Why Bulk Billed Psychologist Sessions Are Rare — And Where to Find Affordable Support in Melbourne
The short answer
Bulk-billed psychologist appointments (no out-of-pocket cost) are much less common today because the Medicare rebate doesn’t cover the real cost of delivering a standard session. As of 1 July 2025, typical Medicare rebates are $145.25 (clinical psychologist) and $98.95 (general psychologist) for a 50-minute session, while the recommended private fee is ~$318 for a 46–60 minute consult. That funding gap is why most practices now charge a gap fee instead of bulk billing.
What “bulk billed psychologist” means (and why it’s rare)
Bulk billing = your psychologist accepts the Medicare rebate as full payment (you pay $0). Under the Better Access program, eligible patients can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year with a referral/plan from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. Providers set their own fees, so many choose to charge above the rebate to cover costs.
The cost gap driving fewer bulk-billed spots
Rebates vs fees: $145.25 (clinical) or $98.95 (general) vs an APS-suggested fee of $318 for a standard consult.
Rising practice costs & high demand: National spending on Medicare-subsidised mental-health services hit ~$1.5 billion in 2023–24, with psychologists accounting for ~$715 million—yet demand still outstrips supply.
Program settings: Since the pandemic-era expansion ended, the cap returned to 10 sessions/year, increasing the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs when ongoing care is needed.
Affordable ways to see a Melbourne psychologist (beyond bulk billing)
Even if you can’t locate a bulk billed psychologist, there are low cost counselling Melbourne pathways that keep therapy affordable:
Low-fee options with Provisional Psychologists
Many clinics lower the fee for sessions delivered by supervised Provisional Psychologists—often the most affordable psychologist option while maintaining evidence-based care.WorkCover psychologist Melbourne (no gap once approved)
If your psychological injury relates to work, WorkSafe Victoria funds sessions (e.g., $203.91 maximum per 60-minute individual consult—face-to-face or telehealth). Once your claim is approved, there’s typically no out-of-pocket cost.Other funding (NDIS, TAC, VOCAT)
Third-party schemes can cover psychology for eligible clients; confirm item eligibility and rates with each funder. (Program overviews: Department of Health/Better Access; scheme details vary.)Telehealth
Telehealth psychotherapy is as effective as in-person for most groups, according to systematic reviews and Australian policy reviews—so you can choose the most convenient, cost-efficient format without sacrificing outcomes.
What to do if you can’t find bulk billing
Ask about fee tiers (provisional vs registered vs clinical) and hardship/sliding-scale policies. (See Understanding the Different Types of Psychologists in Australia)
Check eligibility for WorkCover/NDIS/TAC if your situation fits—these can fully fund care.
Use your 10 Medicare sessions strategically (plan reviews at 6 + 4 sessions) and combine with group programs if suitable.
Consider telehealth to widen your search across Melbourne and reduce travel/time costs—outcomes are comparable.
Quick FAQs
How many Medicare-subsidised sessions can I get now?
Up to 10 individual + 10 group per calendar year under Better Access (standard setting since the pandemic top-up ended).
What are the current rebates (from 1 July 2025)?
Approx. $145.25 (clinical psychologist) and $98.95 (general psychologist) for a standard 50-minute session. Your out-of-pocket depends on the clinic’s fee.
Why are recommended fees so much higher than rebates?
APS’s 2025–26 schedule suggests $318 for a standard session, reflecting time for case notes, letters, supervision, insurance, admin, and practice overheads; indexation to MBS items hasn’t matched these costs.
How common is psychology use in Australia?
In 2023–24, about 2.7 million Australians (≈10%) received Medicare mental-health services, with psychologists delivering the largest share and telehealth remaining widely used.
Bottom line
Because rebates ($98.95–$145.25) don’t meet typical costs (≈$318), bulk billed psychologist sessions are limited. But Melbourne still offers affordable psychologist pathways: low cost counselling Melbourne options (especially via provisional clinicians), WorkCover psychologist Melbourne funding where applicable, and high-quality telehealth.
Reference
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Better Access initiative. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative
Australian Psychological Society. (2025). APS National Schedule of Recommended Fees 2025–2026. https://psychology.org.au
Australian Services Union. (2024). Mental health workforce funding and access data: APS and MBS analysis. https://www.asu.asn.au
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Mental health services in Australia: Medicare-subsidised mental health-specific services. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia
Medicare Benefits Schedule. (2025). MBS Online – Psychology items 80000 series. https://www.mbsonline.gov.au
WorkSafe Victoria. (2024). Psychology services fee schedule. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
Transport Accident Commission Victoria. (2024). TAC mental health and psychology funding. https://www.tac.vic.gov.au
Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal. (2024). Counselling assistance and funding. https://www.vocat.vic.gov.au
Reay, R. E., Looi, J. C. L., & Keightley, P. (2020). Telehealth mental health services during COVID-19: An evidence review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 54(11), 1022–1032. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867420959790
Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2023). Language and cultural responsiveness in mental health care. https://aifs.gov.au
