Medicare

You do not need a referral to see a Psychologist; however, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services a referral from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist is required. The rebate amount and the number of sessions available depend on the type of referral provided. It is advised that you speak to your/your child’s GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist to determine eligibility. Alternatively, you can call Medicare on 132 500. Medicare generally does not provide rebates on assessments.

Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)

A MHCP entitles eligible individuals to access Medicare rebates for the treatment of some mental health conditions. You can discuss with your GP or treating doctor mental health concerns and then they can determine eligibility and appropriate referral options. An individual may be eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year depending on their mental health concerns. When making an appointment with your GP or medical professional it is recommended that you tell them that you would like to discuss the possibility of a MHCP referral.

You will need to ensure that the referring doctor has lodged all of the appropriate Medicare documentation prior to the date of the first session and that a copy has been provided to Small Talk Psychology Melbourne.

As of March 2023, two parent sessions per calendar year are now able to be utilised as part of a child’s MHCP. This enables parents to attend up to two sessions without their child. These sessions form part of your child’s MHCP, meaning that if two parent sessions are attended, eight sessions will be remaining for the child in the calendar year. Your child will need to be present for all other sessions in order to claim a Medicare rebate under your child’s MHCP.

Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM)

The CDM entitles eligible individuals with a chronic medical condition and complex care needs that are being managed by a GP under a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements to access Medicare rebates for specific allied health services (e.g. psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy) when referred by their GP.

Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and eligible disabilities (previously Helping Children with Autism [HCWA] and Better Start for Children with Disability initiative)

Medicare rebates are available for assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals under the age of 25 years with a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder such as Autism or an eligible disability. Eligibility for this referral can be determined by a treating paediatrician or psychiatrist and then an eligible referral is required to claim sessions through Medicare.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Small Talk Psychology can provide services to clients under the NDIS who are self-managed. Please note, we are not a registered provider of the NDIS and therefore cannot see any NDIA or plan-managed clients. Clients utilising self-managed NDIS funding will be required to pay in full on the day of service.

Private Health Insurance

You and your child may be eligible to receive rebates for psychological services through your private health insurer, dependent on your cover. You can determine your eligibility by contacting your health care provider directly. Please note, Small Talk Psychology cannot process your private health insurance rebates, instead an invoice will be issued and then you can claim privately.