On the 1st November 2006 the Australian Government introduced new Medicare Items to cover psychological treatment by Clinical Psychologists and psychologists.

To gain access to treatment you must be referred by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.

To receive a rebate from Medicare:

1. Attend Psychology Australia for a free assessment/information session with a counsellor. If your issues fall under the categories for a Mental Health Care Plan you will be referred to a GP, OR, Attend your GP for a long consultation to discuss the issues you are facing. Your GP will then determine if you qualify for a Mental Health Care Plan. A GP Mental Health Care Plan (Item 2710) will be generated. This involves: assessment, identifying needs, setting and agreeing on management goals, identifying any action to be taken by the patient, selecting appropriate treatment options and arrangements for ongoing management of the patient, and documenting this plan. Your Doctor will forward a copy of the plan to a psychologist or Clinical Psychologist or ask you to take it to them.

2. Your Doctor will lodge the GP Mental Health Care Plan (Item 2710) with Medicare. This lodgement opens your account with Medicare for your six sessions. Once lodged (and not before) you may attend your psychologist or Clinical Psychologist for up to twelve individual services in a calendar year (in two sets of six sessions).
If you see a Clinical Psychologist the Medicare rebate for 50+ minutes is $117.65. This is the highest level of rebate available for psychological services. If you see a Psychologist the Medicare rebate is $80.20 for 50+ minutes.

3. A review of a GP Mental Health Plan (Item 2712) will take place after six sessions or when treatment is finished [four weeks to six months after the completion of the GP Mental Health Care Plan].

What is the difference between a psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?

Clinical psychologists are specialist psychologists with additional training and experience in the area of clinical disorders and the higher rebate reflects this. The Psychologists Board of Western Australia determines who may register as an accredited Clinical Psychologist and use the specialist title of "Clinical Psychologist". Clinical Psychologists are the only group of psychologists in WA to whom unrestricted and maximum available Medicare and private health fund rebates apply.

Mental Health Disorders that can be Treated Under Mental Health Plan by Clinical/Psychologists:

Treatment to be provided by Clinical/Psychologists: