (green or light blue). Ensure your bank details are registered with Medicare so that Medicare rebates can be paid directly into your account. You can check this on myGov → Medicare.
Step 2 – Book a GP appointment
Book an appointment with your GP. Inform them that you would like a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) to receive Medicare rebates for psychotherapy sessions and counselling. Don’t forget to bring your Medicare card to the appointment.
Step 3 – GP completes your Mental Health Plan
During your visit, the GP will inquire about your mental health, goals, and any symptoms. If appropriate, they will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) for you along with a referral letter. Please ask the GP to address the referral to:
Dr Coby Liew
Live Your Story Counselling & Psychotherapy
Step 4 – First course of treatment
Initially, your GP can refer you for up to 6 psychotherapy sessions. You can conveniently book your sessions online via our website. Note that the session fee must be paid in full by the client first (at the end of each session), and then Medicare will pay the rebate directly into your nominated bank account within 24 hours after your psychotherapy session. For more information about our fee structure and types of therapy appointments offered, please click here.
Step 5 – GP review
After using the initial 6 sessions, you will need to return to your GP for an MHTP review. If you still require ongoing psychotherapy support, your GP can refer you for an additional 4 sessions for the year.
Step 6 – Annual limit
Under the Medicare Better Access program, you may receive rebates for up to 10 individual psychotherapy sessions each calendar year. This count resets every January 1st. Any unused session(s) cannot be carried forward to the next year. If you wish to continue therapy with your therapist, you will need to request a new MHTP from your GP.
