You do not need a referral to access individual psychological therapy. If you have a referral from an eligible GP or medical practitioner you may be able to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Medicare rebates are available to clients who have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), Eating Disorder Plan (EDP), shared care plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan. The plan/referral can be provided by your GP or psychiatrist and must include:

1. Client name

2. Client date of birth

3. Client address

4. Client diagnoses or symptoms

5. Number of sessions for referral

6. A statement about whether the referral is a MHTP, EDP, shared care plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan

The rebate for a session of 50-minutes or more is $141.85 with clinical psychologist and $96.65 with a registered psychologist.

Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) can provide up to ten individual psychological therapy sessions (face-to-face or telehealth) and 10 group therapy sessions (face-to-face) per calendar year. A re-referral is required from an eligible medical practitioner after six sessions (i.e. you will need an initial referral and one re-referral).

For more information, visit Better Access initiative - supporting mental health care - Health professionals - Services Australia

Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plans (EDTMP) can provide up to 40 psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. A re-referral will be required from an eligible medical practitioner once ten psychological therapy sessions have been completed (i.e. you will need an initial referral and three re-referrals per calendar year). An EDTMP can also include referral for 20 dietetics services.

For more information, visit Eating disorder treatment and management plans - Health professionals - Services Australia