Accessing Psychology Services: What You Need to Know
At With You Allied Health, we aim to make accessing mental health support as clear and simple as possible. Below you’ll find information about referrals, rebates, and what steps to take to get started.
Do I Need a Referral?
You do not need a referral to see one of our psychologists. You’re welcome to book privately at any time.
However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, you’ll need:
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
A valid referral from your GP or psychiatrist
Without these documents, Medicare rebates are not available and the full session fee will apply.
Other Options
You may also be eligible for support through:
Private health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Medibank, HBF – check your policy)
NDIS
Understanding Medicare Rebates
The Medicare rebate process can feel overwhelming — we’re here to help.
Medicare Eligibility Summary
You’re entitled to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year (Jan–Dec)
Your psychologist needs both a valid referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan before processing your rebate
A new referral is required after every 6 sessions
You do not need a new MHTP each year unless your GP recommends it (because of a change in diagnosis). Fun Fact - A MHTP doesn’t actually expire!
Medicare does not backdate rebates — the referral must be dated on or before your appointment
Tip: If your referral is dated the day after your session, Medicare will not cover that session. Ensure your paperwork is in order beforehand.
What Makes a Referral Valid?
To meet Medicare requirements, your referral must include:
Date of referral
Doctor’s name, signature (handwritten or approved digital), and Medicare Provider Number
Your full legal name, date of birth, address, and Medicare number
A diagnosis or list of symptoms
A statement requesting psychological services under the Better Access Initiative
Indication that a Mental Health Treatment Plan or equivalent is in place
(Optional but helpful) Number of sessions, current medications, and relevant history
If any information is missing, a copy of your MHTP attached to the referral may help
Referrals can be addressed to any psychologist. If you change providers, just let us know how many sessions you’ve already used.
Medicare Safety Net
Medicare offers a safety net for families or individuals with high medical expenses. If you’re eligible, it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs once you reach a threshold. Learn more on the Services Australia website.
Getting Started: 10-Step Guide
Here’s how to arrange your Medicare rebate with us:
Visit your GP or psychiatrist and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. Ask them to send it to us via email or Medical Objects.
(Optional) Submit a New Client form.
Book your appointment when out admin team contacts you. Please note that we require the initial appointment to be paid for to confirm this.
Complete your intake forms via email (have your Medicare card). You can also email your documents or upload these.
Ensure that you read through the terms of engagement, including cancellation policy.
Check your booking confirmation email – if changes need to be made, ensure to email or text.
Invoice and payment: Initial sessions are prepaid (at the time of booking) to ensure accurate billing. Ongoing sessions are billed at the time of appointment, or of a morning if it is via telehealth.
Attend your session – we’ll clarify any questions and confirm your paperwork is in place.
After 6 sessions, we’ll contact your GP to request another referral (please allow up to 14 days), and you need to attend a GP for a REVIEW of the plan, not a new MHCTP.
Repeat as needed, up to 10 sessions per year with Medicare rebates.
Final Note
We’ve created this guide in good faith to help you navigate the process of accessing psychology services and Medicare rebates. However, we are not Medicare. For the most up-to-date information, contact Medicare directly or speak with your GP.
Have feedback or spotted an error? Let us know — we’re always aiming to improve.