Private health rebates should apply if you have psychology, counselling or mental health services as an extra, but we recommend that you call your insurer and check your level of cover if this is of concern to you.
Sexual therapy with a psychologist is eligible for Medicare rebates. Rebates may apply if you have stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues and attend an appointment alone.
Relationship counselling does not qualify you for a Mental Health Care Plan. You will need to see your doctor about a Mental Health Care Plan which you will bring to your Psychologist’s appointment.
This is general advice on using a Mental Health Care Plan. Each psychologist decides if they will accept it after reviewing. Contact your GP to check your eligibility. With a Mental Health Care plan, you will be entitled to up to 10 individual sessions with your Psychologist each calendar year.
The Medicare rebate is applicable for a Registered or Clinical Psychologist, and can be processed by your Psychologist at the time of your session. Unfortunately, it is not allowable for you to use both your private health insurance and Medicare Mental Health Care plan together for the same session.
Generally the Mental Health Care plan will provide you with a slightly higher rebate than the private health insurance, but this does depend on your Private health insurers as the rebates for psychological services do vary among private health insurers.