Therapy
Therapy by telehealth
Fifty-minute video sessions with a registered psychologist, for people aged 16 and over. Common concerns include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and adjustment.
Your GP receives a report after the initial consultation, after the sixth session, and at the end of treatment.
What it costs
With a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan: nothing. Ixencion bulk bills, claiming the Medicare benefit as full payment. The only fee that applies to a bulk-billed session is the non-attendance fee in the cancellation policy shown at booking.
Without a referral: $180 a session, $120 with a student concession, with a 50% deposit to confirm your booking. There’s no Medicare rebate without a valid referral.
Medicare covers up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year, in courses your GP sets and reviews.
Getting the referral
Ask your usual GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral to a psychologist. “Usual” means the practice that provides most of your care, or where you’re registered with MyMedicare. Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also refer. The referral lasts until its sessions are used; it doesn’t expire on a date.
Booking and cancellation
Attending a bulk-billed session costs nothing. If a non-attendance fee applies to a booking, it’s disclosed before you book. Reschedule with more than 24 hours notice and there’s no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours are 50% of the session fee; non-attendance is 100%. Arriving more than 15 minutes late counts as non-attendance.
When telehealth isn’t right
Not during an acute crisis, active psychosis, or where there’s a high risk of harm. In those situations call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, or see your GP about local and emergency options.