No, however should you be eligible (speak with your GP/Psychiatrist/Paediatrician) and wish to claim a rebate from Medicare, you will need to obtain a referral letter and Mental Health Care Plan from any one of these practitioners and provide this at the initial appointment.

Psychological counselling services qualify for a Medicare rebate if you bring a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician to the first session. Your Private Health Fund “extras cover” may also cover you for counselling* but you cannot claim from both Medicare and your Private Health Fund for these services. Medicare often pays a higher rebate that what may be claimable from your Private Health Fund.

Assessments are not covered by Medicare. Your Private Health Fund “extras cover” may cover you for assessments*

(* Please check with your Private Health Fund directly).

With a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you are able to access a Medicare rebate for Counselling services. Please take note of the following point:

You must have a diagnosable mental health concern (e.g. anxiety, depression, etc);

You must have seen your GP (or psychiatrist or paediatician) and obtained a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for the condition;

You can access up to 10 counselling sessions in a calendar year;

There will be a gap to pay above the Medicare rebate;

You may reapply for a further Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP in a subsequent calendar year.