From 1 November, it is possible for
people with mental health needs to access
Medicare rebates or bulk billing for up to 12
sessions per calendar year with a psychologist
(clinical or general) or other mental health
professional.
Sessions provided can be individually or in
group settings. This new initiative is a
significant change and will hopefully enable
more people to access effective mental health
care.
Access to Medicare rebates requires a
referral from a GP or psychiatrist that defines
the mental health (not illness) issue that you
are dealing with and the treatment being sought.
If a GP refers you, they will need to have
formally developed a Mental Health Care Plan
with you; if it is a psychiatrist (or
paediatrician) a referral letter only is needed.
The mental health professional (psychologist,
social worker or occupational therapist) needs
to have a Medicare provider number.
Depending on the psychologist or mental
health provider you are seeing, they will either
(a) bulk bill you which means you will not have
to provide any cash payment yourself or (b)
charge you their usual rate and you can then
access reimbursement from Medicare (for all or
part of the cost depending on what they charge).
The annual limit is 12 sessions (individual or
group) – after that time, no further rebate
will be available.
Your referring doctor will review your
progress over this time and receive reports
regarding your treatment, progress and
recommendations for future management of your
mental health from your mental health
practitioner.
Reports are required after six sessions and,
if treatment continues, at the completion of 12
sessions.
More detailed information is available at
www.health.gov.au
or you can talk with your GP about your
options.
All the best mental health…
Vikki Sinnott
