FEES
Motivating Minds Psychological Practice can provide psychology sessions under a number of referral options offered by Medicare. Our most common fee structure is outlined below, but if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our staff at reception.
Registered Psychologist Fees
Initial 1.5hr Session $293.30
Standard 1 hour session $215.80
Initial 1.5hr Concession Rate $258.30
Standard 1 hour concession rate $195.80
A rebate for psychology sessions with is available from Medicare if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
The Medicare rebate amount for is $96.65 for all sessions and can be processed at our practice once the full cost of the session has been paid for. Medicare funds up to 10 psychology sessions per year.
Clinical Psychologist Fees
Standard 1 hour session $254.80
A rebate for clinical psychology sessions is available from Medicare if you obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
The Medicare rebate amount for is $141.85 for all sessions and can be processed at our practice once the full cost of the session has been paid for. Medicare funds up to 10 psychology sessions per year.
REBATES
MEDICARE
MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN
Medicare rebates may apply if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) referral from your doctor. Please call Reception if you have any questions about whether you may be eligible for a MHCP, if you are unsure about how to obtain a MHCP referral from your GP, or what gap you will pay after the Medicare rebate.
The Better Access Scheme
The most common way to be referred to a psychologist is via a MHCP under the "Better Access Scheme". This scheme allows you up to 10x rebatable sessions with a psychologist per calendar year.
THE ENHANCED PRIMARY CARE PLAN (Also referred to as Chronic Disease Management)
Another referral alternative is the Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC). This scheme allows the individual up to 5x rebatable sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. There are certain conditions attached to an EPC referral, so please contact us if you have any questions about this option.
In any case, your GP can assist you with any enquiries about these two referral pathways, and it is up to your GP to assess your eligibility to receive either of these referrals.
What is a MHCP and how do I get one?
A mental health care plan is a plan/referral that your doctor completes with you about treating a possible mental health condition. It allows you to access psychological assistance with a financial rebate covered by Medicare.
A mental health care plan can be for minor short-term symptoms or for very serious or chronic symptoms and you do not have to have a pre-existing mental health condition to access a mental health care plan.
How can a mental health care plan help me?
To put it simply, a mental health care plan makes appointments with psychologists more affordable for everyone. If you have a mental health care plan, you are entitled to a Medicare rebate on up to 20 individual sessions with a psychologist every calendar year.
Your first referral is set for 6 sessions, and then if more are needed, your doctor or psychiatrist will refer you for further sessions. Too easy!
PRIVATE HEALTH COVER
For private-paying clients (non-MHCP), if you wish to claim from your insurance company, please check your existing private health insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for psychological services. If this is the case, you may be able to claim several sessions (varies from policy to policy) on your private health.
*Please note that you cannot claim both Medicare and private health rebates simultaneously (most private health funds ask you and your psychologist to sign a declaration that you are either: not referred under a Medicare MHCP, or have had a MHCP but have exhausted your 10x rebatable sessions), but you may be able to use one after the other.