Fees vary depending on whether you are seeking therapy or assessment services, which practitioner you choose to see and the length of the consultation. While we cannot offer bulk-billing services due to the extremely low Medicare rebate available, discounts may be available to those on low incomes or experiencing financial hardship.
All of our psychologists are registered with Medicare, and their services can attract a Medicare rebate through the Better Access Scheme with a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your doctor (see below). The gap fee payable will count towards your Medicare safety net. If you have the ‘extras’ option included in your private health insurance, you may be able to claim for part of the cost associated with each psychology consultation once you have exhausted your Medicare entitlement. For more information on fees for the service that you require, please contact your chosen psychologist directly.
Medicare
If you are experiencing issues or concerns about your mental wellbeing, you might be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) which can help you get appropriate support and treatment. A MHCP is a plan developed with your doctor to treat a psychological issue and can include services provided by a psychologist.
How do I get a mental health care plan?
A mental health care plan needs to be created by your GP prior to attending your first consultation with a psychologist. Your GP can create a mental health care plan for you following a consultation and discussion of your treatment needs. You will need to make sure that you book a double appointment to ensure that your GP allows sufficient time to complete the assessment.
During your appointment, make sure that you tell your doctor about your mental health or emotional concerns, and that you are interested in being referred to a psychologist under a mental health care plan.
Your doctor will need to diagnose you with a mental health condition to create the plan, so they will ask you questions about what’s been happening and how you’ve been feeling. They may ask you to fill out a screening tool such as the K10 or DASS-21 which are short surveys relating to psychological issues.
They will then talk with you about your goals for how you’d like to feel and write a referral outlining how your health has been that you will need to give to the treatment service you attend.
You will then be able to access six psychological therapy sessions under the mental health care plan prior to being reviewed by your GP. Following this review, you may be able to access a further four sessions. These limits apply for each calendar year.
Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to receive a rebate on services rendered by a psychologist. We encourage you to enquire with your insurer if you believe you are eligible as their requirements and processes differ.
Canberra Clinical and Forensic Psychology 