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Medicare Psychologist Bankstown

Shaking Hands in the Office

Accessing quality psychological care in Bankstown is more affordable than many people realise. Through Medicare's Better Access initiative, eligible clients can receive significant rebates on psychology sessions. Mental Care Clinic Bankstown accepts Mental Health Treatment Plan referrals and is registered to provide Focused Psychological Services (FPS) under Medicare.

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If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, contact us to discuss your options or book an appointment.

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What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

 

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a document prepared by your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician that outlines your mental health concerns and recommends psychological treatment. It is the key document required to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative.

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To obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan:

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  1. Make an appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to discuss your mental health and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan

  2. Your GP will assess your situation and, if appropriate, prepare the plan and provide a referral to a psychologist

  3. Bring your referral to your first appointment at Mental Care Clinic Bankstown

  4. Medicare rebates will be applied to your eligible sessions
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Your GP can also refer you specifically to receive Focused Psychological Services, which are provided by registered psychologists under a specific Medicare item number.

What Are Focused Psychological Services (FPS)?

Focused Psychological Services (FPS) is a Medicare-funded initiative that provides structured, evidence-based psychological interventions for people with mild to moderate mental health conditions. FPS sessions are delivered by registered psychologists and focus on specific, skills-based treatments such as:
 

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Psychoeducation

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Skills training

  • Interpersonal therapy techniques
     

FPS is particularly appropriate for conditions such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and stress-related conditions. At Mental Care Clinic, our psychologists deliver FPS within a warm, client-centred framework that goes beyond a tick-box approach.

How Many Medicare Psychology Sessions Are Available?

​Under the Better Access initiative, Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. These are made up of:

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  • An initial referral for up to 6 sessions

  • A review by your GP after the first 6 sessions

  • Up to 4 additional sessions if recommended by your GP
     

In some circumstances, additional sessions may be available. Your GP and psychologist can advise you based on your individual needs.

Conditions Covered Under Medicare Psychology

Medicare-rebated psychology sessions are available for a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
 

Session Fees and Medicare Rebates

Our session fees and the current Medicare rebate amounts are listed on our fees page. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss your specific situation, as fees can vary depending on the type of session and the psychologist.

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After each eligible session, your Medicare rebate will be processed electronically and returned directly to your nominated bank account.

Telehealth Medicare Psychology in Bankstown

Medicare rebates apply to both in-person and telehealth psychology sessions. If you prefer to access your sessions from home via secure video call, telehealth is a fully Medicare-eligible option. This is available to clients in Bankstown and across Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a psychologist without a GP referral?

Yes. You can book an appointment at Mental Care Clinic without a referral. However, a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP is required to access Medicare rebates. Without a referral, the full session fee applies.

How do I know if I am eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to anyone who has a diagnosable mental health condition. Your GP will assess your eligibility during your appointment. Most people who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties will be eligible.

Can I use my private health insurance instead of Medicare?

Your private health fund may offer cover for psychology services, depending on your level of cover. You cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. We recommend checking with your fund directly to understand your entitlements.

What happens when I have used all 10 sessions?

Once you have used your 10 Medicare-rebated sessions for the year, you can continue to see your psychologist by paying the standard session fee. Your new Medicare allocation resets at the start of each calendar year (1 January).

Do you offer Focused Psychological Services at the Bankstown clinic?

Yes. Our Bankstown psychologists are registered to provide Focused Psychological Services under the relevant Medicare item numbers. Please bring your GP referral to your first appointment.

Book a Medicare Psychologist in Bankstown

Taking the first step toward better mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Our Bankstown team is here to support you. You can learn more about our Mental Care Clinic Bankstown and the full range of support we offer.
 

Book an appointment online, call us on 02 8104 9676, or contact us with any questions.

Related services: Anxiety Psychologist Bankstown and Depression Therapy Bankstown.

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