We Used to Get 20 Psychology Sessions. Now It’s 10—And It’s Failing Australians
In 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians were given up to 20 psychology sessions per year subsidised under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. This increase from the previous 10 sessions was a vital lifeline for many, as mental health challenges surged across the country.
But in January 2023, this temporary boost was quietly rolled back, cutting the number of subsidised psychology sessions back to 10 per year. Now, in 2025, the consequences of this reduction are clearer—and many mental health experts, patients, and advocates say it’s a step backward for mental health care in Australia.
Why Did the Government Cut Back to 10 Sessions?
The government’s rationale was that the original 20-session allowance was not equitable, with some individuals accessing many sessions while others missed out. They argued that returning to 10 sessions would help spread support more evenly across the population.
However, this overlooks the reality that many people with complex or chronic mental health conditions simply require more than 10 therapy sessions to recover or manage their symptoms effectively.
The Reality of 10 Sessions: Why It’s Not Enough
1. Mental health conditions vary widely
Some conditions like trauma, PTSD, and chronic anxiety need longer-term treatment. Ten sessions can only scratch the surface—cutting sessions prematurely often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery.
2. Creates inequality in care
Those who can afford to pay out of pocket continue therapy privately. Others, especially low-income Australians, face a harsh choice: stop therapy early or go without.
3. Puts more pressure on public mental health services
As people hit the session limit, more turn to already overstretched public systems—many of which have long waitlists and limited availability, especially in rural areas.
$1 Billion in Mental Health Funding—But Can You Access It?
In April 2025, the Albanese Labor Government announced a $1 billion investment to improve mental health services across Australia. This funding includes:
- $225 million to deliver 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres, many in regional areas.
- $500 million for 20 new Youth Specialist Care Centres targeting complex issues outside hospitals.
- $200 million to expand or initiate 58 Headspace centres.
While this commitment is a significant step forward, many Australians still struggle to access affordable psychology sessions under Medicare. The disconnect is clear: the large federal investment isn’t translating into enough subsidised therapy sessions for individuals who need ongoing psychological care. This gap leaves people caught between inadequate Medicare rebates and long wait times for public services.
What Can You Do If You Need More Than 10 Sessions?
- Talk to your GP about mental health care plans and ask about referrals to bulk-billed or low-cost services.
- Some psychologists offer sliding-scale fees or community-based programs.
- Explore digital mental health services such as Headspace, Beyond Blue, or MindSpot for additional support.
- If you’re on a waitlist for public services, ask about interim supports like group therapy or peer support programs.
Final Thoughts
Mental health recovery is rarely linear or quick. By limiting Medicare psychology sessions to just 10 per year, Australia risks undermining long-term mental health outcomes for millions. The 20-session boost during the pandemic acknowledged the reality of mental health care needs—but returning to 10 sessions ignores that reality once again.
If Australia wants to build a truly supportive, effective mental health system, policy must reflect the complexity of care people require—not an arbitrary session cap. It’s time to reconsider and expand access to affordable psychology services for all Australians.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit SeekHelp.com.au to find local services, low-cost options, and trusted mental health resources.