The Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme is a program in Australia that provides funding for individuals to access a range of mental health services, including psychological services. The scheme is designed to make mental health care more accessible and affordable for individuals who have a mental health condition. Under the scheme, individuals can access a range of services, including:

• Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a psychologist or other allied mental health professional, such as a social worker or occupational therapist.
• Up to 6 group therapy sessions per calendar year.

To be eligible for the scheme, individuals must have a referral from a GP or psychiatrist and have a diagnosis of a mental health condition that is covered by the program. The program is available to individuals who have a valid Medicare card and potentially be entitled to receive a rebate through Medicare.

It is important to note that the information provided may change over time, and the policy and coverage may differ based on the location in Australia, so it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

A Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM), also known as a GP Management Plan (GPMP), is a program in Australia that provides funding for individuals with chronic medical conditions to access a range of health services. The plan is designed to help individuals manage their chronic condition and improve their quality of life.

Under a CDM, individuals can access a range of services, including:

• Coordination and management of their chronic condition by a GP.
• Up to five (5) allied health services per calendar year, such as visits to a psychologist, dietitian, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or podiatrist.
• Medications prescribed by a GP.
• Home nursing and care for the elderly

To be eligible for a CDM, individuals must have a chronic medical condition that is covered by the program and be referred by a GP. The program is available to individuals who have a valid Medicare card and potentially be entitled to receive a rebate through Medicare.

It is important to note that the information provided may change over time, and the policy and coverage may differ based on the location in Australia, so it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

An Eating Disorder Management Plan (EDMP) is a program in Australia that provides funding for individuals with eating disorders to access a range of health services. The plan is designed to help individuals manage their eating disorder and improve their quality of life.

Under an EDMP, individuals can access a range of services, including:

• Coordination and management of their eating disorder by a GP.
• A specific number of visits with a psychologist, who will provide support for individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
• Referral to other specialists such as a dietitian or psychiatrist as required

To be eligible for an EDMP, individuals must have an eating disorder that is covered by the program and be referred by a GP. The program is available to individuals who have a valid Medicare card and potentially be entitled to receive a rebate through Medicare.

It’s worth mentioning that eating disorder is a complex mental illness that often requires a multidisciplinary approach for treatment and management. Therefore, it is important to work with a team of professionals that may include a GP, a psychologist, a dietitian, and a psychiatrist to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the physical, emotional and psychological aspect of the disorder.

It is important to note that the information provided may change over time, and the policy and coverage may differ based on the location in Australia, so it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

It is possible to use your private health insurance for psychology sessions in Australia. In addition to the Medicare scheme, many private health insurance providers offer coverage for psychology services as part of their extra’s coverage. This can include coverage for individual therapy sessions, as well as psychological assessments. The amount of coverage and the number of sessions covered will vary depending on the individual’s insurance plan. It is important to check with the individual’s private health insurance provider to determine the specific coverage and reimbursement for psychology services.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program in Australia that provides support for individuals with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS provides funding for a range of services and supports to help individuals with disability to achieve their goals and live independently.

Psychologists are one of the providers of services that are registered with the NDIS. Individuals with NDIS plans can access funding for psychological services, which may include:

• Assessments and evaluations of the individual’s psychological needs
• Treatment and support for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
• Assistance with developing social skills and communication
• Behavioural therapy and support for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders
• Support for individuals with cognitive impairment
• Support for individuals with acquired brain injury

To access NDIS funding for psychological services, individuals must be eligible for the NDIS and have psychological services included in their NDIS plan. Please note that our clinicians are not registered NDIA providers. We accept NDIS referrals if the plan is either self-managed or managed by an NDIS Support Coordinator. 

It is important to check with the NDIS and your registered provider for the most up-to-date information on the availability and coverage of psychological services under the NDIS.

In Queensland, Australia, WorkCover provides funding for individuals who have been injured in the workplace to access a range of health services, including psychological services. This funding is provided through the WorkCover Queensland scheme.

Under the WorkCover scheme, individuals who have been injured in the workplace can access funding for psychological services, which may include:

• Assessments and evaluations of the individual’s psychological needs
• Treatment and support for mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression that may have resulted from the workplace injury
• Assistance with developing coping strategies and returning to work

To access WorkCover funding for psychological services, individuals must have an accepted workers’ compensation claim and be referred to a registered WorkCover provider. The number of sessions and the coverage of psychological services may vary based on the individual’s case, the provider and the location in Queensland.

It is important to note that WorkCover funding for psychological services may have some restrictions, such as the number of sessions and the type of treatment, so it is advisable to check with the WorkCover Queensland and the registered provider for the most up-to-date information on the availability and coverage of psychological services under the WorkCover scheme.