Can I get a rebate?

Can I get a rebate?
Counselling and psychotherapy are confidential services. You are entitled to a 20% rebate for counselling sessions when you submit your tax return if your annual out of pocket medical expenses (as an individual or family) are greater than $1500.

Private health rebates for counselling/psychotherapy are rare. Rebates are currently provided by:

Australian Unity Health
BUPA
CBHS Friendly Society Ltd
Police Health Fund
Medibank Private (Family Essentials and Family Comprehensive Policies)

Bayside Counselling fees are not eligible for Medicare rebates as Bayside is not a provider of Focused Psychological Strategies.

Medicare has been extended to cover people with an assessed mental disorder that is being managed by a GP under a GP Mental Health Care Plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan; or on direct referral by a psychiatrist or paediatrician from an eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) service.

By taking up a Mental Health Treatment Plan with your GP, you will be required to be diagnosed with a mental disorder and potentially receive suboptimal treatment for a condition you do not have.

The field of counselling and psychotherapy is part of the Allied Health Professionals.

Although some psychologists have undertaken training in counselling or psychotherapy many have not. Most psychologists tend to work using an approach called CBT, which is designed to treat specific symptoms. CBT is not an approach suited to developing an in-depth understanding of yourself and others. If you see a psychologist or psychiatrist or mental health social worker you will have a mental health record.