What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a plan prepared by your GP that allows eligible clients to access Medicare rebates for psychological treatment.

To be eligible for Medicare rebates, you must:

• Have a valid Mental Health Care Plan prepared by your GP

• Have a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician

• Attend an eligible psychologist

A Mental Health Care Plan does not make appointments free. Instead, it allows Medicare to contribute towards the cost of your treatment.

How Many Medicare-Rebated Sessions Can I Access?

Under the Better Access initiative, eligible clients can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Your GP may initially refer you for a smaller number of sessions and can review your progress before providing additional referrals, up to the annual Medicare limit.

Please note:

• Medicare rebates are only available for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

• Once you have reached your annual Medicare limit, no further Medicare rebates can be claimed until the next calendar year.

• This applies even if you have sessions remaining on your Mental Health Care Plan or referral.

If you continue attending appointments after reaching your annual Medicare limit, you will be responsible for the full appointment fee.

How Medicare Rebates Work

You are responsible for paying the appointment fee at the time of your appointment.

Following payment, Ballarat Women's Psychology can process your Medicare claim on your behalf, and the rebate will be paid directly into your nominated bank account by Medicare.

The Medicare rebate you receive depends on the type of psychologist you are seeing.

Current Medicare Rebates (July 1 2026)

• General Psychologist: $101.50 per session

• Clinical Psychologist: $149.05 per session

The difference in rebate amounts reflects the Medicare schedule and does not determine the quality of care provided. Both General Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists are registered psychologists who provide evidence-based psychological services.

What is the Medicare Safety Net?

The Medicare Safety Net is a government initiative designed to assist individuals and families with high out-of-pocket healthcare costs throughout the calendar year.

Once you reach your annual Medicare Safety Net threshold, Medicare may provide a higher rebate for eligible out-of-hospital services.

For many psychology clients, this can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for appointments later in the year.

The amount you need to spend before reaching the Safety Net depends on your individual circumstances and family situation.

How Do I Check My Medicare Safety Net Status?

You can check your current Medicare Safety Net balance and eligibility through:

• Your MyGov account linked to Medicare

• Medicare on 132 011

If you believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to review your Medicare account regularly throughout the year.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding Medicare rebates, Mental Health Care Plans, or claiming processes, please contact our administration team.