Fees + Medicare FAQ
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
No. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a psychologist.
You can contact Parents Bumps + Bubs directly to enquire about availability or book an appointment. However, if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for your psychology sessions, you will need a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist.
How much does it cost to see a psychologist?
Fees vary depending on the type of appointment and the clinician you see.
Initial consultations with one of our clinical psychologists range from $345 to $355, while standard follow-up appointments range from $285 to $315. Couples sessions from $315 to $335.
Payment is made at the time of your consultation by Visa or Mastercard. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan or referral, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
Can I get a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions?
Yes, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for psychology sessions if you have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or psychiatrist.
These plans allow eligible clients to claim back part of the session fee through Medicare. To find out whether you are eligible, you will need to book an appointment with your medical provider. When booking, it’s helpful to let them know you would like to be assessed for a Medicare plan, as they may need to schedule a longer appointment.
How much is the Medicare rebate for a psychologist?
The Medicare rebate amount depends on the type of referral and the clinician you see.
At Parents Bumps + Bubs, eligible clients can usually claim back $145 per session through Medicare when they have a valid Medicare Mental Health Care Plan. The rebate doesn’t cover the full session fee, so there will usually be an out-of-pocket cost.
t’s also worth checking whether you’ve reached the Medicare Safety Net. Pregnancy and birth can involve a lot of out-of-pocket medical expenses, so some new parents find they reach the Safety Net threshold during the year.
Once you reach the Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold, Medicare provides a higher rebate for eligible out-of-hospital services for the rest of that calendar year. This can cover up to 80% of your out-of-pocket cost, subject to Medicare’s benefit caps, which can significantly reduce the cost of psychology sessions.
You can check your Medicare Safety Net balance through your Medicare account in myGov.
Can My Obstetrician Refer Me to a Psychologist Under a Mental Health Care Plan?
Not usually. A Mental Health Care Plan is generally prepared by your GP. An obstetrician can recommend or refer you to a psychologist, but their referral on its own won’t usually allow you to claim psychology sessions under the Medicare Better Access program.
If your obstetrician recommends psychological support during pregnancy or after birth, you’re very welcome to contact us directly. If you’d also like to access Medicare rebates, you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate for you.
How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?
Under a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan, eligible clients can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.
Your referring doctor will usually provide an initial referral for a set number of sessions. After those sessions, you may need to return to your GP or psychiatrist for a review before accessing further Medicare-rebated sessions.
Do you claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions for me?
Yes, if you have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan we can process your Medicare rebate after your psychology session.
Session fees are paid in full at the time of your appointment, and your Medicare rebate is then claimed back through Medicare. The rebate is usually paid into the bank account you have registered with Medicare.
Can I see a psychologist without a Mental Health Care Plan?
Yes. You can see a psychologist without a Mental Health Care Plan.
A Mental Health Care Plan is only needed if you would like to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible psychology sessions. You are also welcome to book an appointment privately without a Medicare plan or GP referral.
Some clients choose to see a psychologist privately because they do not have a current Mental Health Care Plan, prefer not to involve Medicare, have used their available Medicare sessions for the year, or wish to attend appointments that are not eligible for Medicare rebates, such as some couples therapy or family sessions.
Can I use Medicare for online psychology sessions?
Yes. Eligible clients can usually claim Medicare rebates for online psychology sessions, also known as telehealth psychology sessions, if they have a valid referral and Medicare Mental Health Care Plan.
Telehealth sessions can be especially helpful if you have a new baby or you’re experiencing a difficult pregnancy.
Can I claim psychology sessions through private health insurance?
You may be able to claim psychology sessions through your private health insurance, depending on your level of cover and your health fund.
Private health insurance rebates vary between providers, so we recommend contacting your insurer directly to check whether psychology sessions are included in your extras cover, how much you can claim back, and whether any annual limits apply.
Can I claim both Medicare and private health insurance for the same psychology session?
No. You generally cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance rebate for the same psychology session.
If you’re eligible for both Medicare and private health insurance benefits, you may wish to compare the rebate or benefit amounts to decide which option gives you the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
Your private health insurer can confirm what psychology benefits are included in your policy and whether any annual limits apply.
Do you process private health insurance claims?
No, we do not process private health insurance claims directly.
After your appointment, we will provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your private health insurer. Private health insurance rebates vary between funds and levels of cover, so we recommend checking with your insurer to confirm what you may be able to claim.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
Unless there are significant extenuating circumstances, sessions cancelled without reasonable notice attract a cancellation fee: 100% of the session fee for sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, and 50% of the session fee for sessions cancelled with less than 48-hours notice.
Cancellations must be made via phone or email. If you’ve cancelled via email, we will always confirm your cancellation via reply email.