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FEES & MEDICARE

Session fees · Medicare Better Access · What to expect

Session Fees

Standard 50-minute individual telehealth session: from $190 -$220

Medicare rebates are available for eligible clients with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from their GP. Please contact me for current fee details before your first appointment.

Medicare rebate amounts are set by the Australian Government and are indexed annually. Because rebate amounts can change, I don’t publish the exact figure here — but I’m happy to confirm the current rebate when you enquire, and your GP can also confirm it when issuing your Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Understanding Medicare Better Access

If you have a Medicare card and a referral from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate on your sessions — meaning the out-of-pocket cost to you is reduced.

How It Works — Step by Step

  1. Visit your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) — also called a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. Let them know you would like to see an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
  2. Your GP completes the plan and provides you with a referral letter. Ask them to specify an AMHSW and to note telehealth delivery.
  3. Book your appointment with Sureen De Silva Therapy and provide your referral details at intake.
  4. After each session, a Medicare claim is submitted on your behalf via Halaxy. The rebate is transferred directly to your nominated bank account, usually within 2 business days.

How Many Sessions Am I Entitled To?

Under the Better Access scheme, you are entitled to up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (January–December):

  • An initial 6 sessions are available with your first referral
  • After 6 sessions, your GP reviews your progress and, if appropriate, refers you for a further 4 sessions
  • The calendar year limit resets on 1 January each year

If you have already used some Better Access sessions with another provider this calendar year, the remaining number of sessions is available to use with Sureen De Silva Therapy.

Medicare Item Numbers (Telehealth AMHSW)

Because this is a telehealth-only practice, the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers are the videoconference and phone Focussed Psychological Strategies items for an eligible social worker:

  • 91176 — Individual videoconference session, 50 minutes or more (standard session — this is the item most clients will be billed under)
  • 91175 — Individual videoconference session, at least 20 but less than 50 minutes
  • 91188 — Individual phone session, 50 minutes or more
  • 91187 — Individual phone session, at least 20 but less than 50 minutes

For standard 50-minute videoconference sessions, item 91176 applies. You can verify the current rebate amount for this item at any time at www.mbsonline.gov.au, or your GP can confirm it when issuing your Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Do I Need a Referral?

A referral is required to access Medicare rebates.

However, you do not need a referral to book as a private (self-funded) client — you are welcome to book directly.

Payment & Cancellation Policy

  • Payment is processed securely through Halaxy practice management software
  • Payment is due on the day of your session
  • Accepted methods: credit card, debit card (processed via Halaxy)
  • A Medicare rebate claim is submitted on your behalf following each session (if eligible)

If you need to cancel: 

  • Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment
  • Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur the full session fee
  • Late cancellation fees are not claimable through Medicare
  • Exceptions may be considered for genuine emergencies — please contact me as soon as possible

Please review the full cancellation policy in your Client Information & Consent Pack, which you will receive prior to your first appointment.