Medicare Better Access
Medicare psychology rebates.
An eligible referral may reduce the out-of-pocket cost of treatment sessions. This page explains the current clinical psychology rebate, likely gaps and what to arrange before booking.
Current benefit
$149.05
Medicare benefit for an eligible 50-minute clinical psychology service under MBS item 80010, effective 1 July 2026.
At a glance
A referral creates access to a rebate, not free sessions.
A GP may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan when it is clinically appropriate. Eligible referrals can also come from a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Medicare can generally support up to 10 individual mental health services in a calendar year. A GP referral may begin with a course of up to six sessions, followed by a review if further sessions are appropriate.
The rebate is paid by Medicare. The difference between the appointment fee and rebate is your out-of-pocket cost.
How it works
Understand the next step before you book.
Talk with your GP
Your GP can assess your needs and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral are appropriate.
Check the referral
Confirm that the referral is addressed appropriately and that the practice has received the required information.
Book and claim
Confirm the fee and appointment type. After an eligible service, the Medicare claim can be processed according to the practice’s current arrangements.
Fees and estimated gaps
Know the likely cost before the appointment.
These examples use the $149.05 benefit for MBS item 80010. Eligibility and the final rebate depend on Medicare requirements and the service provided.
Standard 50-minute session
$260Estimated gap after an eligible $149.05 rebate: $110.95
Concession 50-minute session
$195Where eligible and available.
Estimated gap after an eligible $149.05 rebate: $45.95
What the plan covers
Treatment sessions and assessment are different services.
Better Access items support eligible mental health treatment. Comprehensive ADHD or autism assessment, testing and report preparation are generally separate from these treatment items.
If you are comparing pathways, ask which parts of the service may attract a rebate and which are privately billed.
Useful guides
Two guides that may make the referral step clearer.
Common questions
Medicare questions, answered briefly.
How much is the Medicare rebate for a clinical psychology session?
The benefit for an eligible 50-minute clinical psychology service under MBS item 80010 is $149.05 from 1 July 2026. Medicare amounts can change, so check the current MBS item when planning your appointment.
How many psychology sessions can Medicare support?
Eligible clients can generally receive benefits for up to 10 individual mental health services in a calendar year. A referral may begin with a course of up to six sessions, followed by a review if further sessions are appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral?
You need an eligible referral to claim a rebate. A GP can assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is suitable. Referrals may also come from an eligible psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Does Medicare cover ADHD or autism assessment reports?
Mental health treatment items generally support treatment sessions rather than comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment and report preparation. Ask about assessment fees separately.
Can I use private health for the gap?
No. Private health cannot top up a Medicare-claimed psychology service. You may be able to use private health instead of Medicare, depending on your policy.
A practical first step
Check your referral before you book.
You can contact reception to confirm whether the referral has arrived, the current appointment fee and which information is needed.