What you need before the first session
Two documents, both from your GP: a Mental Health Care Plan, and a written referral. The plan establishes that you have a diagnosed condition that qualifies; the referral authorises a course of sessions with a psychologist. Medicare treats them as separate things, and a plan on its own is not enough.
Send both through when you book. Your psychologist must hold the referral before the first session for it to be claimable — this is the single most common reason a first session ends up unrebated.
Both Medicare items are available here
Sessions with Dr. Peter Saunders are claimed under the psychological therapy items, which require Psychology Board endorsement in clinical psychology and carry the higher benefit. Sessions with Amelia McDermott are claimed under the focussed psychological strategies items. Which is right for you depends on the presentation and on availability, not only on the rebate.
Relationship sessions with our family systemic psychotherapist are not Medicare-rebatable, because Better Access funds individual services. Private health extras cover may apply.
Claiming, in practice
We process the rebate at the time of the appointment where we can, so the benefit goes back to your nominated bank account rather than waiting for you to lodge it. Out-of-pocket costs on rebated sessions count towards the Medicare safety net.
Getting a plan in the city
Most CBD general practices will book a longer appointment for a Mental Health Care Plan if you ask for one when you call — it takes more time than a standard consult. The referral has to come from a GP at your MyMedicare-registered practice, or from your usual medical practitioner, so the practice you already use is usually the right one to ask, even if it is not in the city.