Thinking about talking to someone, then stuck on the money side? That’s common. Do you need a plan? Which GP do you see? How much comes back?
This guide answers each question about a mental health care plan and the Medicare rebate in 2026. It uses Medicare’s own figures. The rebates below apply from 1 July 2026. Each fact links to the official source, so you can check it yourself.
What is a mental health care plan?
A mental health care plan is the everyday name for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your GP writes it with you. It sets out what’s going on and what support may help. With a plan and a referral, Medicare may pay part of the cost of your psychology sessions.
You’ll see both names online. Medicare, Services Australia and the GP forms use “Mental Health Treatment Plan”. It’s the same document.
A psychiatrist or paediatrician can also refer you. Most adults start with their GP, so this guide focuses on that path.
Do you need a plan to see a psychologist?
No. You can book Psychology or Counselling with us without a plan or a referral. A plan only affects the Medicare rebate. Without one, you pay the full fee and Medicare pays nothing back.
Which GP can write your plan?
Since 1 November 2025, your plan and referral must come from your usual GP or your MyMedicare practice. If they come from a different GP, Medicare won’t pay a rebate on your psychology sessions. The rule covers plans, referrals and reviews dated on or after that day.
Your usual GP is the doctor or practice that has given you most of your care over the past 12 months. It can also be the one that will give you most of your care over the next 12 months. That second part helps if you’ve just moved or changed clinics.
MyMedicare is a voluntary Medicare program. You register with one general practice. If you’ve registered, your plan can come from that practice or from your usual GP. You don’t have to register. You can use your usual GP instead.
A few more details from the MBS Online factsheet on the Better Access changes:
- Older referrals still work. A referral dated before 1 November 2025 stays valid until you’ve used the sessions it covers.
- GP telehealth is included. A plan written in a video or phone GP appointment must also come from your usual GP or MyMedicare practice.
- Psychiatrist and paediatrician referrals are unchanged. The new rule applies to GP plans and referrals.
The factsheet says the aim is to “improve continuity of care by better integrating physical and mental health care”. In practice, it means the GP who knows your health history writes the plan.
How many sessions does Medicare cover?
Medicare may pay a rebate for up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year. Your GP’s first referral covers up to 6. After those, you go back to your GP for a review. If more sessions suit you, your GP can refer you for the rest.
The limit is set in the MBS item 80110 descriptor. The count resets on 1 January. So a session in December and a session in January fall in different years.
One detail is worth knowing. The old GP “plan review” items were removed on 1 November 2025. Your GP now reviews your plan in a standard appointment. Ask the practice what that appointment will cost before you go.
How much is the Medicare rebate in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, Medicare pays back $101.55 for a session of at least 50 minutes with a registered psychologist. With an endorsed clinical psychologist, it pays back $149.05. These amounts apply if you meet Medicare’s rules, including a valid plan and referral.
| Clinician | Session length | Medicare schedule fee | Rebate (85%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered psychologist | 50 minutes or more | $119.45 | $101.55 |
| Endorsed clinical psychologist | 50 minutes or more | $175.30 | $149.05 |
Rebates as at 1 July 2026. Sources: MBS item 80110 and MBS item 80010.
The schedule fee is the amount Medicare sets. The rebate is 85% of it. Your clinician’s fee can be higher than the schedule fee. As healthdirect puts it, “Health professionals decide how much to charge, so Medicare usually only covers some of the cost.”
Are telehealth sessions covered by Medicare?
Yes. Video and phone sessions attract the same rebate as sessions in a room, if you meet Medicare’s rules. A 50-minute video or phone session with a registered psychologist returns $101.55. With an endorsed clinical psychologist, it returns $149.05.
Each has its own Medicare item:
- Registered psychologist by video: item 91170. By phone: item 91184.
- Clinical psychologist by video: item 91167. By phone: item 91182.
This matters here because every Symphony session is by video or phone. You join from home, work or wherever you feel comfortable. Telehealth doesn’t suit everyone. Your clinician may suggest in-person care or a GP review if that would suit you better.
How do you ask your GP for a plan?
Book a longer appointment with your usual GP and say it’s for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Tell them you’d like a referral to a psychologist. If you’d prefer telehealth sessions, say so. You don’t need the right words. Your GP will guide the conversation.
A short checklist:
- When you book, ask for a long appointment. A plan takes time to write.
- Tell reception it’s for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Describe what’s been happening in your own words. Notes on your phone can help.
- Ask for a referral to a psychologist. Mention that you’d like video or phone sessions.
- Ask what the appointment costs before you go. Practices set their own fees.
