More about the Mental Health Treatment Plan... It is important to note, the following referral/plan is not required to see a ThoughtMatters counsellor.
Better Access Medicare Initiative The “Better Access“ Medicare initiative for Focused Psychological Strategies offers the opportunity to receive a rebate for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year with a psychologist who has a Medicare Provider number. A Medicare rebate of $87.45 is available (if your doctor assesses you as eligible), which still leaves a gap fee payable by you.
To be eligible for the Medicare rebate, you first need to meet with your doctor (either a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist) and your doctor must decide whether you have ‘an assessed mental health disorder’ that significantly interferes with your cognitive, emotional or social functioning.
Your doctor may need a longer appointment to make this assessment. Note that not all General Practitioners refer under this scheme, and if you can afford to pay for counselling you may not be eligible. If your doctor assesses that you are eligible, they will complete a Mental Health Care Plan, which will remain on your health record permanently.
A psychologist’s report is provided to your doctor after the first 10 sessions, and you will then need to meet with your doctor for a review.
There are no Medicare rebates available for Couples Therapy.
Note: A doctor's referral/Mental Health Treatment Plan is not required to see a ThoughtMatters counsellor. There is no limit to the number of sessions per calendar year you can have.