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Accessing Mental Health Support Shouldn’t Be Complicated

At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, we help you understand how Medicare rebates work so you can plan your care with confidence.

We offer appointments:

  • In-person in Gladesville (Sydney Inner West)

  • Secure telehealth across NSW

New clients welcome

Medicare Rebates for Psychology
(Better Access) – Gladesville Sydney

How Medicare (Better Access) Works

If your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician believes psychological therapy would be helpful, they can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and refer you to iflow Psychology.

With a valid referral:

  • You can access up to 10 individual Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year

  • Medicare provides a rebate for each session

  • You pay the remaining gap (out-of-pocket cost)

 

These caps are set by the Australian Government.

⚠️ Important

  • Medicare does not provide more than 10 individual sessions per year

  • The number of sessions does not increase, even if your costs change

Simple Steps to Get Started

  1. Book an appointment with your GP

  2. Obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral

  3. Send your referral to us (or bring it to your first session)

  4. Book your appointment (in-person or telehealth)

Telehealth Psychology (NSW)

We offer secure telehealth sessions across NSW.

When clinically appropriate and eligibility criteria are met:

  • Medicare rebates apply

  • You can access therapy from home

More information is available on our Telehealth Psychology page.

Fees, Rebates & Claiming

iflow Psychology is a private practice.

  • Session fees apply

  • Medicare rebates (when eligible) reduce your out-of-pocket cost

 

We can assist with:

  • On-the-spot Medicare claiming (where possible)

  • Guidance on submitting claims online

Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Medicare rebates are fixed per session.

However, your out-of-pocket costs may change only if you reach Medicare Safety Net thresholds.

What is the Medicare Safety Net?

The Medicare Safety Net provides higher rebates only after you spend a certain amount on eligible healthcare services within a calendar year.

This includes services such as:

  • GP visits

  • Specialist appointments

  • Psychology sessions

 

It is based on your total medical spending, not just psychology.

What is the Medicare Safety Net?

The Medicare Safety Net provides higher rebates only after you spend a certain amount on eligible healthcare services within a calendar year.

This includes services such as:

  • GP visits

  • Specialist appointments

  • Psychology sessions

 

It is based on your total medical spending, not just psychology.

⚠️ Costs do NOT automatically reduce

Your costs will only change if you reach a Safety Net threshold.

If you do NOT reach a threshold:

  • Your rebate stays the same

  • Your out-of-pocket cost stays the same

 

If you DO reach a threshold:

  • Medicare rebates increase

  • Your out-of-pocket cost may reduce

  • This applies only for the rest of the calendar year

2026 Medicare Safety Net Thresholds

  • $594.40 – Original Medicare Safety Net

  • $861.20 – Extended Safety Net (concession/families)

  • $2,699.10 – Extended Safety Net (general)

 

Once reached, Medicare may:

  • Pay 100% of the schedule fee, or

  • Cover up to 80% of out-of-pocket costs (subject to caps)

Example

Client attending a small number of sessions:

  • Threshold not reached

  • Cost remains the same each session

 

Client attending regular sessions and/or using other medical services:

  • Threshold reached mid-year

  • Later sessions may cost less

Payment Requirement

Only fully paid services count toward Medicare Safety Net thresholds.

If payments are delayed, they do not count until paid.

⚠️ Key Reminder

  • Medicare provides up to 10 rebated psychology sessions per year

  • The Safety Net does NOT increase session numbers

  • It only affects how much you get back

Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost in Sydney

Psychology session fees in Sydney typically range from:

  • $200 – $300 per session

 

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on:

  • Your clinician

  • Your Medicare rebate

  • Whether Safety Net thresholds are reached

Need help understanding your costs?

Our team can help you understand:

  • Your expected out-of-pocket costs

  • Medicare rebates

  • How to plan your sessions across the year

Common questions (FAQs)

How many sessions can I access?

Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year under Better Access.

Do telehealth sessions qualify for rebates?

Yes — when clinically appropriate and eligibility criteria are met.

Do I need a GP referral?

Yes, for Medicare rebates you need a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Will my sessions get cheaper over time?

Not automatically - Costs only reduce if Medicare Safety Net thresholds are reached.

Can I get more Medicare Rebates for sessions after I reach the threshold?

No. The Safety Net does not increase your session limit.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’re here to make getting support as smooth as possible.

 

Call: 02 6061 1144
Email: admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
Book Online (Halaxy)

 

If you need directions or parking details, visit our Location page.

What to bring to your first appointment

  1. ​​​​GP referral letter and MHTP (or have it emailed to admin@iflowpsychology.com.au)

  2. Medicare card details
  3. Any relevant reports, medication list, or previous treatment notes​

Final Note

We aim to provide clear, transparent information so you can make informed decisions about your care.

If you’re unsure about anything, our team is happy to guide you.

The first step is the hardest.

We’re here to support you with the next.

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