A common question people ask before booking is whether they need a GP referral to begin care. The short answer is no. You do not need a referral to book privately. Your GP still plays an important role though, and a referral can open the door to Medicare rebates. Here is how it works.
You can book privately
In Australia, you can book directly with a registered health practitioner. If you choose to pay the private fee, you do not need to see anyone first. This can be a simple way to begin when you would rather not add extra steps.
Why your GP still matters
Even when a referral is not required to book, seeing your GP has real benefits. Your GP can review your overall health, talk through your options, and help coordinate your care. For many people, the GP is also the path to Medicare support.
Under the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative, your GP can assess whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is right for you. If it is, this plan can open access to Medicare rebates on a set number of psychology sessions each calendar year. Your GP prepares the plan after a conversation about your needs.
What a Mental Health Treatment Plan involves
If your GP decides a plan suits you, they will usually:
- Talk with you about what you are going through.
- Prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral to an appropriate clinician.
- Review your progress with you after an agreed number of sessions.
With a valid plan and referral, Medicare currently provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year, subject to the usual Medicare rules. The clinician’s fee and the rebate amount can vary. It is worth asking about fees when you book. For current details, check the Services Australia and Department of Health and Aged Care websites linked below.
Telehealth and referrals
Seeing your clinician by secure video works the same way as in person for referrals and Medicare. A Mental Health Treatment Plan can apply to telehealth sessions where you qualify. Telehealth is not suitable for every concern. Your clinician may recommend in-person care, a GP review, or a referral where appropriate.
In summary
- You do not always need a referral to begin care.
- A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may open access to Medicare rebates.
- Your GP is a valuable part of coordinated, ongoing care.
Individual results vary. This content is general in nature and does not constitute clinical advice. Speak with your clinician before making changes to your care.
If you would like help understanding your options, we are happy to walk you through them. Get in touch or learn how it works.
Important: This article is general information only and is not personal medical advice. Individual results vary based on your circumstances. Assessment findings do not guarantee a particular outcome. Medicare rules, rebate amounts, and fees can change and vary by individual. For current information, refer to Services Australia and speak with your GP or a qualified health professional. Synapsea is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. For free 24/7 support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
References
- Services Australia, “Mental health care and Medicare”: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Department of Health and Aged Care, “Better Access initiative”: health.gov.au
- Australian Psychological Society, “Medicare rebates for psychology services”: psychology.org.au