Psychotherapy and Medicare in Australia
Psychotherapy is an evidence-based, deeply transformative mental health treatment; however, it is currently not covered by Medicare in Australia. This is a significant gap in our healthcare system that professional psychotherapy associations are actively advocating to change. By expanding Medicare coverage to include psychotherapy, we could provide more accessible and comprehensive care for individuals seeking support for mental health challenges.
Comparison to Psychology Under Medicare
Psychology under Medicare operates through the Better Access Initiative, which provides rebates for clients referred under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). The rebate amounts vary:
- Clinical psychologists: up to approximately $140 per session
- Registered psychologists: approximately $89 per session
However, most clients still face an out-of-pocket expense because most fees for private psychology services exceed the rebate amount. For example:
- Psychologists often charge $220–$280, leaving clients with a similar out-of-pocket fee of around $140.
At Enhanced Psychotherapy, our fee is $140 - $170 per session, which aligns closely with the out-of-pocket cost of seeing a clinical psychologist under Medicare. This ensures our services are comparably priced while offering clients the benefits of psychotherapy’s unique approach.
Using Mental Health Care Plans in Psychotherapy
While Medicare doesn’t currently cover psychotherapy, we welcome clients with Mental Health Care Plans. These plans:
- Provide us with essential background information about the client, including the referring doctor’s observations, identified symptoms, and recommended treatment pathways.
- Enhance our understanding of the client’s mental health history and goals for therapy.
Although clients cannot claim Medicare rebates for psychotherapy sessions, we believe that our price point offers an accessible and competent alternative to private psychology services under Medicare.
Many people searching for therapy use the term psychologist, even when what they are really seeking is support, understanding, and help navigating a difficult period in their life.
Psychologists, psychotherapists, and counsellors all provide talking therapies, but they differ in training pathways, focus, and scope of practice. Understanding these differences can help you choose the support that best fits your needs.
Psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. They often work with structured, evidence-based approaches and may provide psychological assessment, reports, or formal diagnoses where required. Some psychologists focus primarily on symptom management and behavioural change, while others work more relationally, depending on their training and interests.
Psychotherapists are trained to work in depth with emotional, relational, and psychological experiences over time. Psychotherapy often explores how past experiences, attachment patterns, and life events shape the way a person feels, thinks, and relates in the present.
Psychotherapy is commonly sought for concerns such as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, grief, and questions of meaning or identity. The therapeutic relationship itself is a central part of the work.
Counsellors support people through personal challenges, life transitions, and periods of distress. Counselling can be short- or longer-term and may focus on practical support, emotional processing, and developing coping strategies.
Many counsellors work integratively and relationally, offering a supportive space to reflect, gain clarity, and make changes.
Which option is right for me?
There is no single “right” choice — the most important factor is finding a practitioner you feel safe with and supported by.
Many people benefit from psychotherapy or counselling even if they initially searched for a psychologist. Others may specifically need psychological assessment or diagnostic support.
At Enhanced Psychotherapy, our practitioners are psychotherapists and counsellors offering trauma-informed, relational, and depth-oriented therapy. We also work alongside independent psychologists within the clinic and are happy to help you think through what type of support may be the best fit for you.
Payment is required on the day of your session and can be made by credit card, EFTPOS and cash. A preferred method is a securely stored credit card which will be processed after your appointment.
Psychotherapy
Individual therapy
$140 - $170 in-person and online - per session (50 minutes).
$180.00 – Ecopsychotherapy – per session (90 minutes).
Couples
$160 - $170 per session (60 minutes).
Concession rates
Current students with a student card or valid concession card holders rates - $130 per session (50 minutes)
Psychology
$240 - $250 for 50 minutes - Rebates apply through a mental health care plan.
*CANCELLATION POLICY: ALL missed, late or no-show appointments will incur a cancellation fee. The payment is to be settled on the day of cancellation.
Cancellations within 24 hrs of appointment or no shows will incur a full fee payment unless the appointment fills.
If you need immediate help regarding a crisis or are having suicidal thoughts, the following helpline provides telephone crisis support and counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need immediate assistance please call 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
For all emergencies please call 000