In 2026, most Australians with a Mental Health Treatment Plan can access a set number of subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year through Medicare's Better Access initiative, with the option to apply for additional sessions after an initial review by their GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. The exact number of sessions available and any associated Medicare rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government, so always confirm the current figures directly with your GP or via MBS Online.
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What is the Better Access initiative?
Medicare's Better Access initiative is the main pathway through which Australians access subsidised mental health care from psychologists, clinical psychologists, and other allied mental health professionals. The programme works by allowing GPs, psychiatrists, and paediatricians to prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan for eligible patients, which then entitles those patients to a set number of Medicare-rebatable sessions per calendar year.
The initiative has been a cornerstone of Australia's mental health system, giving many people who might otherwise struggle with the out-of-pocket cost of private psychological care a more affordable route to support. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, your first step should be a conversation with your GP, who can assess your circumstances and, if appropriate, prepare your plan. You can learn more about how the programme is structured at MBS Online - Better Access initiative.
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How many sessions can you access per calendar year?
The number of Medicare-rebatable sessions available to you in any calendar year depends on the type of referral you hold and whether your treating doctor has reviewed your progress and extended your plan. The Better Access programme is structured in two tiers: an initial allocation of sessions, followed by a review with your referring doctor, after which further sessions may be approved up to the annual maximum.
Because Medicare rebate entitlements and session limits are subject to change by the Australian Government through the annual Budget process and MBS Reviews, it is important not to rely on any specific figure that is not accompanied by a direct link to the official source. For the current session limits that apply in 2026, refer to the item descriptors published at MBS Online, or ask your GP to confirm at your next appointment. The key point to understand is that the calendar year resets on 1 January, meaning any unused sessions from the previous year do not carry over.
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The referral and review process explained
Getting started requires a visit to your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. During this appointment, your doctor assesses your mental health needs and, if appropriate, prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan is what activates your Medicare entitlements for that calendar year.
After your initial sessions are used, you will need to return to the referring doctor for a review before more sessions can be approved. This review is an important part of the process - it gives your doctor an opportunity to assess how you are progressing, adjust your plan if needed, and provide a referral for further sessions if they are clinically appropriate.
A few practical points to be aware of:
- You can choose your own psychologist or allied mental health professional, provided they are registered and Medicare-eligible. - Your psychologist does not need to be on any particular panel; they simply need to be registered with AHPRA - Psychology Board of Australia and hold Medicare provider status. - Telehealth consultations became a permanent feature of the Better Access initiative following the pandemic, so you may be able to see your psychologist via video call if that suits your circumstances.
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What is the difference between a psychologist and a clinical psychologist?
Under the Better Access initiative, the rebate applied to your session can differ depending on whether you see a general psychologist or a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists hold an additional qualification - typically a postgraduate degree with supervised clinical training - and are registered as such with AHPRA.
This distinction matters practically because the out-of-pocket cost you pay after the Medicare rebate may vary depending on which type of practitioner you see and what fee they charge. Most psychologists set their own fees above the Medicare rebate, so there is often a gap payment. To understand what this looks like for a specific practitioner, ask about their fees before your first appointment. You can verify a practitioner's registration type at any time through the AHPRA register.
If you are looking for a starting point, our cost guide walks through what Australians typically pay out of pocket and how to compare your options.
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Are there options beyond the standard Better Access sessions?
Yes. For some individuals, the annual Better Access allocation may not be sufficient, particularly for those managing complex or long-term mental health conditions. In these cases, there are other pathways worth exploring:
Private health insurance: Some extras policies cover a portion of psychology fees, which can reduce gap payments even after your Medicare sessions are exhausted. Check your policy product disclosure statement for details. State and territory mental health services: Each state and territory funds its own public mental health services, which may be accessible through your GP or local health district. These services vary significantly by location and wait time. Community mental health organisations: Organisations such as Beyond Blue and headspace offer counselling and support services that operate outside the Medicare system, with headspace specifically providing services for young people aged twelve to twenty-five. Employer Assistance Programmes (EAPs): Many employers offer a set number of free counselling sessions through EAP providers. These sessions are confidential and do not affect your Medicare entitlement.Our independent directory of best psychologists in Sydney can help you compare local practitioners and understand what services they offer.
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Tips for making the most of your sessions
Navigating the mental health system can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already struggling. Here are some practical steps to help you make the most of what is available:
1. Start with your GP. Your GP is the gateway to the Better Access initiative and can refer you to a psychologist suited to your needs. 2. Book your mid-year review in advance. To avoid gaps in your care, schedule your GP review appointment before your initial sessions run out. 3. Ask about fees upfront. Medicare rebates rarely cover the full cost of a session, so ask your psychologist what the gap payment will be before you begin. 4. Keep track of your session count. Your psychologist's practice can usually tell you how many Medicare-rebatable sessions you have used in the current calendar year. 5. Explore the Australian Psychological Society's Find a Psychologist tool if you need help locating a registered practitioner in your area.
Our methodology explains how we assess and rank practitioners listed in our directory.
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FAQ
Q: Can I access my Better Access sessions without a GP referral? A: In most cases, no. A Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician is required to activate your Medicare entitlements under Better Access. Some psychiatrists can prepare a plan directly, but most people enter through their GP. Q: Do my Medicare psychology sessions reset at the start of the year? A: Yes. The Better Access session allocation operates on a calendar year basis, resetting on 1 January each year. Unused sessions do not carry over to the following year. Q: Can I use Better Access sessions for online or telehealth appointments? A: Yes. Telehealth consultations with eligible psychologists are covered under the Better Access initiative, making it easier to access care regardless of your location. Confirm telehealth availability with your chosen practitioner before booking. Q: What if I need more sessions than the annual maximum allows? A: Once you reach your annual limit, Medicare will not rebate further psychology sessions under Better Access until the calendar year resets. You may wish to explore private health insurance, EAP programmes, or community mental health services as alternatives in the interim. Discuss your situation with your GP.---
Sources
- MBS Online - Better Access initiative - AHPRA - Psychology Board of Australia - Australian Psychological Society - Beyond Blue - headspace
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Information in this article is general only and not clinical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.
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