Mental Health Care Plans

You may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, which allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. Your GP will assess your needs and provide an initial referral for up to 6 sessions, with the option for an additional 4 sessions if required.

Please note that psychologists set their own fees, so a gap payment may apply. Speak with your doctor to get started.

Private Health

Many private health insurance providers offer rebates for psychology sessions, depending on your level of cover. Rebates vary between insurers and policies, so we recommend checking with your provider to confirm your eligibility, rebate amount, and any limits on claims.

Unlike Medicare, a doctor’s referral is not required to claim through private health insurance. However, each psychologist sets their own fees, and gap payments may apply.

For more information, contact your health fund.

In an Emergency

If you or someone in your care is experiencing a mental health crisis and there is an immediate risk of harm, please call 000 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department. Emergency services can provide urgent support and ensure immediate safety.

Crisis Support

In other crisis situations there are support options at the following phone numbers:

The NSW Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511

Staffed by mental health professionals, this line gives NSW residents access to expert mental health advice, support and referrals for people dealing with a mental health problem and their families and carers. Where appropriate they can put you in contact with the local mental health crisis or acute care team. The Mental Health Line also provides advice about clinical symptoms, the urgency of the need for care and local treatment options for health and care service providers.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline for support.

Kids Help Line 1800 551 800

Provides specialised help for young people aged 5 to 25 years, and is staffed by professional counsellors.

Suicide Call Back Service   1300 659 467

The Suicide Call Back Service provides crisis counselling to people at risk of suicide, carers for someone who is suicidal and those bereaved by suicide. People who are not linked in with current professional support can also access up to six sessions of ongoing counselling with the same counsellor at scheduled times.

MensLine Australia   1300 78 99 78

For men of any age who would like support, information or referral to assist them to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

Sexual assault, Family and Domestic Violence Line   1800 424 017

For anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, family or domestic violence and their non-offending supporters.