- Initial therapy session, $280
- Therapy/ counselling session, $250 per 50 minute session
- Intellectual assessment (WISC/ WPPSI), $1000
- Comprehensive Intellectual and Educational Assessment , $2500
- Extra questionnaires/ behavioural inventories, negotiable
- Out-of-office consultations, $270
- Travel time for out-of-office consultations, negotiable
- Appointment cancellation within 2 business days or failure to attend, 50% of fee
Medicare better access to mental health care rebates
You do not need to be referred by a medical practitioner, but with an appropriate referral you may be entitled to a rebate from Medicare. A GP may provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) under the Better Access Initiative. In order to obtain a MHCP, book a long appointment with your GP. Discuss your particular situation with them and they will determine whether they consider this to be an appropriate mental health referral. Please note that in addition to completing the MHCP, your GP will need to provide you with a note or letter addressed to me or to "the Psychologist" stating that they are referring you or your child for a mental health issue. The MHCP is not considered by Medicare to be sufficient documentation to attract a rebate.
Alternatively, if you are linked in with a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, they can simply provide you with a letter addressed to me, referring you or your child for a mental health issue. No MHCP is required in this case.
If you have a referral, the rebate for each session is currently $141.85. No rebates are available however, for cognitive or educational assessments, according to Medicare guidelines.
An initial MHCP will entitle you to rebates for six sessions. If further sessions are required, you will need to return to your GP to have the plan renewed. You can have up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.
Medicare safety net
Once you have spent a prescribed amount on medical expenses per year, you may reach the Medicare Safety Net and further expenses will attract a higher rebate. Please contact the Medicare Help Line on 132 150 to discuss this further.