The Push for Mental Health Access vs. the Reality on the Ground
The Australian Government has taken important steps to improve access to psychological care. Through the Better Access Initiative, Medicare provides rebates for eligible sessions with registered psychologists. However, what many people don’t realise is that this rebate does not cover the full cost of a therapy session.
For example, as of 2025, the Medicare rebate for a general psychologist is $98.95, while the recommended fee by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) is $315 per 50-minute session. That’s a difference of over $215, which the psychologist must absorb or pass on to the client.
Why Most Psychologists Can’t Afford to Bulk Bill
Bulk billing means accepting the Medicare rebate as full payment for a session—no out-of-pocket cost for the client. It’s a wonderful model in theory, but in practice, it’s simply not sustainable for most psychologists, especially in private practice. Here’s why:
- Rising Costs of Running a Practice
Like any small business, psychologists must pay for rent, utilities, insurance, admin staff, software, professional development, and more. These overheads keep rising, and bulk billing fees haven’t kept up. - Burnout and Emotional Toll
Working as a psychologist is not just emotionally demanding—it also requires time for preparation, supervision, and case management outside the session. Bulk billing models often force clinicians to work longer hours with higher caseloads just to stay afloat, leading to burnout. - Lack of Incentives
Unlike GPs, psychologists don’t receive bulk billing incentives in many regions. For psychologists in metropolitan areas especially, there’s little financial support from the government to make bulk billing viable. - Medicare Rebates Have Not Kept Pace
Medicare rebates for psychological services have remained relatively stagnant for years, despite inflation and rising costs. As a result, many clinicians feel unsupported by the system they’re expected to operate within.
But What About the People Who Can’t Afford It?
This is the heartbreaking part—and something no psychologist takes lightly. Most enter the profession out of a desire to help. Many continue to offer discounted rates, pro bono sessions, or reduced-fee spots for clients in genuine financial distress. But unfortunately, they cannot extend this to every client.
Some psychologists do offer bulk billing—typically in community health centres, or under government-funded programs. However, these services often have long waitlists, limited session availability, or cater to specific groups.
What Can You Do If You’re Struggling to Afford Therapy?
- Use SeekHelp’s Search Filters
Our platform allows you to search for low-cost, bulk billing, or reduced fee psychologists where available. We’re always working to make mental health more accessible. - Talk to the Psychologist
Many private psychologists don’t advertise discounted rates but may be open to discussing a sliding scale fee depending on your circumstances. It never hurts to ask respectfully. - Look Into Community or University Clinics
Clinics run by universities or local councils often offer services at lower costs, sometimes provided by provisional psychologists under supervision. - Use All Your Medicare Sessions
As of now, eligible individuals can receive up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Make sure to access these through your GP.
A Shared Struggle, A Shared Solution
It’s not just clients who are feeling the strain—psychologists are too. The system is under pressure from both ends. Clients are doing their best to seek help, and clinicians are doing their best to provide it. What we need is systemic reform: improved Medicare rebates, incentives to offer bulk billing, and more funding for public mental health services.
In the meantime, the best thing we can do is show compassion—for those reaching out for help, and for those providing it.
If you’re struggling, don’t give up. Support is out there. And if you’re a clinician feeling the weight of the system, know that you’re not alone either.
Let’s keep the conversation going—and the support flowing.
Visit www.seekhelp.com.au to find the right psychologist for your needs, whether you’re looking for bulk billing, reduced fees, or simply someone who understands.