- Ask for a copy of your plan and referral. Your psychologist needs the referral for Medicare to pay a rebate. We’ll explain how to send it to us when you book.
No usual GP yet? Choose a practice you plan to keep seeing. A GP who will give you most of your care over the next 12 months can count as your usual GP. You can also register with that practice for MyMedicare. Ask the practice to confirm before your appointment.
How much will you pay at The Symphony Clinic?
You pay the full session fee. Medicare then pays back the rebate, if you meet its rules. The difference is your out-of-pocket cost, often called the gap. That’s the number that matters for your budget. Every fee is also on our fees and Medicare rebates page.
Here’s the maths for a session of 50 minutes or more with a registered psychologist, with a valid plan and referral:
- Session fee: $220
- Medicare rebate: $101.55
- What you pay: $220 minus $101.55 = $118.45
Every situation below uses the same method.
| Your situation | Session fee | Medicare rebate | What you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology with a plan (registered psychologist) | $220 | $101.55 | $118.45 |
| Psychology with a plan (clinical psychologist) | $220 | $149.05 | $70.95 |
| Psychology without a plan | $220 | None | The full fee |
| Psychology after your 10 Medicare sessions | $220 | None | The full fee, less any fund benefit |
| Psychology claimed on private health extras | $220 | None (you choose one) | The full fee, less your fund benefit |
| Counselling | $150 | None | The full fee, less any fund benefit |
| ADHD Assessment (adults) | $1,250 | None | The full fee |
Rebates as at 1 July 2026, for sessions of 50 minutes or more. The $149.05 rebate applies if you see a clinical psychologist.
Can you see a psychologist without a plan?
You can still book. You pay the full fee and Medicare pays nothing back. Some people start this way and see their GP later. You choose. A rebate only applies to sessions held after you have a valid plan and referral. So if the rebate matters to you, see your GP first.
Can you use private health insurance instead of Medicare?
Possibly. Some extras policies pay a benefit for psychology or counselling. You can’t claim Medicare and private health for the same session. You also can’t use your fund to cover the Medicare gap. You choose one or the other for each session.
Once you’ve used your 10 Medicare sessions for the year, you may be able to claim later sessions from your fund. The Better Access FAQ from the Department of Health sets out this rule. Cover and yearly limits vary, so check with your fund.
Does Medicare cover counselling?
No. Counsellors aren’t among the providers who can claim Better Access rebates, so Counselling has no Medicare rebate. A Counselling session is $150. You don’t need a plan or a referral to book it. Some private health extras policies pay a benefit for counselling. Ask your fund what it covers.
Does Medicare cover an adult ADHD assessment?
No. Our adult ADHD assessment doesn’t attract a Medicare rebate. The full assessment is $1,250. A Mental Health Treatment Plan doesn’t change that.
An assessment can help clarify whether ADHD fits your experience. It doesn’t guarantee a diagnosis. Our clinicians don’t prescribe. Your report can be shared with your GP. Read more in our guide to the adult ADHD assessment, or see how our adult ADHD assessment online works.
What is the Medicare Mental Health Check In?
The Medicare Mental Health Check In is a government service. It costs you nothing, and you don’t need a referral or a diagnosis. You start with a phone call to check it suits you. Then you work through a short online program over about six weeks. You can do it on your own or with support from a trained mental health practitioner by phone or video.
The programs cover worry and stress, mood, sleep, unhelpful thoughts, fears and problem solving. It’s open to people aged 16 and over who live in Australia. Call 1800 595 212, 8:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Details are on the Medicare Mental Health Check In website.
It can suit people who want to start small. If you’d like more support later, a GP can talk with you about a plan.
If you’re in danger right now, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. We’re not an emergency service.
What are the key points?
- Get your plan from your usual GP or your MyMedicare practice. That rule has applied since 1 November 2025.
- Medicare may cover up to 10 sessions a year. The first referral covers up to 6, then your GP reviews it.
- The rebate is $101.55 with a registered psychologist and $149.05 with a clinical psychologist, from 1 July 2026. Video and phone sessions get the same amount.
- Our Counselling and ADHD Assessment have no Medicare rebate.
- Ask what the gap is. That’s the number you pay.
What’s the next step?
Every Symphony fee is on our fees page, with the Medicare rebate shown beside it. When you’re ready, you can book an online psychologist in a few taps. Not sure who to see? Answer a few questions and we’ll suggest someone who may suit you. You make the final choice. You can also call us on 1300 704 901 with any question before you book.
This article is general information about Medicare. It isn’t advice about your situation. Medicare’s rules and amounts can change, so check the linked sources or ask your GP. Figures checked on 29 September 2026.
