The Better Access initiative lets eligible Australians access Medicare rebates for a capped number of psychology sessions per calendar year by first obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. To get started, book a longer appointment with your GP, request a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and ask for a referral to a registered psychologist.
How to Access Medicare Rebates for Psychology Sessions (Better Access) — 2026 AU Guide
Mental health care is a priority for many Australians, but out-of-pocket costs can be a barrier to seeking help. The Better Access initiative, funded through Medicare, is designed to make psychological treatment more affordable for people living with a diagnosed mental health condition. This guide walks you through every step of the process, explains what to expect at each stage, and points you to the official sources you should consult before making decisions.
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What Is the Better Access Initiative?
Better Access is a Medicare-funded programme administered by the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Aged Care. It provides eligible Australians with access to subsidised mental health services from a range of allied health professionals, including registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.
The programme is designed for people who have a diagnosable mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other conditions that meet the clinical criteria set out in the relevant diagnostic frameworks. Better Access does not cover general wellbeing conversations or life coaching; a clinical diagnosis is required.
You can read the full scope and eligibility criteria directly on the (MBS Online — Better Access initiative) page, which is the most up-to-date official reference for the programme.
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Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for Better Access is assessed by the referring health professional, typically your GP. To qualify, you generally need to:
- Be registered for Medicare and hold a valid Medicare card - Have a mental health condition that has been assessed and diagnosed by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician - Receive a formal Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) as part of your consultation
Children and young people, people living in regional or remote areas, and those experiencing significant functional impairment are all eligible to access the programme, provided they meet the clinical criteria. For young Australians who may prefer a youth-focused service, (headspace) offers accessible entry points and can guide you toward appropriate referrals.
It is important to note that eligibility is determined on clinical grounds. If you are unsure whether you qualify, discuss your situation honestly with your GP.
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Step-by-Step: Getting Your Mental Health Treatment Plan
The Mental Health Treatment Plan is the gateway to Better Access rebates. Here is how the process typically works:
1. Book a longer GP appointment. When calling your GP clinic, specifically ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan consultation. These appointments take more time than a standard visit, so informing reception in advance ensures the doctor has adequate time to assess you thoroughly. 2. Talk openly with your GP. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them, how they are affecting your daily life, work, and relationships, and any relevant history. Be as honest as possible; the plan is built around your individual needs. 3. Receive your MHTP. If your GP determines you meet the criteria, they will develop a written plan that includes your diagnosis, agreed treatment goals, and a referral to an appropriate mental health professional. 4. Choose your psychologist. With your MHTP and referral in hand, you can book an appointment with a registered or clinical psychologist. Your GP may recommend someone, or you can search independently. If you are in Sydney, our guide to best psychologists in Sydney can help you compare providers. 5. Attend your sessions. Present your referral at your first appointment. Your psychologist will work with your MHTP goals, and the Medicare rebate is applied either directly (bulk billing) or after you pay the full fee. 6. Review with your GP. After a set number of sessions, you will need to return to your GP for a review before accessing additional sessions in the same calendar year. This review is a clinical checkpoint and also attracts a Medicare rebate.---
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
The number of rebatable sessions available per calendar year under Better Access is set by federal health policy and can change with budget cycles. Rather than quote a specific figure here that may have been updated, we strongly recommend checking the current entitlements directly on (MBS Online — Better Access initiative), where the official session limits and item numbers are published.
Historically, the number of sessions has been split into an initial allocation and a further allocation following a GP review. Always confirm the current limits with your GP or the MBS Online resource when planning your care.
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Understanding Medicare Rebates and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Medicare pays a rebate toward the cost of each psychology session. Whether you pay anything out of pocket depends on whether your psychologist bulk bills (charges only the Medicare rebate, with no gap) or charges above the Medicare schedule fee (leaving you with a gap payment).
Clinical psychologists and registered psychologists attract different rebate amounts due to their differing levels of training and qualification. You can verify current rebate amounts for specific MBS item numbers directly on (MBS Online).
A few key points to understand about costs:
- Bulk billing means no out-of-pocket cost, but not all psychologists offer it. Availability varies by location and practitioner. - Gap fees vary between practitioners. Always ask about fees upfront before your first appointment. - Private health insurance may cover some gap costs depending on your policy, but this is separate from Medicare.
For a broader breakdown of what psychology sessions typically cost across Australia, see our cost guide.
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Finding a Registered Psychologist
All practising psychologists in Australia must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, regulated through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can verify a practitioner's registration status at any time via the (AHPRA — Psychology Board of Australia) public register.
When searching for a psychologist, consider:
- Specialisation: Some psychologists specialise in particular presentations such as trauma, eating disorders, or child and adolescent mental health. Match your needs to their expertise. - Location and format: In-person, telehealth, and phone-based sessions all attract Medicare rebates, subject to certain conditions. - Rapport: A comfortable therapeutic relationship is important. It is acceptable to try more than one psychologist if the first is not the right fit.
The (Australian Psychological Society) maintains a Find a Psychologist directory that allows you to search by location, specialisation, and fee structure. Our own methodology page explains how we independently review and rank practitioners in our directory.
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Other Support Options to Know About
Better Access is one pathway, but it is not the only option. Depending on your needs, other resources may also be relevant:
- (Beyond Blue) offers free mental health information, online chat support, and guidance on finding appropriate services. - (headspace) provides free and low-cost services specifically for young people aged twelve to twenty-five. - State and territory mental health services, community health centres, and employee assistance programmes (EAPs) may offer additional subsidised sessions.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or present to your nearest emergency department.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a new Mental Health Treatment Plan every year? A: Yes, a new MHTP is generally required each calendar year. Your GP will assess your ongoing needs and goals. The plan cannot simply be carried over; it needs to reflect your current situation. Q: Can I see any psychologist, or only the one my GP recommends? A: You have the right to choose any Medicare-registered psychologist. Your GP's recommendation is a starting point, not a requirement. Ensure the psychologist you choose is registered with AHPRA and accepts Medicare referrals under Better Access. Q: What happens if I exhaust my sessions before the end of the year? A: Once you have used your Medicare-rebatable sessions for the calendar year, you can continue seeing your psychologist at the standard private rate, or explore other funded options such as those listed above. Sessions reset at the start of each calendar year. Q: Can telehealth sessions be claimed under Better Access? A: Telehealth and telephone sessions have been incorporated into the Better Access framework. Eligibility conditions apply, and it is worth confirming current telehealth provisions directly on (MBS Online) or with your psychologist before booking.---
Sources
- AHPRA — Psychology Board of Australia - Australian Psychological Society - MBS Online — Better Access initiative - Beyond Blue - headspace
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Information in this article is general only and not clinical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.
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