Medicare Covers 10 Free Psychology Sessions — Here's How to Get Them

10 Free (or Cheap) Therapy Sessions Per Year

Australia's Medicare system provides 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year through a Mental Health Care Plan. Medicare rebates cover $93-141 per session, and some psychologists bulk-bill entirely — meaning you pay nothing.

Most Australians don't know about this, or think it involves a long wait or complicated process. It doesn't. One GP appointment is all it takes to get started.

How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan

Step 1: Book a GP appointment. Any GP can do this — it doesn't need to be a specialist. If your GP bulk-bills, this appointment is free.

Step 2: Tell your GP you'd like a Mental Health Care Plan (also called a Mental Health Treatment Plan). That's literally all you need to say. Your GP will ask some questions about how you've been feeling, assess your situation, and create the plan during the appointment.

Step 3: Your GP gives you a referral for 10 individual sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. They may recommend specific psychologists or let you choose your own.

Step 4: Book with a psychologist. Show them your referral and Mental Health Care Plan. Medicare rebates are applied automatically.

Step 5: After your initial 6 sessions, you'll need a brief review appointment with your GP to access the remaining 4 sessions. This is a quick check-in, not a barrier.

What It Costs

Medicare rebate per session: $93.35 (general psychologist) to $141.85 (clinical psychologist).

If the psychologist bulk-bills: You pay $0 out of pocket. The psychologist accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment.

If they don't bulk-bill: You pay the full fee upfront (typically $180-280) and receive the Medicare rebate back. Your out-of-pocket gap is usually $50-140 per session.

Finding a Bulk-Billing Psychologist

Bulk-billing psychologists exist but can have longer wait times. Strategies for finding one:

• Ask your GP for recommendations — they often know who bulk-bills locally
• Australian Psychological Society — "Find a Psychologist" directory at psychology.org.au, filter by "bulk billing"
• Headspace — Free services for ages 12-25 at centres across Australia (no GP referral needed for initial sessions)
• Call practices directly — Many psychologists bulk-bill some appointments but don't advertise it

Beyond Medicare Psychology

Free crisis support (24/7):

• Lifeline — Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support
• Beyond Blue — Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online at beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline — Call 1800 55 1800 (for ages 5-25)
• 13YARN — 13 92 76 — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support

For young Australians (12-25):

• Headspace — Free in-person and online services at centres across Australia. No referral needed for first visit. Covers mental health, physical health, work/study, and alcohol/drugs.
• eheadspace — Free online and phone counselling for 12-25 year olds

For veterans:

• Open Arms — Free counselling for current and former ADF members and their families. Call 1800 011 046.

For employees:

• EAPs — Most medium-to-large employers offer 3-6 free counselling sessions through Employee Assistance Programs. Ask HR. Sessions are confidential.

Free Evidence-Based Apps

• MindSpot (Australian government-funded) — Free online assessment and treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD
• This Way Up (St Vincent's Hospital) — Evidence-based online CBT courses. Some free, some $59 per course with GP referral
• MindShift CBT (free) — Anxiety management
• Smiling Mind (free, Australian-made) — Mindfulness meditation

The One Step That Matters

Book a GP appointment and say: "I'd like a Mental Health Care Plan." That's it. Your GP handles the rest. You don't need to be in crisis — the plan is designed for everyday anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and relationship issues.