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What Does a Telehealth Psychologist Cost in Australia?

The cost depends on two things: whether you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, and the fee your psychologist charges. Here is a plain-English breakdown.

The Two Scenarios

Scenario 1: You have a Mental Health Treatment Plan (recommended)

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP unlocks Medicare rebates on psychology sessions. This is how most people access psychology support in Australia.

Type of psychologist	Medicare rebate per session	Typical total fee	Typical out-of-pocket
Registered psychologist (telehealth item 91170)	$98.95	$150 to $230	$51 to $131
Clinical psychologist (telehealth item 91167)	$145.25	$230 to $310	$85 to $165
Bulk billing psychologist	$98.95	$98.95 (bulk billed)	$0

Source: Medicare Benefits Schedule, effective 1 July 2025. Fee ranges are indicative of the Sydney telehealth market; actual fees vary by practitioner. What is the difference between a clinical and registered psychologist? →

Scenario 2: No Mental Health Treatment Plan (self-referred)

You can see a psychologist without an MHTP, but no Medicare rebate applies. You pay the full fee, which typically ranges from $150 to $260 per session for telehealth in Sydney. If cost is a consideration, obtaining an MHTP first is strongly advisable.

How to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan

An MHTP is prepared by your GP at a standard or longer appointment. Most GPs are familiar with the process. Here is what to expect:

1. Book a longer GP appointment and mention mental health

   When you call to book, mention you would like to discuss mental health support. This gives the GP enough time to complete the assessment and plan. A standard 10-minute appointment is typically not sufficient; ask for a longer slot if available.

2. Your GP completes a mental health assessment

   The GP will ask about your symptoms, history, and what you are hoping to address. This is a practical assessment to determine whether psychological support is appropriate, not a diagnostic interview. Be straightforward about what you have been experiencing.

3. Your GP prepares the MHTP and referral

   If appropriate, your GP prepares the MHTP and provides a referral to psychology services. From November 2025, Medicare rebates generally require the referral to come from your usual GP or a practice where you are enrolled via MyMedicare. Seeing your regular GP (rather than a walk-in clinic) is therefore advisable.

4. You book your psychology appointment

   Bring your MHTP referral to your first psychology appointment (or have your GP send it electronically). Sessions are covered up to 10 per calendar year: the first 6 are available immediately, with a GP review required before accessing the remaining 4.

How Many Sessions Does Medicare Cover?

Under the Better Access scheme, Medicare covers up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. The sessions are structured as follows:

• First access: up to 6 sessions on the initial referral
• GP review after the first 6 sessions (brief appointment to confirm ongoing need)
• After the review: up to 4 additional sessions per year
• Total per calendar year: up to 10 sessions

If you need more than 10 sessions in a year, additional sessions can continue without the Medicare rebate. Fees apply at the full rate unless you have private health insurance that covers extras.

Does Telehealth Get the Same Medicare Rebate as In-Person?

Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions attract the same Medicare rebate as in-person appointments under Better Access. This is confirmed by Services Australia and the Medicare Benefits Schedule. The telehealth item numbers are 91170 (registered psychologist) and 91167 (clinical psychologist), and these carry the same rebate as their in-person equivalents.

Can I Get Bulk Billing for Psychology?

Some psychologists bulk bill, meaning they accept the Medicare rebate as their full fee with no out-of-pocket cost to you. However, bulk billing for psychology is uncommon in Sydney, particularly for telehealth. Psychologists who do bulk bill typically have limited availability and may prioritise concession card holders, students, or people experiencing financial hardship.

When you contact us, you can indicate that bulk billing is a priority and we will do our best to match you with a psychologist who offers it, though availability cannot be guaranteed.

What About Private Health Insurance?

Some private health insurance extras policies cover psychology. Coverage varies significantly between funds and policies; check your PDS or contact your fund directly. You cannot claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same session. Most people with an MHTP find Medicare rebates sufficient and do not rely on private health for psychology.