Medicare rebate
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and have a Medicare provider number. This enables the Medicare rebates to be provided through meeting the specific and rigorous criteria set by both the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and Medicare.
Medicare offers rebates for up to 10 sessions (6 sessions with the possibility of another 4 sessions) for eligible clients per calendar year.
First you will need to book in with your GP for an "extended or longer consultation" in order to assess your eligibility for this scheme which includes completing a "Mental Health Care Plan". The rebate is only available from the day that the "Mental Health Care Plan" has been completed. Your GP will then give you a referral which you bring to the first appointment.
Medicare clients pay for the whole amount of each psychotherapy session up front and then take the receipt to Medicare for a refund of around $70 per session. This means there will be a gap which you would need to cover per session.Private Health Fund Rebates
Are available through Medibank Private. If this is your private health insurer please enquire with them regarding your eligibility.