In today’s fast-paced world, looking after your mental health is more important than ever. With 1 in 5 Australians reporting mental health issues each year, it’s clear that support is needed. However, the rising costs of living, long wait times, and a shortage of psychologists often make access to psychological care challenging.
The good news? Medicare makes it easier to get the support you need with subsidised psychology sessions. Here’s how it works.
Why Seeing a Psychologist Through Medicare is Essential
Nearly 43% of Australians have experienced a mental illness in their lifetime, particularly with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Despite the growing demand for mental health support, many Australians struggle to access care due to financial barriers and long waiting lists.
At ORS, with over 150 Medicare-registered psychologists, we understand these challenges. That’s why we are dedicated to helping you access affordable psychological services through Medicare, offering financial relief, personalised therapy, and flexible treatment options.
Medicare’s Mental Health Programs: Better Access & EDPT
Medicare provides two key programs that allow Australians to access subsidised psychological care by receiving rebates of $96.65 per session with a registered psychologist and $141.85 per session with a clinical psychologist.
1. Better Access to Mental Health Scheme
This initiative allows eligible individuals to access up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year after completing a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) with a GP.
2. Eating Disorder Psychological Treatment (EDPT) Pathway
With over 1 million Australians affected by eating disorders, the EDPT pathway is essential for those needing specialised care. This program provides up to 40 subsidised psychology sessions and 20 dietitian sessions upon completing an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP)
Both programs offer multidisciplinary care, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health, including input from GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, and dietitians.
Top 5 Benefits of Seeing a Psychologist Through Medicare
1. Financial Support
Medicare rebates make psychological care more affordable by covering part of the session cost. This reduces your out-of-pocket expenses, making mental health support accessible to more people nationwide.
2. Increased Accessibility
Many psychologists at ORS are Medicare-registered, meaning finding a psychologist who meets your needs is easy. Plus, with the option of telehealth services under Better Access, psychological support can be accessed from anywhere for eligible Australians, making it more flexible and convenient.
3. Personalised, Evidence-Based Therapy
Your therapy is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the treatment is effective and relevant. Evidence-based practices help you work towards real, measurable goals, empowering you to improve your mental health.
4. Confidential and Supportive Environment
Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely. You’ll work with a compassionate professional who listens and offers guidance without bias to help guide self-exploration.
5. Holistic, Collaborative Care
Psychologists working under Medicare collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, and dietitians, to ensure you receive comprehensive care that addresses both your mental and physical health.
How to Start Seeing a Psychologist Through Medicare
1. Visit Your GP
To get started, schedule an appointment with your GP. Discuss your mental health concerns, and if appropriate, they’ll collaboratively develop a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Eating Disorder Plan (EDP).
2. Obtain a Referral
Your GP will provide a referral that outlines your treatment needs. For Better Access, you can access up to 6 subsidised sessions per course of treatment. For EDPT, you can access up to 10 sessions.
3. Book an Appointment with ORS
Once you have your referral, you can either call ORS at 1800 000 677 or submit your referral online. Our customer service team will help you find the right psychologist and walk you through your next steps.
4. Prepare for Your Appointment
You’ll receive a welcome patient handbook with payment and rebate information. Typically, you pay for your session on the day using a debit or savings card, and the Medicare rebate is processed immediately. For telehealth or credit card payments, rebates are processed manually by our customer service team within 5 business days.
5. Attend Your First Appointment
In your first session, your psychologist will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Your treatment plan will be informed by a detailed discussion about your current and past concerns and history to ensure your psychologist has a comprehensive understanding of your needs.
6. Continue Treatment as Needed
Depending on your GP’s recommendation, you’ll attend a set number of sessions (up to 6 or 10). Afterward, your psychologist will send a progress report to your GP to approve further sessions if necessary. If referred under EDPT, you will also need a second specialist review with a paediatrician or psychiatrist within the first 1-20 sessions to be eligible to access the remaining 21-40.
Not eligible for more Medicare sessions? ORS has options. You can continue to receive psychological support from your psychologist through our private-paying services if financially viable for you. Speak with your private health insurer to confirm if you are eligible for rebates.
Start Prioritising Your Mental Health Today
Don’t wait to take the first step toward improving your mental health. With Medicare-subsidised psychology services through ORS, affordable and professional support is within reach. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or an eating disorder, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to take action? Book your appointment today by calling 1800 000 677, or visit our website to submit your referral. Your mental health matters, and we’re here to help you navigate the process with ease.
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