No. You can book an appointment with us without a referral.

A referral is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate for your sessions.

No, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with us. A referral is only required to receive a Medicare Rebate.

You may be able to get a Medicare rebate if your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician writes you a referral to see us.

Please email your referral to us before your session, or bring it to your first appointment.

You can receive up to 10 Medicare‑rebated sessions in a calendar year. Medicare provides these in two steps:

• a first referral for up to 6 sessions
• a review referral for up to 4 more sessions

Any unused sessions on your current referral can be used in the next calendar year until those sessions are finished. The 10‑session Medicare limit then applies again for the new year.

Understanding Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP) and Referrals

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a plan your GP writes to support your mental health care. It outlines your needs, sets treatment goals, and gives you access to Medicare rebates for psychology and other eligible services.

The referral letter tells Medicare how many sessions you can have.

MHCP v’s referral letter – What’s the difference?

You need both the MHCP and a referral letter to claim Medicare rebates.

Does the MHTP run out?

No. A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) does not expire and is meant to be a “living document” that can be updated. The plan will be reviewed by your GP and only updated if clinically indicated.
Source: MBS item 2715 – Associated Note AN.0.56, Services Australia – Requirements of a mental health treatment plan .

Does the referral letter run out?

Yes. Once the number of sessions the GP has written on the referral letter are used, you will need to return to your GP for a new referral letter to continue accessing Medicare rebates.

Step 1.  Your GP refers you for up to 6 sessions.

Step 2. After those sessions, your psychologist is required by Medicare to send a progress report to your GP.

Step 3. You return to your GP for review. Your GP can refer you for up to 4 more sessions.

This gives a total of 10 Medicare‑rebated sessions per calendar year.

Note: You only need a new referral when you have used the sessions on your current one – not automatically every year.

You may be able to claim a rebate from your private health fund if your cover includes psychology or counselling.

• The amount you get back depends on your fund and level of cover.
• We are not able to tell you the exact rebate amount, so it’s best to check directly with your fund.

Please note: you cannot claim a rebate from both Medicare and your private health fund for the same session.

Yes, cancellation fees apply if less than 48 hours’ notice is given. If you are unable to attend in person, you can switch to a Telehealth appointment to avoid paying the late cancellation fee.

Our clinicians are not able to waive cancellation fees; the policy applies in all circumstances.

Rebates only apply to attended sessions. Medicare does not cover cancelled sessions or cancellation fees, and you will be liable for the full cancellation fee.

Your Information Matters

The personal information is securely stored and only accessed by our authorised team members to contact you and support your care. Only your psychologist can access your session notes.

When We Might Need to Share

Everything you talk about is kept strictly confidential. However, there are times when your psychologist may need to share information, such as:

• When required by law (e.g. a court order).
• If there’s a serious concern for your safety or someone else’s.
• If you’ve given permission to speak with another person (like your lawyer or a family member).
• When it’s part of your care and would be expected (e.g. updating your GP).
• When a child is at risk, our psychologists have a responsibility to report to the Department of Communities.