How much do I pay?
Initial consultation $280 (1.5 hours)
Subsequent sessions $250 (55 minutes)
*Rates effective from Jan 2024 and are subject to change
Except for the initial assessment, each session is approximately 50-55 minutes in duration.
If you have been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan, you will be able to claim a rebate from Medicare. Please see below for more information.
If you have any special circumstances, Suzanne may be able to offer a concession. Please discuss this with Suzanne.
What Medicare Rebate am I eligible for?
Medicare provides a rebate for psychological therapy with a psychologist or clinical psychologist, for up to 10 session in each calendar year (i.e. 1 January to 31 December).
In order to receive this rebate you must be referred for psychological services by your GP under a valid Mental Health Care Plan. This in most cases mean that you need to see your GP, explain the reasons why you would like to see a clinical psychologist, and request a Mental Health Care Plan.
Alternatively your psychiatrist, if you are consulting one, can also make the referral.
Currently (as of July 2024), Medicare provides a rebate of $141.85 per session for services from a clinical psychologist. This means that the out-of-pocket cost to you is approximately $138 for the initial consultation, and $108 for subsequent sessions. Medicare allows you to claim a rebate for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
After the first six consultations, the clinical psychologist writes to the referring doctor providing a summary of assessment, treatment and progress as per Medicare requirements. The referring doctor will see the client for a review (Mental Health Care Review) and will recommend further consultations if appropriate.
Does the Medicare Safety Net apply to my out-of-pocket expenses under this initiative?
Yes. You are responsible for paying any charges in excess of the Medicare rebate. However, these out-of-pocket expenses will count towards both the original and the extended Medicare safety nets. Once you or your family reach the relevant threshold in the calendar year, Medicare benefits will increase to 100% of the schedule fee under the original safety net, and 80% of your total out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital services under the extended Medicare safety net. For further information, please visit the Medicare website: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/msn/index.jsp
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment is made at the end of each consultation in the form of cash, debit card or credit card (Visa and Mastercard).
What about my private health insurance?
You cannot use your private health insurance ancillary cover (or “extras” cover) to top up the Medicare rebates for psychological services.
You need to decide if you want to access rebates from Medicare by following the claiming process, or claim on your insurer’s ancillary benefits where available. Generally private health funds provide a lower rebate than Medicare. Please check with your health fund.
How do I claim the Medicare rebate?
Once you have paid for the consultation, your Medicare rebate claim can be submitted to Medicare. Our practice can submit your claim on your behalf, and the rebate will be deposited into your nominated bank account by Medicare the next day. This requires you to provide your Medicare card number and bank account details to Suzanne via the online health platform Halaxy. You could also choose to submit the claim yourself once you have paid for the consultation and been provided with an invoice/receipt.
Reports or letters for legal purposes or government agencies
Reports and letters for legal purposes, or for government agencies, are generally invoiced at APS recommended rates. Please discuss your requirements with Suzanne.