Medicare Rebates for Mental Health Appointments

Psychology rebates under an MHTP

With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare provides a rebate per individual psychology session — up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The rebate covers a portion of the session fee; the psychologist charges the balance as a gap payment or bulk-bills. Some psychologists bulk-bill particular groups (concession-card holders, students). The rebate amount is set by the MBS and updates periodically.

Psychiatry rebates

Psychiatrist appointments are rebated under different MBS items depending on the appointment type (initial consultation versus follow-up, length, in-person versus telehealth). Rebates are meaningful but psychiatry fees are typically substantially higher than the rebate, so out-of-pocket costs are common in private psychiatry. Public psychiatry (through community mental health services) is free at point of care.

GP mental health appointments

Longer GP consultations for mental health assessment and MHTP preparation have specific MBS items with higher rebates than standard consultations. Follow-up mental health reviews with the GP are also rebated. Many GPs bulk-bill these appointments; some charge a gap payment. Ask when booking whether the appointment will be bulk-billed.

What to flag to your prescriber

Frequently asked questions