How to obtain a referral
Seeing a Psychologist
Obtaining a referral to a psychologist
If you wish to utilise Medicare rebates for your sessions, you will need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP) prior to your first session.
Under the current Medicare arrangements, you are entitled to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially issue a referral for 6 sessions. This can be extended for an additional 4 sessions after a review from your GP. If you require more sessions, these can be accessed using your private health insurance or can be self-funded.
If you do not obtain a MHCP you may choose to use your private health insurance or you can self-fund your appointment.
Seeing a Psychiatrist
Obtaining a referral to a psychiatrist
In order to see a psychiatrist you will need to obtain a referral from either your GP or a specialist. Most GP referrals are valid for 12 months and will enable you to claim a proportion of the consultation back through Medicare. Alternatively, a specialist referral is only valid for 3 months and will entitle you to a lower Medicare rebate.
If you do not have a valid referral for the session, you will not be able to claim a rebate back through Medicare and you will be responsible for the full cost of the session.
Seeing a Psychologist
Obtaining a referral to a psychologist
If you wish to utilise Medicare rebates for your sessions, you will need to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP) prior to your first session.
Under the current Medicare arrangements, you are entitled to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP will initially issue a referral for 6 sessions. This can be extended for an additional 4 sessions after a review from your GP. If you require more sessions, these can be accessed using your private health insurance or can be self-funded.
If you do not obtain a MHCP you may choose to use your private health insurance or you can self-fund your appointment.
Seeing a Psychiatrist
Obtaining a referral to a psychiatrist
In order to see a psychiatrist you will need to obtain a referral from either your GP or a specialist. Most GP referrals are valid for 12 months and will enable you to claim a proportion of the consultation back through Medicare. Alternatively, a specialist referral is only valid for 3 months and will entitle you to a lower Medicare rebate.
If you do not have a valid referral for the session, you will not be able to claim a rebate back through Medicare and you will be responsible for the full cost of the session.