Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychology. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can claim a Medicare rebate on telehealth psychology sessions at the same rate as an in-person appointment. The rebate is $98.95 per session for a registered psychologist or $145.25 for an endorsed clinical psychologist (Medicare Benefits Schedule, from 1 July 2025). Full cost breakdown →
What You Can Expect
If you are looking for support with anxiety (whether generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, or a presentation you are still clarifying), here is what the process typically looks like:
- Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP (recommended)
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP gives you access to Medicare rebates on psychology sessions. You do not need one to see a psychologist, but without one the full fee applies. Most GPs can issue an MHTP at a standard appointment. How it works →
- Find an AHPRA-registered psychologist who specialises in anxiety
Not every psychologist specialises in anxiety. This directory focuses specifically on registered psychologists in Sydney who work with anxiety, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, and OCD. All listed psychologists hold current AHPRA registration, which you can verify independently.
- Book a telehealth appointment via video call from home
Telehealth psychology sessions take place via a secure video call from wherever you are in New South Wales. Most clients join from home. There is no travel, no waiting room, and sessions are typically 50 to 60 minutes. The first appointment is primarily an assessment of your situation and goals.
- Claim your Medicare rebate after each session
After each session, your psychologist will issue a receipt. You claim your Medicare rebate via the Medicare app, MyGov, or at a Medicare service centre. Rebates are typically processed within a few business days. Up to 10 sessions per calendar year are covered under Better Access.
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Why Telehealth for Anxiety?
Telehealth psychology is not a lesser alternative to in-person therapy. Research consistently supports it as an effective format that works particularly well for anxiety. Attending from home removes the travel burden and, for many people, reduces the threshold for seeking support in the first place.
Same Medicare rebates
Telehealth psychology sessions attract the same Medicare rebate as in-person sessions under the Better Access scheme. There is no difference in coverage.
Effective for anxiety
Research consistently supports telehealth CBT and other evidence-based therapies for anxiety as producing outcomes equivalent to in-person delivery for most presentations.
Shorter wait times
Telehealth removes geography as a barrier. You are not limited to psychologists within driving distance, which means shorter waits and access to a broader pool of practitioners.
Does online therapy actually work for anxiety? →
What Does It Cost?
The total cost depends on the psychologist's fee and whether you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare rebates. Here is a straightforward summary:
| Situation | Medicare rebate | Typical out-of-pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Registered psychologist with MHTP in place (item 91170) | $98.95/session | $50 to $150 depending on the practitioner's fee |
| Endorsed clinical psychologist with MHTP in place (item 91167) | $145.25/session | $85 to $165 depending on the practitioner's fee |
| No MHTP (self-referred, no GP plan) | No Medicare rebate | Full fee applies: typically $150 to $310/session |
| Bulk-billing psychologist | Rebate covers full fee | $0 (limited availability) |
Rebate amounts: Medicare Benefits Schedule, effective 1 July 2025. MBS items 91170 (registered) and 91167 (clinical). Full cost guide →
Common Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist online?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You can book directly. However, a referral in the form of a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP is required to access Medicare rebates. Without an MHTP, you pay the full fee. From November 2025, Medicare rebates generally require the referral to come from your usual GP or a GP at a practice where you are enrolled via MyMedicare. See your regular GP for the plan if possible.
Is telehealth as effective as seeing a psychologist in person?
Research consistently supports telehealth psychology as effective for anxiety disorders, including CBT delivered via video call. The home environment can reduce the practical barriers to attendance, which is relevant for anxiety. Telehealth is not the right format for every presentation, but for most anxiety disorders it is a well-evidenced option. More on the evidence →
How many sessions will I need?
This varies significantly depending on your situation, the type of anxiety, and your treatment goals. A standard evidence-based anxiety treatment (such as CBT) typically involves 8 to 12 sessions. Medicare covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year under Better Access, with a GP review after the first 6. Your psychologist will discuss expectations with you in the first appointment.
What kind of anxiety do the listed psychologists treat?
The directory focuses on psychologists who work with anxiety broadly, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, agoraphobia, and OCD. When you make contact, you can specify the type you are dealing with and we will match you accordingly.
What actually happens in the first session?
The first appointment is primarily a conversation. The psychologist will ask about your situation, what you have been experiencing, and what you are hoping to address in therapy. They will explain their approach and answer your questions. You are not committing to anything beyond that initial session. Full guide: how telehealth psychology sessions work →
I keep hitting waitlists. What should I do?
Waitlists are common in Sydney. Telehealth significantly expands your options: you are not limited to psychologists within your suburb, which opens access to the full pool of practitioners across NSW. Booking your GP Mental Health Treatment Plan in parallel with your psychologist search (rather than after) also saves time. Guide: waitlists, availability, and how to be seen sooner →
Take the first step
If you are ready to connect with a telehealth psychologist who specialises in anxiety, tell us a little about what you are looking for. You will hear back within 1 business day.
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