You do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You can access sessions via self-referral or under your private health insurance. Rebates for psychology services are available under the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, however, a referral from your GP or Psychiatrist is required.
Green Fields Health and Performance offers psychological therapy services:
- in person
- by phone
- via video conferencing
Mental Health Care Plan
Medicare rebates for psychological services are available for individuals referred by their GP or psychiatrist under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). A MHCP enables individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder to access up to 10 individual and 10 group rebated treatment sessions per calendar year. A MHCP must be lodged by your referring medical practitioner for a rebate to be processed at the time of your initial appointment. The Medicare rebate for an individual session is $126.50.
Medicare-Chronic Disease Management Initiative (previously EPC Plan)
This referral option is available for individuals who have experienced a chronic health condition for a minimum of 6 months or more. This initiative provides access to 5 rebated sessions with an allied health professional, including psychologists, within a calendar year. A referral from your GP is required in order to be eligible for this plan. The Medicare rebate for an individual session is $53.80.
NDIS
People funded by NDIS can access services that are targeted to identified development goals. A service agreement will negoatiated on a case by case basis.
Private Health Fund
Psychology is covered by most private health insurers. You will need to contact your provider to determine if you are eligible to receive a rebate for psychological sessions under your ancillary cover, and the rebate amount you will receive, as this differs between health insurers and individual policies.
Third-Party
If your consultations are funded by a third party, such as WorkCover or under an insurance claim, referral and claim details will be required prior to you attending your initial consultation.
Teleconferencing
Consultations via teleconferencing can be accessed privately and, for eligible individuals, under Telehealth services of the Medicare Better Access Initiative. If you are attending sessions privately, a referral is not required. Please note, currently most private health insurers do not provide rebates for psychological services via teleconferencing, however check with your health fund.
Videoconference consultations involve communication between you and your clinician using both a video and audio connection over the internet.
Telehealth: In November 2017, the Australian Government extended the Medicare Better Access Initiative to include Telehealth (videoconference) services for psychological therapy. This enables people located in a rural or remote community to access psychological therapy via videoconference under a Mental Health Care Plan.