Do I need a referral to make an appointment with a psychologist?
A referral is not required to book an appointment with a psychologist. You may contact Pure Heart Psychology
directly to schedule a session.
Should you like to receive Medicare rebates for your appointments, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist before attending your first session.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document prepared by a GP to support individuals seeking psychological treatment. The plan outlines your mental health needs and enables access to Medicare rebates for eligible psychology services.
With an approved Mental Health Care Plan, you may be able to claim rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions within a calendar year.
How can I obtain a Mental Health Care Plan?
To arrange a Mental Health Care Plan, you will need to schedule an extended appointment with your General Practitioner and discuss the concerns you would like support with. If your doctor believes psychological treatment would be beneficial, they can prepare the plan and provide a referral to a psychologist.
Before your first appointment, please forward a copy of your referral and Mental Health Care Plan to Pure Heart Psychology.
How many psychology sessions are eligible for rebates?
Under the Medicare Better Access initiative, eligible clients can currently access rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions each calendar year through a Mental Health Care Plan. In most cases, your General Practitioner will initially refer you for six sessions. After these sessions, a review appointment with your doctor is usually required before any additional sessions are approved. If ongoing support is recommended, your doctor may provide a further referral for up to four more sessions.
There are also alternative Medicare referral pathways available for some conditions. For example, individuals with an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan may be eligible for substantially more rebated sessions within a 12-month period.
Can I claim sessions through private health insurance?
Many private health insurance policies include rebates for psychology services through extras cover. As benefits and eligibility differ between providers and policies, it is advisable to contact your health fund directly to confirm the details of your cover.
How can I tell whether a psychologist is the right fit for me?
Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is an important part of successful therapy. Feeling respected, understood, and supported by your psychologist can help create a safe environment for meaningful progress.
Over time, you may wish to consider whether you feel comfortable discussing personal matters openly, whether your concerns are being understood, and whether therapy feels collaborative and aligned with your goals. A psychologist should work with you in a way that feels respectful, transparent, and responsive to your individual needs.
It is common for trust and comfort to develop gradually rather than immediately. However, if you consistently feel disconnected, misunderstood, or unable to engage openly in sessions, it may be worthwhile exploring support with another psychologist. Finding a therapeutic approach and clinician that suits you personally can have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of therapy.