Fees & Rebates

Fees

Fees are subject to variation depending on the pscyhologist you are seeing and range between $130-$180. This is substantially lower than the schedule of fees set out by the Australian Psychological Society. Please be advised that initial consultations may incur a higher fee than subsequent consultations as they require more time. 
Please note, obtaining a referral from GP or psychiatrist under the Medicare Benefits Schedule, will make you eligible to receive a substantial rebate from Medicare or your respective health fund. 
Please see the Fees and Rebates menu under the Services tab of our website for more information on this option.  

Fees for assessments and reports may also vary depending on your chosen practitioner.

Psychmatters is also registered with a number of insurance companies should you require this form of specialist care. Please enquire for more information.

Please enquire for prices on other services
Private health funds offer partial rebates on psychological services

Fees relating to 'Getting Connected to Learning' can be found on the services page.

Online Sessions
Please contact the centre for further information. E-therapy is available.

What payment methods do we accept?
Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, VISA, Mastercard

Rebates

To obtain a rebate on a counselling session with a psychologist, a referral is needed. There are three options through Medicare, as follows:

1.'Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care' (BOMHC) - an allied health care project
- see www.psychology.org.au/members/bomhc
BOMHC is only available through GPs who have done a minimum of Level 1 training and are registered for such with the HIC. They can then refer to a psychologist those patients with mental health issues

2. 'Enhanced Primary Care' Program – This is a 'Medicare Plus' program
- see www.health.gov.au/hsdd/primcare
Medicare Plus is the Federal Government's program to strengthen Medicare. This initiative provides GPs with the opportunity to collaborate with psychologists to provide the best treatment for sufferers of chronic diseases eg obesity, smoking, chronic pain, etc. Clients to be referred to a psychologist will need to see a GP first to get the patient care plan done.

3. New Psychology Medicare Items – 2710 plan
The new Medicare scheme allows all Australians to have access to effective psychological treatments from experienced health professionals. The hourly practice rate is $150. Below are some further details and details of rebates.

Who do I have to be referred by?

Clients must be referred by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
 

Who is eligible for the Medicare rebate?

Any person with a mental disorder (excluding dementia, delirium, tobacco use disorder and intellectual disability) who is being managed by a GP under a GP Mental Health Care Plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan. They may also be referred directly by a psychiatrist or paediatrician from an eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) service. It is recommended that you speak to your referrer to ensure that you are eligible for the rebate. (Note: this is separate and in addition to your EPC Plan/ 5 sessions rebated between $50.95- $57.80 a session).
 

What sort of services will be provided to me?

Any Focused Psychological Strategy (FPS), including: psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation strategies, skills training (e.g. problem-solving, anger management) and interpersonal therapy (especially for depression, eating disorders) etc

How many sessions am I allowed? 
 

Medicare benefits are available for a range of specified psychology services for people with certain conditions, as summarised below. To receive psychological services under Medicare, a person must be referred by his/her GP or in some instances by a psychiatrist or a paediatrician. Please see session allowances below:  

What is my psychologist required to do?

Psychologists must provide a written report to the referring medical practitioner following the first six services and on completion of the treatment.

It is also important to note that your psychologist/social worker must have a Health Insurance Commission (HIC) provider number.

From 01 June 2010 Details of Applicable Rebates:

4. Of the major Health Funds, many such as MBF and Medibank Private pay a rebate for members with appropriate cover.
A number of smaller funds, such as the Teachers Health Fund, HCF, NIB also provide rebates.

Please consult with your fund to check their policy on rebates as well as registering your wishes as a member.

5. Intern Psychologists, under supervision of Senior Psychologists, can see clients at a nominal rate.
Contact the centre for further information.