• Behaviour modification and cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Substance misuse and addictions
• Culturally sensitive counselling
• Chronic disease management
• Mood disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• Childhood abuse.
• Sexual assault counselling
• Pregnancy counselling
• Corporate psychology
• ADHD behaviour management
• Autism spectrum behaviour management 
• Mood disorders
• Reactive attachment disorder
• Relationship issues
• Delivery of a vast array of psychological programs

Since November 1st, 2006, the “Better Access to Mental Health Care” initiative has allowed many Australians to access Medicare rebates for counselling services. Such services must be provided by registered psychologists (who must use certain approved evidence-based approaches), following referral by a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Medicare rebates are currently available for up to ten individual counselling sessions per calendar year (and up to 10 group sessions, although these are generally more appropriate for adults).

(You can find more about the scheme in this handout for patients.)

So how do you go about getting a referral to a psychologist for yourself and/or your child, so that you can claim Medicare rebates for counselling?

Getting a referral from your GP under a “Mental Health Treatment Plan”

Book an appointment with your GP. You will need to ask for a long consultation or tell the receptionist that you specifically require a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

Discuss your concerns with your doctor. They may ask you to complete a brief questionnaire. Most MHTPs are for anxiety or depression, However, there is a full list of issues (see below) which are eligible for treatment under a MHTP.

Paediatricians and psychiatrists can also refer directly to a psychologist.

You can ask for your referral to be made out to a specific psychologist or to a specific clinic.

What types of mental health issues can a GP refer for under a MHTP?

Here a list of mental health conditions which are eligible for treatment under an MHTP:

• Anxiety disorder
• Adjustment disorder
• Depression
• Conduct disorders
• Bereavement disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Sleep problems
• Attention deficit disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Co-occurring anxiety and depression

Do I have to visit a doctor to access counselling services?

No, you may choose to claim rebates from your private health fund (and pay the gap amount) instead or you can simply pay the full fees without any rebates. Keep in mind that private health fund rebates for counselling vary widely and are often not as high as the equivalent Medicare rebates.

Why does my GP need to be involved in the counselling process?

A multi-disciplinary team approach can help achieve the best outcomes for you. If you have a regular family GP they will have a record of your family’s medical history and part of this may be relevant to their mental healthcare needs. In some cases there may be medical issues that are affecting you and these may require assessment and treatment by other medical professionals. Your psychologist will also give periodic reports to your doctor (with your consent) to keep them informed of your progress.

Do I need to go back to my doctor at any point after receiving a referral?

Yes, you will need to visit your doctor for a brief review after your sixth (6) counselling session. While you can claim up to 10 rebates per calendar year, it is up to your doctor to recommend further sessions beyond the initial six.

For Bulk Billing, a referral from a GP is required, which then allows the session to be fully bulk billed. If no GP referral is sought clients can access the service by paying the standard fee; private health insurance rebates may apply (prices for private sessions are listed below).

The sessions can be conducted either within an outreach type capacity or within the PATH Townsville clinic setting with friendly fully registered professional psychologists.

Making an appointment with one of our psychologists is easy. Simply visit the Contact Us page for contact details to book an appointment with a psychologist at your local PATH Townsville Clinic today.

BULK BILLING RATES

Registered Psychologist: $89.65/hour

Clinical Registered Psychologist: $131.65/hour

PRIVATE FEES

Registered Psychologist: $200.00/hour

Clinical Registered Psychologist: $200.00/hour

*** or as arranged with Clinic and/or treating psychologist

Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your first appointment to enable completion of paperwork.

• Hard copy of referral if you have it
• Mental Health Care Plan
• Medicare Card
• Any other documents you may think the psychologist will believe helpful

Due to the nature and length of therapy sessions, please be aware that late arrival will result in cancelation of  your booked session and may attract a non-attendance fee.

Some useful links that may help you with your referral or treatment ....

Do I have to visit a doctor to access counselling services?No, you may choose to claim rebates from your private health fund (and pay the gap amount) instead or you can simply pay the full fees without any rebates. Keep in mind that private health fund rebates for counselling vary widely and are often not as high as the equivalent Medicare rebates.

Why does my GP need to be involved in the counselling process?A multi-disciplinary team approach can help achieve the best outcomes for you. If you have a regular family GP they will have a record of your family’s medical history and part of this may be relevant to their mental healthcare needs. In some cases there may be medical issues that are affecting you and these may require assessment and treatment by other medical professionals. Your psychologist will also give periodic reports to your doctor (with your consent) to keep them informed of your progress.

Do I need to go back to my doctor at any point after receiving a referral?Yes, you will need to visit your doctor for a brief review after your sixth (6) counselling session. While you can claim up to 10 rebates per calendar year, it is up to your doctor to recommend further sessions beyond the initial six.