Use Your Remaining Medicare Sessions Before Year End
In Australia, mental health care is a right, not a privilege. The Medicare Better Access program allows eligible adults to receive subsidised psychological therapy each calendar year. These sessions reset every 1 January, and unused appointments don’t give you more the following year. If you still have sessions available in 2025, now is the time to use them — your well being shouldn’t wait until next year.
How the program works. To access subsidised psychology sessions, you first see your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan. This brief assessment involves discussing how you’re feeling and what goals you hope to achieve. Your doctor then refers you to a psychologist of your choice. Currently, Australians can claim rebates for up to ten sessions with a registered psychologist per year. Rebates cover a portion of the fee; general psychologists attract rebates around $98.95 per session and clinical psychologists around $145.25. Over ten sessions, that’s up to $1,452.50 towards your mental health — funds that many people leave unused each year.
Why use sessions now. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the challenges you’ve faced and prepare for a more balanced 2026. Medicare‑funded sessions can help you:
- Manage end‑of‑year work stress so you can actually enjoy your holidays.
- Prepare for challenging family dynamics over Christmas or other celebrations.
- Develop skills to set healthier boundaries and prevent burnout.
- Identify patterns that may be holding you back and plan for positive change in the new year.
How to get started. The process is simple:
- Book a GP appointment to discuss your mental health and obtain a Mental Health Care Plan. Don’t be afraid to be honest — your doctor is there to help.
- Choose a registered psychologist who fits your needs. Our FAQ page explains the types of therapies we offer and what to expect in your first session. If you’re in Sydney, our adult therapy program provides flexible appointment times and experienced practitioners.
- Schedule your sessions soon. December is one of the busiest periods for mental health professionals. Early booking ensures you can use your entitlements before they expire.
- Discuss fees and rebates with your psychologist’s office. (we don’t bulk bill, so don’t allude to it)
- Plan ahead. Using your remaining sessions now doesn’t mean you have to complete all ten before the year ends; you might have two or three left, and you can continue working with your psychologist in 2026. After six sessions, you return to your GP for a review and, if needed, another referral for the remaining sessions. This system ensures coordinated care between your doctor and psychologist.
Using your sessions is an investment in your future resilience. Many people delay seeking help until they feel overwhelmed, but therapy can also be preventative. By addressing smaller issues now, you reduce the risk of them turning into larger problems later. Don’t let fear or busyness keep you from accessing support that’s already available to you.
For details on how the program works, visit the Australian Government’s Better Access information page. To see what can be claimed, review the Medicare Benefits Schedule overview.
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