Access Affordable Counselling
with a Mental Health Care Plan

Medicare Rebate for Counselling

If you’ve been referred by your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you may be eligible for Medicare rebates when seeing an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW).

At Port Adelaide Counselling Service, we are fully registered with Medicare to provide these services, making professional support more accessible and affordable.

📌 Please note: This service is available to adults aged 18 years and over only.
We are not currently accepting referrals for clients under 18 for Medicare-rebated counselling.

What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a referral from your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician that allows eligible clients to claim a Medicare rebate for mental health support.

It's designed to help with issues such as:

Anxiety, depression, or trauma
Stress and life transitions
Relationship difficulties
Parenting or family conflict
Grief and loss

How Much Can You Claim?

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative:

You may be eligible for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
Medicare rebates for Accredited Mental Health Social Workers are currently $87.25 per 50-minute session.
You pay the full session fee of $120 at the time of your appointment, and your Medicare rebate will be processed by Port Adelaide Counselling Service after payment.
Your total out-of-pocket cost is approximately $32.75 per session (subject to current MBS rates).

📌 Note: A valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral from your GP or psychiatrist must be in place before your session for your rebate to be processed. Please also complete the MHCP Intake & Consent Form (emailed after booking) and bring a copy of your referral and MHCP to your first appointment.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit Your GP
Book a longer appointment with your GP.
Ask for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral to Port Adelaide Counselling Service under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative.
Your GP or psychiatrist will remain your referring practitioner for the duration of your plan.

Step 2: Make Your Appointment
Book online via our website.
Let us know you’re using a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) when booking.
You’ll receive a link to complete our MHCP Intake & Consent Form before your first session.

Step 3: Provide Your Paperwork
Please bring a copy of your MHCP and GP referral to your first appointment.
A valid MHCP and referral must be in place before your appointment for your rebate to be processed.

Step 4: Pay & Rebate Processing
The full session fee ($120) is payable at the time of your appointment.
After payment, Port Adelaide Counselling Service will process your Medicare rebate on your behalf through our secure claiming system.
Your rebate (currently $87.25) will be deposited directly into your Medicare-linked bank account within 1–2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring a copy of my Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)?
Yes — we need a copy of your Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) and referral before your first session so your Medicare rebate can be processed.
You can:
• Bring a paper copy to your first appointment, or
• Ask your GP to email or fax it directly to pacounsellingservice@gmail.com, or
• Email a scanned copy yourself prior to your session.
Please note: completing the intake form alone is not sufficient — we must have a copy of your MHCP and referral on file before your appointment.

Can I use my rebate for couples counselling?
No. Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan apply only to individual therapy.

Can I claim through private health insurance as well?
No. Medicare and private health insurance cannot be used for the same session.
If you prefer to use private health instead of Medicare, please let us know at the time of booking and we can issue an itemised receipt for your health fund.

Do you communicate with my GP?
Yes — but only with your consent.
Under the Medicare Better Access initiative, your counsellor is required to send a brief progress report to your referring GP or psychiatrist after your 6th session, and a final report after your last session (or earlier if clinically indicated).
This ensures continuity of care and meets Medicare reporting requirements.

When will I receive my Medicare rebate?
Your Medicare rebate will be processed by Port Adelaide Counselling Service after payment, using our secure Tyro Health claiming system.
Once processed, your rebate (currently $87.25 per 50-minute session) will be deposited directly into your Medicare-linked bank account — usually within 1–2 business days.