Information on getting a referral and claiming medicare rebates for counselling.
The better Access initiative is aimed to improve the outcome for people with a clinically diagnosed mental disorder through evidence based treatment. Under this initiative medicare rebates are available to patients for mental health services provided by general practitioners (GPs), psychologists (clinical and registered) eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
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Medicare services that are provided under the Better Access initiative?
Medicare rebates are available for up to ten sessions per calendar year to patients who have been assessed with a mental health disorder and referred by:
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A GP under a GP Mental health Treatment plan or
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Under a referred psychiatrist assessment and management plan or
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A Psychiatrist or paediatrician
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Health professions are free to determine their own fees for the professional services they provide. Charges of excess of medicare rebate is the responsibility of the patient.
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Mental health conditions
that are eligible for treatment
under a mental health care plan.
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Anxiety disorder
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Adjustment disorder
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Depression
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Conduct disorders
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Bereavement disorders
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Sleep problems
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Attention deficit disorder
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
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Co-occurring anxiety and depression