In 2026, most Australians with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan can access a capped number of Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year through the Better Access initiative – speak with your GP to confirm your current eligibility and any recent policy changes. Session numbers, rebate amounts, and eligibility criteria are set by the Australian Government and can be updated in the Federal Budget, so always verify the latest details directly with Services Australia or your treating doctor.
How Many Medicare Psychology Sessions Can You Get in 2026 – 2026 AU Guide
Navigating Medicare's mental health support can feel overwhelming, especially when the rules shift after Federal Budgets or policy reviews. This guide explains how the Better Access initiative works, who qualifies, how to get the most from your sessions, and where to turn if you need more support than Medicare covers.
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What Is the Better Access Initiative?
The Better Access initiative is the Australian Government's primary program for funding psychology and other allied mental health services through Medicare. It allows eligible Australians to claim a Medicare rebate on appointments with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, and certain social workers.
The program is administered via the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). You can explore the relevant item numbers and conditions attached to the initiative through the (MBS Online – Better Access initiative) website, which is the definitive government source for current item listings and any recent changes.
The scheme is designed to lower the out-of-pocket cost of professional mental health care, not to eliminate it entirely. Gap fees, which are the difference between what a provider charges and what Medicare rebates, vary widely depending on where you live and which provider you see. For a detailed breakdown of what you might pay out of pocket, read our cost guide.
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How Many Sessions Can You Access Per Year?
The number of Medicare-rebated sessions available under Better Access has changed more than once since the program began, and it is important to check the current cap directly with an official source rather than relying on older articles.
As of the time of writing, the session entitlement per calendar year is set by the MBS and is subject to a structured referral and review process through your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. The (MBS Online – Better Access initiative) page outlines the specific item numbers, the number of sessions attached to each referral stage, and the review requirements that must be met before additional sessions are approved.
What is consistently true across different policy periods is that sessions are not all approved at once. The usual structure involves an initial referral covering a smaller block of sessions, followed by a GP review before further sessions are authorised. This review step is not just a formality; it is an opportunity to reassess your treatment goals and confirm the approach is benefiting you.
If your provider is a clinical psychologist rather than a registered psychologist, the item numbers and rebate levels differ. Clinical psychologists typically attract a higher rebate level, reflecting their additional training. The distinction matters when you are comparing providers, so ask your GP to clarify which type of psychologist they are referring you to. You can verify the registration status of any provider through the (AHPRA – Psychology Board of Australia).
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Who Is Eligible?
To access Better Access sessions, you generally need to:
- Hold a valid Medicare card - Receive a referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician - Have your GP assess that you are experiencing a mental disorder or condition as defined under the MBS criteria
Eligibility is not means-tested, meaning your income does not determine whether you can access the scheme. However, the treating practitioner must determine that a Mental Health Treatment Plan is clinically appropriate for your circumstances.
Children, adolescents, and adults can all be referred. For young Australians, (headspace) offers additional pathways to mental health support, including some services that sit outside the standard Medicare Better Access framework.
If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, the most reliable first step is to book a longer GP appointment and ask directly. Be honest about your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life, because the plan your GP writes will shape your referral.
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What Happens at the Review Stage?
After your initial block of sessions, your GP must conduct a review before writing a new referral for additional sessions. This is a Medicare requirement, not something individual practices can waive.
At the review, your GP will typically ask how you have been progressing, whether the therapeutic approach feels helpful, and whether you want to continue with the same provider. The review is also an opportunity to change providers if the therapeutic relationship has not been a good fit.
Many Australians are unaware they need to actively book this review appointment rather than waiting for a reminder. If you let too much time pass, you may create a gap in your care. Keep track of your session count and book your GP review proactively.
For guidance on finding a registered psychologist suited to your needs, browse best psychologists in Sydney or explore our methodology to understand how providers are assessed.
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What If You Need More Sessions Than Medicare Covers?
Once you have used your annual Medicare entitlement, you have several options:
Private sessions at full cost: You continue seeing your psychologist but pay entirely out of pocket. Many providers offer a sliding scale or reduced fee for clients experiencing financial hardship. Ask your provider directly. Community health centres: State and territory governments fund community mental health services that operate independently of Medicare's session caps. Waiting lists can apply, but these services are often lower cost or free. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): If you are employed, your workplace may fund a set number of confidential counselling sessions through an EAP provider at no cost to you. Beyond Blue and other organisations: (Beyond Blue) offers free mental health information and can point you toward services that do not rely on Medicare rebates. New calendar year reset: Medicare session entitlements reset on 1 January each year. If you are close to the end of the year and approaching your cap, timing can be worth discussing with your GP.---
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Sessions
- Prepare for each session. Jot down key concerns, mood patterns, or situations from the past week before you attend. Structured conversations tend to be more productive. - Communicate with your psychologist about your goals. The more clearly you can articulate what you want to work on, the better your practitioner can tailor their approach. - Keep records of your session count. Medicare's MyGov portal can show your claims history, which helps you track how many rebated sessions you have used. - Ask about telehealth. Medicare rebates apply to eligible telehealth psychology sessions, which can improve access for Australians in regional or rural areas. - Consider group therapy. Some evidence-based group programs are available at lower cost and can complement individual therapy.
The (Australian Psychological Society) maintains a Find a Psychologist directory and publishes guidance on what to expect from psychological treatment in Australia.
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FAQ
Q: Do my Medicare psychology sessions reset at the start of the year? A: Yes. The Medicare calendar year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Unused sessions do not carry over, and your entitlement resets at the start of each new year. Confirm the current cap with your GP or via (MBS Online). Q: Can I see a psychologist without a GP referral? A: You can see a psychologist privately without a referral, but you will not be able to claim a Medicare rebate without a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. Private sessions are billed at the provider's full fee. Q: Is there a difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist for Medicare purposes? A: Yes. Clinical psychologists have completed additional postgraduate training and are registered under a different endorsement with AHPRA. Medicare rebates for clinical psychologist sessions are set at a different level to those for registered psychologists. Check (MBS Online) for the relevant item numbers. Q: What if my mental health needs are urgent? A: If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to your nearest emergency department. Beyond Blue's support line is also available around the clock. For non-urgent but pressing needs, ask your GP for an urgent mental health appointment. (Beyond Blue) can also help you locate local crisis support.---
Sources
- AHPRA – Psychology Board of Australia - Australian Psychological Society - MBS Online – Better Access initiative - Beyond Blue - headspace
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Information in this article is general only and not clinical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.
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