How to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions (Better Access) — 2026 AU guide

Under Medicare's Better Access initiative, eligible Australians can claim rebates on up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year after obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. In 2026, the Medicare rebate for a standard psychologist session is $141.85, meaning most people pay a gap fee on top of that amount depending on their provider's rates.

What is the Better Access initiative?

The Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative was introduced by the Australian Government in 2006 to make mental health care more accessible and affordable for everyday Australians. It sits within the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and allows eligible people to access subsidised sessions with a range of allied mental health professionals, including registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.

Better Access is one of the most widely used mental health programmes in the country. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2022–23 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, an estimated 4.3 million Australians (17% of the population aged 16–85) experienced a mental disorder in the preceding 12 months, underscoring the ongoing demand for subsidised mental health support. Better Access has become a critical bridge between need and treatment for hundreds of thousands of people each year.

It is worth noting that Better Access is separate from other support pathways, such as the NDIS, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funding, or private health insurance extras cover. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation will help you get the most value from the system.

Who is eligible for Better Access?

Eligibility for Better Access is broader than many people assume. To access Medicare rebates under this initiative, you must:

- Be an Australian resident eligible for Medicare - Have a diagnosed mental health condition (such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or an eating disorder) - Obtain a referral via a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, or a referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician

You do not need to be in crisis or have a severe condition to qualify. Common presentations such as workplace stress, generalised anxiety, or adjustment disorders can all meet the clinical threshold. Children and adolescents are also eligible, and GPs are encouraged to create plans for younger patients when clinically appropriate.

People who are experiencing financial hardship or who live in rural and remote areas may also have access to additional support through MyMedicare bulk-billing incentives introduced in 2024–25, which encouraged more GPs and psychologists to bulk-bill vulnerable patients.

How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (step by step)

Getting started with Better Access involves a clear process. Here is how it works in 2026:

1. Book a long GP appointment — Let your GP's receptionist know you want to discuss your mental health and request a longer appointment (usually 30–45 minutes). Standard 15-minute appointments are rarely sufficient. 2. Talk openly with your GP — Your GP will assess your mental health, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether a formal diagnosis and MHTP are appropriate. 3. Receive your MHTP — If eligible, your GP creates the plan, which includes your diagnosis, treatment goals, and a referral to a mental health professional. 4. Choose your psychologist — You can select any registered psychologist who accepts Medicare referrals. Your GP may suggest someone, but the choice is yours. 5. Book your first session — Bring your MHTP referral to your first appointment. Your psychologist will typically retain a copy. 6. Claim your rebate — Most psychologists process your Medicare rebate on the spot via HICAPS or Medicare's online claiming system.

After your first six sessions, you return to your GP for a review before accessing the remaining four sessions. This check-in ensures your treatment plan remains appropriate.

How much will you actually pay in 2026?

The Medicare rebate covers a portion of the session fee — not the full cost. The gap between the rebate and your psychologist's fee (the "gap fee" or "out-of-pocket cost") is your responsibility, unless your provider bulk-bills.

Here is a comparison of common service options in 2026:

*Rebate figures based on MBS item numbers 80000–80030 as at January 2026. Session fees are indicative ranges and vary by location and provider.*

If out-of-pocket costs are a concern, our cost guide breaks down fees by state and session type in more detail.

Bulk-billing availability varies significantly. Psychologists in major metropolitan areas — particularly Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — tend to charge higher fees and bulk-bill less frequently. Regional and outer-suburban practices are somewhat more likely to offer reduced or no-gap services.

Clinical psychologists vs registered psychologists: does the rebate differ?

A common source of confusion is whether the type of psychologist affects your Medicare rebate. In 2026, the rebate amount is the same ($141.85) regardless of whether you see a registered psychologist or a clinical psychologist under Better Access. Clinical psychologists do attract a higher rebate when referred by a psychiatrist or accessed via a different MBS pathway, but under the standard GP-referred Better Access pathway, the rebates are equal.

However, clinical psychologists typically charge higher fees due to their additional postgraduate training (a master's or doctoral degree in clinical psychology). This means the gap fee is often larger. For many people, a registered psychologist is a clinically appropriate and more cost-effective choice.

If you are in Sydney and looking for vetted providers, our list of best psychologists in Sydney includes both registered and clinical psychologists with notes on bulk-billing availability.

Using private health insurance alongside Medicare

You cannot "double dip" — that is, you cannot claim a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance benefit for the same psychology session. However, once you have used your 10 Better Access sessions for the calendar year, you may be able to use your extras cover for additional sessions.

Many Australians are unaware that extras cover for psychology varies significantly between funds. According to data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), approximately 55% of Australians with private health insurance hold an extras policy, but the annual limits for psychology are often modest — commonly $500–$1,000 per year — and may only partially cover the cost of ongoing treatment.

It is worth reviewing your policy's schedule of benefits before assuming private insurance will cover the shortfall. Call your fund directly to confirm whether psychology sessions beyond your Better Access entitlement are included.

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