How Medicare Referrals for Psychology Work in Australia

Understanding the 6 + 4 Sessions, Calendar Year Reset, and GP Reviews

Accessing psychology through Medicare can be confusing. Many people are unsure how referrals work, how many sessions are available, and whether a new referral is required at the start of each year.

This article explains how Medicare-funded psychology sessions operate in Australia, including the Mental Health Treatment Plan, the 6 + 4 session structure, reporting requirements, and an important nuance about the annual session limit that is often misunderstood.

What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is prepared by a GP (or psychiatrist) following an assessment of a person’s mental health needs. It outlines the reason for referral and supports access to Medicare rebates for psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative.

A valid MHTP is required in order to claim Medicare rebates for psychology, whether sessions are delivered in person or via telehealth.

How Many Psychology Sessions Are Covered by Medicare?

Medicare currently provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. These sessions are typically accessed in two stages.

Initial 6 Sessions

Most referrals are written for up to six psychology sessions. These sessions allow the psychologist to assess the presenting concerns, develop a psychological formulation, and commence treatment.

Additional 4 Sessions

To access the remaining four Medicare-rebated sessions, a review by the GP is required. This review may involve a brief appointment and consideration of a written report from the psychologist outlining progress and ongoing needs.

The GP determines whether further sessions are clinically appropriate.

Reporting Back to the GP

As part of good clinical practice, psychologists provide a written report to the referring GP after the initial block of sessions (usually after the sixth session). This report supports continuity of care and shared decision-making, and may include:

• A brief summary of the presenting issues

• Progress to date

• Ongoing treatment considerations

• A recommendation regarding further sessions

This communication allows the GP to review the MHTP and, if appropriate, approve access to the additional sessions.

If you’re unsure how your referral applies to your situation, your psychologist or GP can help clarify next steps.

The 10 Sessions Per Calendar Year: An Important Clarification

A common misconception is that a new referral is automatically required at the start of each calendar year. This is not necessarily the case.

Medicare operates on a calendar year basis, meaning:

• The session limit resets on 1 January

• Up to 10 rebated sessions are available each year

However, a new MHTP is not automatically required at the start of the year if:

• The existing referral is still within its 12-month validity period

• There has been no significant change in clinical presentation

• Ongoing treatment remains appropriate

In practice, many clients continue using the same referral into the new calendar year, with session numbers resetting from January. Best practice still involves communication with the GP as treatment progresses.

When Is a New Referral Required?

A new MHTP or referral may be needed when:

• The existing referral has expired (typically after 12 months)

• There has been a significant change in mental health presentation

• A different psychologist is being engaged

• The GP determines a new assessment or treatment plan is required

Your psychologist can help clarify whether a new referral is needed in your specific circumstances.

Telehealth and Medicare Referrals

MHTPs can be used for telehealth psychology sessions, and clients do not need to be located in the same state as their psychologist.

Telehealth sessions are Medicare-rebated in the same way as in-person sessions when delivered by a registered psychologist and accessed with a valid referral.

Why This Process Exists

• The referral and review process is designed to:

• Support safe, evidence-based care

• Encourage collaboration between psychologists and GPs

• Ensure Medicare-funded treatment remains clinically appropriate

While the system can feel complex, it aims to balance accessibility with responsible use of public health funding.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how Medicare-funded psychology sessions work can reduce uncertainty and help people plan their care with confidence. If you are unsure how your referral applies to your situation, your psychologist or GP can provide guidance based on your individual needs.

TL;DR: Medicare Psychology Referrals in Australia

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) prepared by a GP is required to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions.

Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Referrals are commonly issued for an initial 6 sessions, with a GP review required to access the remaining 4.

The calendar year reset (1 January) does not automatically require a new referral if the existing MHTP is still valid and clinically appropriate.

A psychologist provides a written report to the GP as part of the review and shared-care process.

Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychology sessions, and clients can access telehealth with a psychologist located in another state.