Lara is a Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Pair. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore, reflect, and navigate their personal journey. Lara understands the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit and is committed to helping individuals access care that feels aligned, effective, and meaningful for them.
You’ve decided you want to see a psychologist and you’ve found someone on Pair, what happens next? That next depends on how you would like to pay for sessions and what support you may be eligible for.
If you have Medicare, you may be eligible for up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This works in a similar way to Medicare rebates when you visit a GP. To qualify, you just need to be experiencing mental health challenges that are affecting your day-to-day life.
If you see a general psychologist, the Medicare rebate is $98.97 per session. For a clinical psychologist, the rebate is $145.25 per session. Most psychologists in private practice charge above the rebate amount, which means there is usually an out-of-pocket cost to pay for each session.
If you’re struggling with body image or eating difficulties, you may be eligible for an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP). This can give you up to 40 sessions in a year from the date it’s created.
You access an EDP in the same way as a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), and your GP will let you know if you meet the eligibility criteria. An EDP has more specific rules, so it’s important to keep track of your sessions to make the most of your support.
Other ways to see a psychologist
- Bulk-billing services like Headspace or university psychology clinics
- Privately, paying the full fee yourself
- Through your private health insurance
- Through work, if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Through the NDIS
- Through TAC claims, WorkCover, or Victim Support
Each of these options has its own rules and processes. The best approach is to contact the service handling your payments — they can guide you step by step and answer any questions about accessing a psychologist.