Better Access aims to encourage more people in Australia to seek mental health treatment and support. The Better Access program has helped Australians with mild to moderate mental health conditions access affordable evidence-based mental health services by providing Medicare rebates to eligible people.
You don’t need a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist; however, you need a Mental Health Care Plan to be able to claim Medicare rebates.
To claim Medicare rebates, you must provide your psychologist with a copy of your GP referral and valid Mental Health Care Plan, which must be dated on the day or before the date of your appointment. Medicare rebates cannot be backdated for sessions before your GP referral date.