01 / A place to begin
Can I use Medicare
for online therapy?
Eligible psychology sessions can be delivered by video through Medicare’s Better Access initiative. You don’t have to live in a remote area to ask about this option.
Your GP can talk with you about what’s been happening and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate. You’ll also need a valid referral — the plan and the referral do different jobs.
The plan describes your care. The referral is the document that refers you for sessions. Ask your GP practice for both, and make sure your psychologist has the referral before your first Medicare session.
Already referred by a psychiatrist or paediatrician? There are other eligible referral pathways. Ask the practice to check the arrangements before choosing a Medicare booking.
02 / No guessing at the cost
A clear amount
before you choose a time.
This is what the practice’s Medicare booking option charges. Have your valid referral, Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare eligibility in place for the usual GP pathway.
Booking privately? A private individual session is $250 for 60 minutes, with no GP referral needed. If you’re unsure which option applies, ask us before you book.
Compare all session feesMedicare sets the eligibility and benefit rules. The $150 above is the amount charged by the practice’s booking option.
03 / One step at a time
Where are you starting?
This helps you plan the next step; it doesn’t assess Medicare eligibility.
04 / Good things to ask
A few useful answers.
How many sessions can Medicare help with?
Up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year under Better Access, if you’re eligible. This is a shared allowance across eligible providers, not 10 sessions with each psychologist.
The first referral can cover up to six sessions. Your referring practitioner decides whether further sessions are appropriate, within the yearly limit.
Do I need a new plan every January?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan does not expire at the end of the year. A new calendar year alone doesn’t mean you need a new plan.
Your referral still matters. Ask your GP or the practice how many referred and Medicare-eligible sessions you have available before booking.
Can I see my GP by video for the plan?
Start with your usual GP practice. Ask whether they can arrange a suitable appointment. Medicare rules for a GP telehealth appointment are separate from the rules for your psychology session.
Your usual doctor or MyMedicare-registered practice can explain the requirements for your circumstances.
What does the $150 cover?
It is the current booking charge for an eligible 60-minute Medicare individual session at the practice.
Questions about your eligibility or how a claim applies to you are welcome. Ask the practice before booking so you can choose with a clear understanding of your own arrangements.
Can I use Medicare for couples therapy?
No — couples therapy follows a different funding path. A couples session is $300 for 60 minutes and is not covered by the Medicare individual-session option.
Explore couples therapyWhat do I need for a video session?
A private space and a device with a camera and microphone. A laptop, tablet or phone with reliable internet can work. Headphones may make the conversation more comfortable and private.
Tell the practice if something makes video difficult. Your psychologist can discuss whether telehealth suits your circumstances.
Rules checked 18 September 2026.