Funding

Medicare

You do not need a referral for your child to see a psychologist. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for psychological services for your child a referral from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or GP is required. The rebate value and the number of sessions available vary depending on the type of referral. It is advised that you call Medicare on 132 150 to confirm your child’s eligibility. Medicare generally does not provide rebates on assessments.

Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)

A MHCP entitles eligible individuals to access Medicare rebates for the treatment of some mental health conditions. Your GP or treating doctor can discuss with you your child’s mental health concerns and determine their eligibility and appropriate referral options. Your child may be eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year depending on their mental health concerns. Prior to your child’s first session please ensure their referring doctor has lodged the appropriate Medicare documentation and that a copy has been given to Healthy Little Minds Psychology.

In March 2023, Medicare introduced two parent sessions per calendar year. This enables parents to attend up to two sessions without their child under their child’s MHCP (pending child consent). These sessions form part of your child’s MHCP, meaning that if a parent attends two parent sessions, their child will have up to eight sessions per calendar year. Please note, for all other sessions your child must be present to claim Medicare rebates under your child’s MHCP.

Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM)

The CDM (formerly Enhanced Primary Care or EPC) entitles eligible individuals who have a chronic medical condition and complex care needs that are being managed by their GP under a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements to access Medicare rebates for certain allied health services (e.g. psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy) when referred from their GP.

Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders and eligible disabilities (previously Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) and Better Start for Children with Disability initiative)

Medicare rebates are available for assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals under the age of 25 years with a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder, such as Autism or an eligible disability. A valid referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist is required and only sessions attended by the individual can be claimed through Medicare.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Healthy Little Minds Psychology can provide services to clients under the NDIS, if they are self-managed. Unfortunately at this time, we are not a registered provider of the NDIS and cannot see plan or agency-managed NDIS clients. Self-managed NDIS clients are required to pay in full at the time of service. An invoice will be issued and clients can then claim privately.

Private Health Insurance

You and your child may be eligible to receive rebates for psychological services through your private health insurer. Please contact your insurer for more information regarding your eligibility and making a claim. Please note, that Healthy Little Minds Psychology does not process private health insurance rebates. An invoice will be issued and clients can then claim privately.