Do You Need a GP Referral to See an Online Psychologist in Australia?

Do You Need a GP Referral to See an Online Psychologist in Australia?

You’ve decided to reach out for help and maybe you’re feeling anxious, burnt out, or simply ready to talk to someone. You’ve found a psychologist online, but then the question pops up like: Do I need a GP referral before I can book?

The short answer is you can see a psychologist without a referral, but if you want to claim Medicare rebates, you’ll need to see your GP first for a Mental Health Care Plan.

Let’s unpack how it all works.

Seeing a Psychologist Without a Referral

Anyone in Australia can book directly with a psychologist (online or in person) without a GP referral. This gives you full privacy and flexibility. Many people choose to do this because:

• They want immediate access and don’t want to wait for a GP appointment.
• They prefer not to share personal details with their doctor.
• They are seeking coaching, stress management, or personal development, which might not fall under a “mental health” diagnosis.

The trade-off is that without a referral, you pay the full session fee, as Medicare rebates aren’t available.

However, if you have private health insurance with extras cover, you might still be able to claim part of the cost. Just check with your fund to see if psychology is included.

Accessing Rebates Through a GP Referral

If cost is a consideration, visiting your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is worthwhile. This plan allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist (whether online or in person).

Your GP will:

1. Discuss what’s been happening for you.
2. Ask a few questions to understand your symptoms and goals.
3. Create a Mental Health Care Plan, which is a summary of your situation and referral details.
4. Provide a referral letter naming your psychologist (or an open referral if you haven’t chosen yet).

You then share that plan with your psychologist, and the clinic can process your Medicare rebate after each session.

Online Psychologists and Medicare

Online sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates, provided they meet the same criteria as face-to-face sessions:

• You have a valid GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan.
• The psychologist is AHPRA-registered and based in Australia.
• The session is delivered via secure video (not just text or email).

The rebate amounts are the same:

• Around $98.97per session with a registered psychologist.
• Around $145.25 per session with a clinical psychologist.

You pay the clinic’s full fee, and then the rebate is processed automatically if they use Medicare online claiming.

What If You’ve Already Seen a Psychologist?

If you’ve had therapy before and your plan has expired, you can return to your GP for a review. Your doctor can reissue another plan for the next calendar year or adjust the referral based on your progress.

If you move to an online psychologist, you can use the same Mental Health Care Plan  just ask your GP to provide an updated referral letter with the new psychologist’s name.

When a GP Referral Isn’t Needed

There are situations where you can bypass the GP entirely:

• Private health insurance: You’re using your own cover and don’t need Medicare.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Your workplace funds a small number of sessions.
• NDIS, WorkCover or other funded supports: These programs handle referrals differently.

In these cases, your psychologist will guide you through what’s required.

How to Prepare for the GP Appointment

If you’re feeling nervous, here’s what helps:

• Write down what’s been going on, such as mood, stress, sleep, triggers, or big life changes.
• Note any previous therapy or medications.
• Be honest about how you’ve been coping as it helps your GP choose the right level of care.

Remember, your GP’s role is to support you, not judge you. Mental Health Care Plans are one of the most common referrals GPs make, and they know how to guide you through it.

The Takeaway

You don’t need a referral to see an online psychologist, but if you’d like help with the cost, a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan open the door to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions each year.

Either way, you’re taking an important step toward your wellbeing. Whether you book directly or go through your GP, what matters most is that you reach out and get the support you deserve.

 At PsychologyCare, we’re happy to walk you through both options, with or without a GP referral, and help you find the best pathway for your needs.