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 2026, typical Medicare rebates are $149.05 (clinical psychologist) and $101.55 (general psychologist) for a 50-minute session, while the APS suggested fee for a 46–60 minute consultation is $330 (2026–27). 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 (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, n.d.). 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: $149.05 (clinical) or $101.55 (general) vs an APS-suggested fee of $330 for a standard consult.
High demand: In 2024–25, over $1.6 billion in Medicare benefits was paid for mental health services, and psychologists’ services made up the largest share (48%) (AIHW, 2026).
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., $208.70 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, FAS)
Third-party schemes can cover psychology for eligible clients; confirm item eligibility and rates with each funder.Telehealth
A large review of 57 studies found video-based therapy produced outcomes largely similar to in-person therapy (Batastini et al., 2021), so you can often choose the most convenient format without giving up quality of care.
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 generally similar.
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 2026)?
Approx. $149.05 (clinical psychologist) and $101.55 (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?
The APS’s 2026–27 schedule suggests $330 for a standard 46–60 minute 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 2024–25, about 2.8 million Australians (10% of the population) received Medicare mental health services. Of the 13 million services provided, half were delivered by psychologists (AIHW, 2026).
Bottom line
Because rebates ($101.55–$149.05) don’t meet typical costs (≈$330), 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.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2026, May 12). Medicare mental health services. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/community-based-services/medicare-mental-health
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2026, May 12). Expenditure. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/facilities-resources/expenditure
Australian Psychological Society. (n.d.). How much does seeing a psychologist cost? https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs
Batastini, A. B., Paprzycki, P., Jones, A. C. T., & MacLean, N. (2021). Are videoconferenced mental and behavioral health services just as good as in-person? A meta-analysis of a fast-growing practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 83, 101944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101944
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (n.d.). Better Access initiative. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2026). MBS item 80010: Psychological therapy health services. Medicare Benefits Schedule. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=80010
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. (2026). MBS item 80110: Focussed psychological strategies health services. Medicare Benefits Schedule. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=80110
Reay, R. E., Looi, J. C., & Keightley, P. (2020). Telehealth mental health services during COVID-19: Summary of evidence and clinical practice. Australasian Psychiatry, 28(5), 514–516. https://doi.org/10.1177/1039856220943032
Transport Accident Commission. (n.d.). Psychology & neuropsychology [Policy]. https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/clients/how-we-can-help/treatments-and-services/policies/mental-health-and-wellbeing-services/psychology-and-neuropsychology
Victims of Crime Victoria. (n.d.). Financial assistance and compensation for victims of crime. Victorian Government. https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/financial-assistance-and-compensation-victims-crime
WorkSafe Victoria. (2026). Psychology services fee schedule. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/psychology-services-fee-schedule
Fees and funding at The Talk Shop
Bulk-billed psychology · Our prices · Affordable psychologist Melbourne · Medicare psychology
