Booking privately
No GP referral neededYou can book directly with us. A private individual session is $250, paid at booking.
See private session feesLife Psychology Australia A practical guide
Do you need a referral to see a psychologist?
No. You can book a private session with us without a GP referral.
If you’d like to use Medicare, you’ll need an eligible referral. NDIS has its own funding requirements. Here’s how to find the path that fits.
Adults 18+ · 60-minute sessions · Secure video across Australia
The three paths
What you need depends on how you’ll pay.
Using Medicare
Eligible referral requiredA GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan is the usual route. Eligible specialist referrals can also qualify. Our Medicare individual session is $150 at booking, subject to eligibility.
How to get a GP referralCheck fees & requirementsUsing NDIS funding
Self-managed or plan-managedYou don’t need a GP referral to book with us. Check that your plan covers the disability-related psychology support you need and that funding is available.
Explore NDIS supportNot sure which option fits? A couple of questions can help you choose.
Help me chooseBefore another GP visit
Already have a plan or referral?
You may not need another GP appointment. Your treatment plan and your referral do different jobs.
Ask us if you’re unsure- Your treatment plan
- Sets out your care and support. It doesn’t expire, though your GP may review it as your needs change.
- Your referral
- Sets out the psychology sessions your referring doctor has recommended. Your plan alone isn’t a referral. Check that there are sessions left on your referral and in your Medicare allowance for this year.
Changing psychologists?
You can generally take a referral to another eligible psychologist, even if it names someone else. The remaining sessions and yearly limit still apply. We can help you check whether it’s suitable for booking with us.
If you’re starting with your GP
Getting a referral, step by step.
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong or have the perfect words. Start with what’s been difficult.
Ask for a longer appointment
Contact your usual GP practice, or the practice where you’re registered with MyMedicare. Say you’d like to discuss your mental health, and ask about appointment fees.
Talk about how you’ve been going
A few notes about your mood, sleep or daily life can help. Your GP will discuss whether a plan is right for you; it may take more than one appointment.
I’d like to talk about how I’ve been feeling, and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan would help.
If a plan is right, ask for the referral too
The plan describes your care. The signed, dated referral authorises your psychology sessions. Your GP can refer you to an eligible telehealth psychologist, including here at Life Psychology Australia.
Choose a time that suits you
Our individual sessions run for 60 minutes by secure video. You can look through available times before entering your details.
A little preparation
Before your first Medicare session.
- Your Medicare card detailsHave your card handy when you complete your booking details.
- Your eligible referralCheck the referral date, the referring practitioner’s details and the sessions you have remaining.
You can enter your Medicare details when you book, or complete them afterwards through a secure link. Please make sure we have your eligible referral by your first Medicare session.
Have a psychiatrist or paediatrician referral? Ask us how to book with it.
The details, when you need them
Questions about referrals.
What needs to be on my Medicare referral letter?
Your referring practitioner prepares a signed, dated letter. It should include your name, date of birth and address; symptoms or diagnosis; current medications; the number of sessions; and whether you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan or psychiatrist assessment and management plan. A direct psychiatrist or paediatrician referral is another eligible pathway. Ask your referring practice for a copy.
How many Medicare sessions can I use?
Your first referral can cover up to six individual sessions. If more are needed, your referring practitioner reviews your care and provides another referral within your remaining allowance.
Medicare Better Access supports up to ten individual sessions per calendar year, across eligible treating professionals. Changing psychologists doesn’t reset that limit.
Do I need a new plan in January?
No. A Mental Health Treatment Plan doesn’t expire at the end of the year. Unused sessions on your referral can carry into the next year, but count towards that new year’s Medicare allowance.
If you’ve used all the sessions on your referral, January doesn’t add more to it. You’ll need a review and a further referral.
Can I get a plan through a video GP appointment?
It may be possible. Ask your usual practice whether a Medicare-covered video appointment is suitable and whether you meet the GP telehealth requirements. You don’t have to register with MyMedicare to use the usual-practitioner pathway.
The requirements for that GP appointment are separate from your video psychology sessions with us.
Can a specialist refer me?
Eligible pathways include a GP or prescribed medical practitioner referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, a referral under a psychiatrist assessment and management plan, or a direct referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
A direct specialist referral does not necessarily require a separate GP plan. Ask us about your referral before booking if you’re unsure.
Can I start privately and get a referral later?
Yes, you can book a private session with us without a GP referral. Getting a new referral afterwards won’t make those earlier sessions eligible for a Medicare rebate. Arrange the referral before starting Medicare-supported sessions.
Can I use both NDIS and Medicare?
You can use them for separate eligible services. The same session cannot be funded by both, and NDIS funding cannot pay a Medicare gap.
NDIS support must fit your disability-related needs, plan and available funding. Read about NDIS support with us.
Can I use a referral for couples sessions?
Our couples sessions are private sessions; Medicare rebates don’t apply. Explore couples therapy or check the session fee.
Will my psychologist write to my referring doctor?
Better Access includes a report to your referring practitioner after a course of treatment, covering assessment, treatment and recommendations. You’re welcome to discuss what is shared and ask questions about your privacy.
Checked 20 September 2026. Official guidance: Medicare referral rules and NDIS psychology supports.
Your next step
Ready when you are.
Find a time for your first conversation, or ask us a question before you decide.
Choose a time before entering your details.