Can I get a Medicare rebate when I see a psychiatrist?
If you are eligible for Medicare and have a valid referral, Medicare will refund part of your fee.
The amount you receive from Medicare will depend on:
- the type of appointment
- how long the appointment is
- whether you need services not covered by Medicare (for example, insurance or NDIS reports).
| Type of appointment |
Example fee* |
Medicare rebate |
Amount you end up paying |
| Assessment and GP report |
$440 |
$396.80 |
$43.20 |
| Initial consultation |
$400 |
$228.20 |
$171.80 |
| Consultation 30 minutes |
$200 |
$116.70 |
$83.30 |
| Consultation 45 minutes |
$300 |
$161 |
$139 |
*The fees listed here are examples only. Please contact your psychiatrist’s clinic to find out about their fees.
Do psychiatrists bulk-bill?
Some psychiatrists may bulk-bill. This means Medicare covers the cost of the appointment and you have no out-of-pocket fee.
Each psychiatrist has their own criteria for whom they will bulk-bill.
Check the requirements for bulk-billing by calling the clinic before your appointment.
Can I use my private health insurance?
Private health insurance covers you for hospital admissions.
Appointments with a private psychiatrist (outside a hospital stay) are not covered by private health insurance. This is the same for all medical specialists.
More about private health insurance and mental health
Going to hospital
How many times will I see my psychiatrist?
You may only see your psychiatrist once or twice per year.
In other cases, you may need regular appointments to manage a long-term illness. The Medicare safety nets are there to help you cover ongoing costs.
I’m having trouble paying – what options do I have?
- Discuss options with your psychiatrist.
- Speak to the clinic receptionist – payment plans may be available.
- Medicare Safety Nets, a Mental Health Treatment Plan and your Primary Health Network may be able to assist – see below.
Medicare Safety Net
The Medicare Safety Net provides extra rebates once your out-of-pocket medical costs reach $470 in a calendar year.
Extended Medicare Safety Net
The Extended Safety Net provides more rebates on top of the standard Safety Net.
If have a concession card or receive Family Tax Benefit A, you qualify when your out-of-pocket medical costs reach $680.70.
For people who don’t have a concession card, the threshold is $2133.
More about Medicare Safety Nets
Mental Health Treatment Plans
Mental Health Treatment Plans provide up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions for psychological treatment.
The sessions could be provided by:
- a psychologist
- a mental health-trained GP
- a registered social worker
- another approved professional.
Mental Health Treatment Plans do not cover your appointments with a psychiatrist.
Your GP or psychiatrist can provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
More about Mental Health Treatment Plans
Primary Health Network (PHN) mental health care services
PHNs provide a range of services for people with a diagnosed mental illness.
This may include access to a psychologist, nurse, occupational therapist, social worker or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker.
Services may be available if you:
- are in hardship
- are living in a remote area
- have suffered serious trauma (for example homelessness, bushfire or earthquake).
Talk to your GP or psychiatrist about services available in your area.
More about Primary Health Networks