How do I calculate my out-of-pocket gap for psychology?

Your out-of-pocket gap is the difference between your psychologist's full session fee and the Medicare rebate. For example, if your psychologist charges $220 and the rebate is $101.55 (registered psychologist), your gap is $118.45 per session. If your psychologist bulk bills, the gap is $0 - they accept the rebate as full payment.

Does Medicare cover telehealth psychology the same as in-person?

Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions under the Better Access scheme attract the same Medicare rebate as in-person sessions. The relevant MBS items are 91170 (registered psychologist, telehealth) and 91167 (endorsed clinical psychologist, telehealth), effective 1 July 2026.

How many sessions does Medicare cover per year for psychology?

Under the Better Access scheme, Medicare covers up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The first 6 sessions are available on the initial referral; after a GP review, up to 4 more sessions become available. Sessions reset each calendar year on 1 January.

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Medicare Psychology Rebate & Gap Calculator

Q: What is the Medicare rebate for a psychologist session in Australia?

The Medicare rebate for a psychology session under the Better Access scheme (with a Mental Health Treatment Plan) is $101.55 per session for a registered psychologist (MBS item 91170) or $149.05 per session for an endorsed clinical psychologist (MBS item 91167). These rates are effective from 1 July 2026. Telehealth sessions attract the same rebate as in-person sessions.

Enter your psychologist's session fee to see your out-of-pocket cost after Medicare. Uses July 2026 Better Access rebate rates (current as of 2026).

Estimates only - for planning purposes. Nothing you enter is stored or transmitted. All calculations happen in your browser. Verify rebate amounts at mbsonline.gov.au.

1. Type of psychologist

Not sure? Clinical vs registered psychologist explained →

2. Your psychologist's session fee ($)

Typical Sydney range: $150–$230 (registered) or $230–$310 (clinical). Leave blank to see bulk billing scenario.

3. Number of sessions (optional, for annual cost estimate)

Medicare covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

I have (or will get) a Mental Health Treatment Plan from my GP

Required to claim Medicare rebates. How to get one →

How Medicare Rebates for Psychology Work

The one-sentence answer: With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare pays an estimated $101.55 of each registered psychologist session (or $149.05 for an endorsed clinical psychologist) and you pay the difference between that rebate and your psychologist's fee - regardless of whether the session is in-person or via telehealth. These are estimates based on Medicare Benefits Schedule rates, effective 1 July 2026.

Key facts

Rebate requires a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP): Your GP prepares this at a longer appointment. Without it, no Medicare rebate applies and you pay the full fee.
Same rebate for telehealth and in-person: MBS items 91170 (registered psychologist, telehealth) and 91167 (clinical psychologist, telehealth) carry the same rebate as their in-person equivalents.
10 sessions per calendar year: The 10-session cap runs January to December. Sessions reset on 1 January each year.
Bulk billing means $0 estimated out-of-pocket: Some psychologists accept the Medicare rebate as their full fee. This is uncommon in Sydney for telehealth; most have a gap.
Claiming the rebate: Your psychologist may claim on your behalf (if they bulk bill) or you claim via the Medicare app, myGov, or at a Medicare service centre after paying.
Registered vs clinical psychologist: Both are AHPRA-registered psychologists. "Clinical psychologist" is an additional endorsed title - and carries a higher rebate ($149.05 vs $101.55). Not sure which applies? Read the explanation →

Common Questions

What is the Medicare rebate for a psychologist session?

With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, the estimated rebate is $101.55 per session for a registered psychologist (MBS item 91170) or $149.05 per session for an endorsed clinical psychologist (MBS item 91167). Both apply equally to telehealth and in-person sessions. Rates are from the Medicare Benefits Schedule effective 1 July 2026. Verify at mbsonline.gov.au.

How do I calculate my gap?

Subtract the Medicare rebate from your psychologist's full session fee to get an estimate. For example: a $220 session minus the $101.55 rebate = $118.45 estimated out-of-pocket. Use the calculator above to get your own estimate.

Does Medicare cover telehealth psychology?

Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions attract the same rebate as in-person sessions under the Better Access scheme. There is no difference in coverage or rebate amount for telehealth.

How many sessions does Medicare cover per year?

Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your GP refers you for up to 6 first, then reviews and can refer for up to 4 more.

Do I need a new plan each year?

Yes. Your GP needs to review and renew your Mental Health Treatment Plan at the start of each new year for you to access the next year's 10 sessions.

What is the difference between a registered and clinical psychologist for Medicare?

Both are AHPRA-registered psychologists. An endorsed clinical psychologist has completed additional postgraduate training and practicum requirements. The Medicare rebate differs: $149.05 per session for endorsed clinical (MBS item 91167) versus $101.55 for registered (MBS item 91170). Your out-of-pocket gap depends on both the rebate and what your specific psychologist charges.

Related resources

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