Fees & Funding
Understanding your funding options
At Outlook Psychology, we want you to feel confident and informed before your first appointment. Whether you're accessing support through Medicare, a private health fund, or paying directly, this page explains your options clearly so you can focus on what matters most.
Book an appointmentMedicare-rebated sessions available per calendar year
EPC sessions available at a lower rebate for eligible clients
A conversation with your GP will help identify which funding pathway is right for you. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and your doctor is best placed to advise.
Medicare Rebates
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
Most people accessing Medicare rebates for psychology do so through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Here's what that means and how to get one.
A Mental Health Care Plan is a plan prepared by your GP that formally recognises your mental health needs and refers you to a mental health clinician.
It is not a complicated document. It is simply your GP's way of identifying that you would benefit from professional psychological support, and it opens the door to Medicare rebates for your sessions.
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for one. If you have been experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, or anything else affecting your mental wellbeing, you are entitled to have that conversation with your GP.
Once your plan is in place, your GP will send a referral to Outlook Psychology. We will take it from there.
Book a longer appointment with your GP and let them know you'd like to discuss your mental health and request a Mental Health Care Plan.
Your GP assesses your needs and prepares the plan. This is a Medicare-billed appointment — bulk billing may apply depending on your GP.
Your GP sends us the referral. Forward it to opreferrals@opgove.com.au or ask your GP to send it directly to us.
Book your first session. Your Medicare rebate will apply from your very first appointment with us.
How Many Sessions?
Medicare sessions — how it works
Under Medicare, you can access up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. These are broken into two rounds, with a GP review in between.
First round
Your initial referral covers up to 6 sessions. After these, your GP will review your progress before issuing a further referral.
Total per year
A maximum of 10 Medicare-rebated sessions are available to you in each calendar year (January to December).
Second round
After your GP review, a further 4 sessions can be referred, taking you to the full 10 for the year.
Your Options
Choose the pathway that works for you
There are a few different ways to access support at Outlook Psychology. Your GP can help you work out which pathway suits your situation best.
Getting Started
Ready to take the next step?
Here's how to get your funding sorted and your first appointment booked, from start to finish.
Talk to your GP
Book a longer appointment and let your GP know you're looking to access psychological support. They'll advise whether a Mental Health Care Plan, an EPC referral, or a self-referral is the right path for you.
Send us your referral
If your GP prepares a referral, ask them to send it to opreferrals@opgove.com.au, or forward it yourself. If you're self-referring or using private health, no referral is needed.
Book your first session
Book online or call us on 1300 007 865. We'll match you with a clinician suited to your needs, with appointments available Monday to Sunday, 8am to 7pm.
Your rebate is processed
For Medicare clients, your rebate is processed after each session. For private health clients, you'll receive a receipt to claim with your insurer directly.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
No — you can self-refer at any time. However, without a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates will not apply. If cost is a consideration, it is worth speaking to your GP first to explore your rebate options before booking.
A Mental Health Care Plan is specifically for mental health support and provides access to up to 10 rebated sessions per year. An Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan is for people managing a chronic or complex health condition and covers up to 5 allied health sessions across all providers — at a lower rebate rate. Your GP will advise which is more suitable for your situation.
Medicare sessions reset on 1 January each calendar year. If you've used your 10 sessions and still need support, you can continue seeing your clinician as a private client, or claim through your private health fund if applicable. Your new Medicare sessions become available from 1 January.
In some cases, yes — but this depends on your private health fund and the specifics of your policy. Some funds allow you to claim the gap amount after Medicare has been applied; others do not. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm before booking.
After your session is paid in full, we'll provide you with a receipt. You then submit this to your private health insurer directly via their app, online portal, or by phone. The rebate amount and process will depend on your fund and level of cover.
Yes. Your GP or psychiatrist can update an existing referral to Outlook Psychology Practice and send it to opreferrals@opgove.com.au. Get in touch if you need any help with this.
Not sure where to start? We can help.
Give us a call or send an enquiry and our friendly team will help you understand your options before you even book your first appointment.