GP Referrals & Medicare Psychology in Perth
Understanding GP referrals, Mental Health Treatment Plans and Medicare rebates
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services in Willetton, Perth, for clients accessing care through eligible GP referrals and Medicare arrangements.
If you are considering seeing a psychologist, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates under the Australian Government's Better Access initiative.
This page explains how referrals work, what a Mental Health Treatment Plan involves and what information you may need before booking an appointment.
How Do GP Referrals for Psychology Work?
A GP referral can help eligible clients access psychological services through Medicare.
If you are experiencing mental health concerns, your GP may assess your circumstances and determine whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral for psychological services are appropriate.
The general process involves:
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Book a GP appointment: Discuss your mental health concerns and whether psychological support may be suitable.
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Complete an assessment: Your GP assesses your circumstances and eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
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Receive a referral: If appropriate, your GP prepares a valid referral for psychological treatment.
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Contact Bilingual Psychology: Email the practice with your referral information and enquire about appointment availability.
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Attend your appointment: Once your intake and appointment arrangements are confirmed, you can begin psychological consultations.
A referral may also be available through an eligible psychiatrist or paediatrician under the applicable Medicare requirements.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a structured plan prepared by an eligible medical practitioner to support the management of a person's mental health needs.
It may include information about:
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Your mental health concerns and relevant assessment findings.
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Treatment goals and recommended support.
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Referrals to eligible mental health professionals.
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Arrangements for reviewing your progress.
Having a Mental Health Treatment Plan does not automatically guarantee a Medicare rebate. You must also meet the applicable eligibility and referral requirements.
A valid referral is required for Medicare-rebated psychological treatment.
Medicare Rebates for Psychology Appointments
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible clients may receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychological treatment services per calendar year, subject to the relevant requirements.
An initial referral generally covers a course of up to six individual sessions. Your referring practitioner may assess whether further sessions are appropriate, up to the annual Medicare limit.
The number of sessions available to you will depend on your eligibility, referral and any relevant psychological treatment services already claimed during the calendar year.
Will Medicare Cover the Full Appointment Fee?
Not necessarily.
Psychologists may charge fees that exceed the applicable Medicare rebate. When this occurs, the difference between the consultation fee and rebate is your out-of-pocket cost.
Before your appointment, Bilingual Psychology will confirm the applicable consultation fee and payment arrangements.
The Medicare rebate amount depends on the eligible service and current Medicare Benefits Schedule requirements.
What Do I Need Before My First Appointment?
If you intend to access Medicare rebates, please provide the relevant documentation requested by the practice.
This may include:
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Your GP or specialist referral letter.
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Information confirming your Mental Health Treatment Plan, where applicable.
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Relevant personal and contact information.
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Any additional documentation requested during intake.
Your referral should include the required clinical and administrative information, including the authorised course of treatment.
Please email the practice to confirm which documents are needed before your appointment.
Face-to-Face and Telehealth Psychology Appointments
Bilingual Psychology provides psychology consultations in Willetton, Perth, and offers telehealth appointments through Microsoft Teams.
Eligible Medicare rebates may apply to qualifying face-to-face or telehealth consultations, subject to the relevant Medicare rules.
For telehealth appointments, a secure Microsoft Teams meeting link will be emailed after your appointment has been confirmed.
How to Book a Medicare Psychology Appointment
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Obtain Your Referral
Speak with your GP or eligible referring specialist about whether Medicare-funded psychological services are appropriate.
02
Email Bilingual Psychology
Contact the practice to enquire about availability and provide the relevant referral documentation.
03
Confirm Appointment Arrangements
The practice will advise you of any further intake requirements, consultation fees and available appointment options.
04
Attend Your Consultation
Attend your confirmed appointment in person or via Microsoft Teams, where suitable.
About Your Psychologist – Lin Tan
Lin Tan is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia, with an endorsement in Organisational Psychology (AHPRA Registration PSY0001618416).
She is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation.
Her additional training includes Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 and PREPARE/ENRICH facilitation. These credentials should not be confused with a clinical psychology endorsement.
Bilingual and Culturally Responsive Online Psychology
Lin offers consultations in English, Mandarin (普通话) and Cantonese (廣東話). Clients may discuss concerns in their preferred language, with attention to cultural, family and social context. The suitability of telehealth is considered for each client.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many psychology sessions can I claim through Medicare?
Eligible clients may claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual mental health treatment services per calendar year under Better Access. Referrals are issued for courses of treatment, generally starting with up to six individual sessions.
Can I book a psychologist without a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Yes. You can book as a private, self-funded client without a referral. However, a valid eligible referral is required to claim Medicare rebates under Better Access.
Can I claim Medicare for couples counselling?
Couples counselling is generally not eligible for standard individual Better Access Medicare rebates. Please enquire about private appointment arrangements.
Can I use private health insurance and Medicare for the same appointment?
No. You cannot claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance benefit for the same psychological consultation.
Are telehealth psychology appointments covered by Medicare?
Eligible telehealth psychology consultations may attract Medicare rebates when the relevant service, patient, provider and referral requirements are met.
What if I have already used my Medicare psychology sessions this year?
You may continue accessing psychology services privately, subject to availability. You may also wish to check whether your private health insurance provides eligible psychology benefits.
