If your general practitioner (GP) refers you to a mental health specialist, this can be subsidised under Medicare. Your GP will first ask some questions about your health history, symptoms and situation.
Your GP will assess your condition and advise on the type of help you need. This can include:
- making a mental health assessment
- creating a mental health treatment plan
- referring you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional
- prescribing medication, if required.
Your GP can refer you to a psychologist for 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions under your mental health care plan in a year. After the sixth session, you will return to your GP, for a review of your progress and a new referral for the remaining sessions. Until 31 December 2022, people experiencing severe or enduring mental health impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic can access an extra 10 sessions.
If your health practitioner bulk bills, Medicare will cover the cost of the appointment. If your health practitioner does not bulk bill, you will need to pay either the full cost, or the difference between what the health practitioner charges and what Medicare covers.
If you pay the full cost, you can claim the amount that Medicare covers.
Always speak to your GP up front if you think you will have an issue paying for treatment. Your GP will be able to tailor the health service to your needs.