How Referral Works in Psychologist Services in Australia

If you're considering seeing a psychologist but are unsure about the referral process and its relevance for accessing mental health services in Australia, here’s a clear breakdown.

Do You Need a Referral?

The short answer is: it depends. Whether or not you need a referral hinges on whether you intend to claim Medicare rebates for your psychology sessions. Now, what exactly is Medicare?

Medicare is Australia’s public health insurance system, offering rebates for various medical services, including when you see a psychologist. If you're planning to pay out of pocket without Medicare support, you don't need a referral and you can see a psychologist immediately. However, if you do wish to access subsidised sessions through Medicare, a referral is essential.

How to Get a Referral to See a Psychologist

Imagine feeling overwhelmed by daily stress and recognising that you need some help. We’ve all been there, and understanding how to get support is crucial. Fortunately, obtaining a referral to see a psychologist in Australia is pretty straightforward.

• Step 1: Speak To Your GP

Book an extended appointment with your GP, this will provide the GP enough time to prepare a mental health plan for you. To make this easier you can also see a specialised mental health GP online.

• Step 2: Mental Health Assessment

The doctor will conduct a mental health assessment. This assessment aims to understand your current state and determine the best treatment plan for you. It involves a series of questions about your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour patterns.

• Step 3: Referral and Plan

After the assessment, your GP will provide you with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral. In most cases, your GP will send the referral electronically to your email as a PDF, but they may also print it out for you.

Should the referral be to a specific psychologist?

Many people think the referral needs to be made out to a specific psychologist, but this is not the case. It can just be made out to simply 'Psychologist', rather than a specific name. If the referral is made out to a specific psychologist, this does not prevent you from going to a different one.

Using Medicare Rebates

Seeing a Psychologist through Medicare can significantly reduce the cost, as of 2024 you'll receive back about $96 for each session you have with your psychologist.

We've made it super easy for you to use and track your Medicare rebates. Simply send us your referral or upload it to your account and then we will handle all the rest. Your rebate will be processed for you after each session and your rebate paid back directly into your bank account.

How many psychology sessions are subsided by Medicare?

Everyone is entitled to 10 Medicare rebated psychology sessions per year, if you would like more than this you can simply pay out of pocket.

Your first referral from your GP provides you with 6 sessions, then after this your psychologist will provide an update to your GP and often recommend the additional 4 sessions. You will need to go back to your GP to get this additional referral for the remaining 4 sessions.

See a breakdown of the Medicare referral steps for a better understanding.

No referral? No problem

Remember you do not necessarily need a referral to see a psychologist, the referral is only required by Medicare to have it cover some of your costs.

If you are going to pay for your sessions out of pocket or through your private health insurance, then you can book an appointment with a psychologist right away.

Search for a Psychologist That Suits You

We've made it incredibly easy to ensure that you get connected with the right psychologist. You can complete our assessment to get recommended with a psychologist based on your specific needs or simply browse our available therapists.

We encourage you to also book free consultations with any of our therapists to ensure they are the right fit for you before you pay any money and use a Medicare rebated session.

Need More Information?

To learn more about Medicare rebates and getting started with online therapy, please visit our article here: Medicare Rebates for Online Therapy in 2024 | Talked. This resource has all you need to know about the rebate process and how they would continue supporting you.

Conclusion

I hope this has been a helpful explanation of the steps to follow if you are seeking a referral for psychologist appointments in Australia. You must have a referral from your GP and a Mental Health Care Plan to claim with Medicare rebates. If you wish to pay for therapy out of pocket, you can approach a psychologist directly and do not need to have a referral from your family doctor. Talked is an expert psychologist placement service and mental health journey support.

Resources

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/referrals-and-access-to-mental-health-services

https://www.helplink.com.au/articles/client-resources/do-you-need-a-referral-from-a-gp-to-see-a-psychologist-in-new-south-wales/

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/allied-health-referrals-for-mental-health-care-plans?context=20

https://www.psychbuddy.com.au/post/how-to-access-psychological-services-in-australia