How to Find a Psychologist in Australia (Including With Medicare)

Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?

You can book an appointment with a psychologist without a referral. However, to access Medicare rebates for your sessions, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP, and in some cases a referral to a specific psychologist.

Without a referral, you pay the full session fee out of pocket, which typically ranges from $180–$350 per session for a clinical psychologist.

Getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is written by your GP and is the gateway to Medicare-rebated psychology. To get one:

1. Book a longer GP appointment (usually 20–30 minutes) and mention you'd like to discuss your mental health
2. Your GP assesses your mental health and, if appropriate, prepares the MHTP
3. The plan includes a referral to a psychologist (or other eligible mental health professional)

You don't need a formal mental health diagnosis to get an MHTP. Experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, or other difficulties that are affecting your daily life is sufficient.

How many Medicare-subsidised sessions can I get?

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative:

• 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist, occupational therapist (mental health), or accredited mental health social worker
• Sessions 7–10 require a GP review (your GP checks your progress and extends the referral)
• You can also access 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year

The Medicare rebate as of 2026 is approximately $141 per session with a clinical psychologist. If the psychologist bulk bills, you pay nothing. If they don't, you pay the difference between their fee and the rebate (known as the gap).

Types of mental health professionals

• Clinical Psychologist - Completed a 6-year masters or doctoral program. Highest Medicare rebate ($141). Specialises in assessment and treating mental health conditions.
• Registered Psychologist - Completed a 4-year degree plus supervised practice. Lower Medicare rebate (~$92). Can treat a wide range of presentations.
• Psychiatrist - A medical doctor who specialises in mental health. Can prescribe medication. Referral from GP required. Higher Medicare rebates apply.
• Mental Health Social Worker / OT - Also eligible for Better Access rebates. May focus on practical strategies and social supports.

Finding a psychologist near you

AusCareGuide lists mental health practitioners across Australia, searchable by suburb and specialty. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) also maintains a Find a Psychologist directory at psychology.org.au.

When searching, filter for practitioners who:

• Have availability (many have long waitlists)
• Specialise in your area of concern (anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, etc.)
• Offer bulk billing or an affordable gap if cost is a concern
• Offer telehealth if in-person access is difficult

What if I can't get an appointment quickly?

Waitlists can be long, particularly for bulk-billing psychologists. While you wait: your GP can provide mental health support, online programs like MindSpot or This Way Up offer free evidence-based therapy, and crisis lines (Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636) are available 24/7.