Fees and funding
Psychology funding options.
Psychology appointments may be paid privately or supported through Medicare, private health, the NDIS or an approved compensation scheme. The right pathway depends on your eligibility, referral and funding arrangements.
Choose a starting point
Common ways to fund an appointment.
Each option has different rules. Confirming the practical details before your first appointment can prevent unexpected costs.
Medicare
An eligible referral, including a Mental Health Treatment Plan, may allow a rebate for psychology sessions. Better Access treatment items generally do not cover comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment and report preparation.
NDIS
Appointments may be available for self-managed and plan-managed participants when psychological support is consistent with the plan and the service request can be accepted.
WorkSafe and TAC
Psychology related to an accepted workplace or transport claim may be funded. Referral, approval and billing requirements depend on the scheme and claim stage.
Private health or private payment
Some extras policies provide psychology benefits. You can also book privately without a referral. Ask your insurer about limits and eligibility.
Before you book
Four details worth checking first.
Name the pathway
Tell reception whether you plan to use Medicare, NDIS, an insurer or private payment.
Check eligibility
Confirm that the service, provider type and appointment are covered.
Gather documents
Have the referral, claim number, plan details or written approval ready where relevant.
Confirm billing
Ask about fees, rebates, gaps, invoicing and who is responsible for payment.
Compare without pressure
Your funding pathway does not decide your therapy approach.
Funding affects eligibility and billing, while clinical decisions are made collaboratively. You can ask about fit, current availability and likely costs before deciding whether to book.
One important limit: Medicare and private health cannot both be claimed for the same psychology service.
Useful guides
Practical reading before you arrange an appointment.
How Medicare rebates work
A short guide to referrals, claims and the difference between a rebate and the appointment fee.
Read the guide →Do I need a referral?
Learn when a referral may help with Medicare and when private booking may suit.
Read the guide →What to expect in therapy
Read how early appointments can be paced and discussed before you decide to book.
Explore therapy information →Common questions
Funding questions, answered briefly.
Can I use Medicare for psychology sessions?
A Medicare rebate may apply when you have an eligible referral, such as a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and the appointment meets Medicare requirements.
Does Breathe-n-Smile accept NDIS funding?
NDIS-funded appointments may be available for self-managed and plan-managed participants when the requested support is consistent with your plan and the practice can meet the service request.
Can WorkSafe or TAC fund psychology?
They may fund psychology related to an accepted claim. Referral, approval and billing requirements depend on the scheme and claim stage, so confirm the details before booking.
Can I claim private health and Medicare for the same session?
No. You will need to choose one claiming pathway for that service.
What should I provide before booking?
Provide the funding pathway, referral or claim details, approval information where relevant, and the billing contact. Reception can then confirm whether the arrangement can be accepted.
A practical first step
Check the pathway before you book.
Tell us which funding option you hope to use and any referral, claim or plan details already available. We can clarify the practice’s requirements and current availability.