Frequently Asked Questions

Mental Health Care Plan (MCHP) allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services. The rebate may be claimed at the time of your appointment.

A MHCP provides 10 individual sessions with the Medicare rebate in a calendar year; 1 January through 31 December.

Your referring GP will assess your progress after the first 6 sessions and decide whether to make another referral if any further treatment is required. After you have used all 10 sessions in a calendar year, you will no longer be eligible for Medicare funding until the next calendar year rolls over.

If your GP feels it is appropriate, you can continue to access Medicare rebated sessions each year up to the limit of 10 per year.

You don’t have to have a Mental Health Care Plan to see a Psychologist. You can pay privately with no rebate or use private health insurance if you have it and your fund covers psychology.

No. Anyone can see a registered psychologist. Without a MHCP you simply pay the full fee, or use private health insurance for your sessions.

Yes, we do. It’s best to contact us about your Telehealth needs, and if this is the best way for you to have counselling.

We currently offer Telehealth sessions by Google Meet (video) or telephone.

Excel Psychology has a commitment to social justice. We offer a limited number of bulk billed sessions each year. Unfortunately the spaces we have for fully bulk billed sessions are currently full. If you meet the bulk billing criteria listed on our fees page, please call our admin to discuss a reduced rate that we can arrange for you.

Make a long appointment with your GP and let them know you would like to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan. Your GP will assess whether a MHCP is suitable for you. Your GP will prepare a MHCP if they believe it is appropriate. This will depend on the results of their assessment, your needs, goals and actions, appropriate referrals, required treatment/services, and a review date. It’s best to contact your GP if you’d like more information about this.

We’re here to help. If you’re unsure about whether you need counselling, book a free, no obligation consultation.

Our practice manager is able to offer free 15 minutes consultations, where you’ll be able to discuss what’s happening in your life and what is best for you. Call our friendly admin team on (07) 3868 2221 if you would like to arrange a free consultation.

Unfortunately no, it’s not possible to use both Medicare and Private Health for the same service. Either Medicare or Private Health Insurance may be used. They are not allowed to be used at the same appointment.

Yes, private health insurance is another option for a rebate. The amount of rebate is dependent on your insurance plan. Check with your insurer for further information.

Unfortunately, couples counselling is not covered by most health insurers.

You’re welcome to make an appointment by phoning, emailing or stopping by our office. Also, feel free to use our handy form on the Contact Us page. There is no need for a referral from your doctor. On the other hand, your doctor might help you by providing a Mental Health Care Plan. There’s more information about this below.

Counsellors are required to complete an accredited course of study which is accepted by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapist and Counsellor’s Association of Australia (PACFA) and to register with one of those associations.

Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not currently available for Counsellors.

Psychologists are required to complete a minimum of 4 to 5 years of university education and practical training, following which, they can begin practice as a Provisional Psychologist. Provisional Psychologists are able to practice as registered Psychologists would, with additional mentoring and supervision.

Unfortunately, Medicare rebates are not currently available for Provisional Psychologists.

You can read more about provisional psychologists by clicking here.

The out of pocket fee (with a valid MHCP) is $118.15 for sessions with a Clinical Psychologist and $123.35 with a Registered Psychologist.

Sessions with a Clinical Psychologist are $260 and the Medicare rebate is $141.85, leaving a gap of $118.15. Sessions with a Psychologist are $220 and the Medicare rebate is $96.65 leaving a gap of $123.35. Payments can be made using EFTPOS, cash, or credit card. Payments are due on the day of your appointment. This is the case for telehealth appointments also.

Each session is approximately 50-60 minutes in duration. You can receive your Medicare rebate on-the-spot at our clinic, which means the rebate funds are instantly put into your account. You just need to have your debit card (cheque or savings account) with a pin to receive the Medicare rebate.