Is therapy expensive? A comprehensive guide to psychologist and therapist fees and rebates in 2024

At our psychology clinic, we strive to provide the highest quality mental health services, tailored to your individual needs. We understand that navigating the world of fees and rebates can be daunting, so we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you better understand the process and make informed decisions.

Table of Contents

1. Standard Consultation Fees

2. Medicare Rebates

3. Private Health Insurance

4. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

5. Bulk Billing and Concession Rates

6. Payment Methods

7. Cancellation Policy

Standard Consultation Fees

Our standard consultation fees are in line with the Australian Psychological Society's recommended rates. These fees vary depending on the duration and type of consultation, as outlined below:

• Initial consultation (50-60 minutes): $250

• Standard consultation (50-60 minutes): $220

• Extended consultation (80-90 minutes): $330

• Couples therapy (80-90 minutes): $330

• Group therapy (90 minutes): $65 per person

Please note that the fees for psychological assessments, reports, and court appearances are subject to different rates, which can be discussed with your psychologist.

Medicare Rebates

If you have a referral from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) or Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. This rebate entitles you to partial reimbursement for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year. To obtain a MHCP or MHTP, you must first speak with your GP. If you do not have a regular GP, you can speak with Talked's bulk billing GP partner.

The current Medicare rebate in 2024 for a standard consultation with a registered psychologist is $96.65, for a clinical psychologist, it is $141.85, and for a Medicare social worker, it is $85.20. To claim your rebate, you will need to present your Medicare card and MHCP at the time of payment. We can process your claim on the spot, and the rebate will typically be deposited into your nominated bank account within 24-48 hours.

Learn more about the Medicare rebate process on our Medicare page.

Private Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate on your psychology sessions. The rebate amount and annual limit depend on your specific policy and level of coverage. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your eligibility and rebate entitlements.

You will need to pay the consultation fee upfront, and then claim the rebate from your insurer. We can provide you with a detailed invoice, including the necessary provider and item numbers, to facilitate your claim.

Some of the health insurers that you can claim your private health insurance from include:

Get started to learn how to claim your private health insurance today.

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

Many organisations offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) as a benefit for their employees. These programmes provide confidential counselling services to help employees manage personal and work-related issues. If your employer offers an EAP, you may be entitled to a certain number of free or subsidised psychology sessions.

Please contact your HR department or EAP provider for more information on your eligibility and the process for accessing these services. If your employer does not have an EAP provider or you are looking to establish an affordable EAP service, Talked has Australia's best Pay-As-You-Go EAP service.

Bulk Billing and Concession Rates

We recognise that financial constraints can be a barrier to accessing mental health services. In certain circumstances, we may be able to offer bulk billing or concession rates for clients experiencing financial hardship. To discuss your eligibility for these arrangements, please contact our clinic directly.

Payment Methods

We accept various payment methods for your convenience, including major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Full payment is required 48 hours before the consultation.

Cancellation Policy

We require at least 48 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. This allows us to offer the appointment slot to another client in need. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours' notice, a cancellation fee of 50% of the consultation fee will apply. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, no refund will be provided.

Please note that Medicare and private health insurance do not cover cancellation fees.

In the case of an emergency or exceptional circumstances, we may waive the cancellation fee at our discretion. To avoid any fees, please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your appointment.

Conclusion

Understanding the fees and rebates associated with psychological services is crucial to making informed decisions about your mental health care. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the various aspects of fees, rebates, and payment options. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to contact our clinic. Our team is here to support you on your journey to mental well-being.