How much is the consultation fee in psychiatrist?

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The cost of mental health services varies enormously, depending on where you live and which service you are receiving.

If you see a doctor (GP or psychiatrist), Medicare covers some or all of that cost.

If you are in a public hospital, care is free.

If you are in a private hospital, you will be charged. If you have private health insurance, that will cover some of the costs.

If you see a community mental health service, that is free.

If you receive care or support from a non-government organisation (NGO), that is usually free.

The Australian Government’s Better Access initiative allows people to see mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists and other allied health practitioners, and have that care partly subsidised by Medicare. People with a diagnosed mental disorder and Mental Health Treatment Plan from their doctor can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year.

Extra support is available until 30 June 2022 for people who are experiencing severe or enduring mental health impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They can access an extra 10 sessions, but will need to have a Mental Health Treatment Plan in place.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of most medicines for mental health.

The NDIS pays for support and care packages for people whose mental health condition impacts on their ability to function in everyday life.

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Last reviewed: April 2021

2022 Fee schedule 

HMC is postponing their Annual Fee Increase until July 2023.

The current 2021-2022 APS recommended fee for psychologists is $267 per 50 minute session, and the current AASW recommended fee for accredited mental health social workers is $240 per 50 minute session. Our fees are generally substantially less than these recommended fees.

Mental health assessment and treatment with a Clinical Psychologist is between $230-240 per 50 minute session. This may attract a Medicare rebate of $129.55 with a current GP referral and mental health treatment plan, or referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

Psychological assessments are quoted in an initial session. This includes the assessment tools, all sessions, collating data, evidence and report writing. Assessments do not attract Medicare rebates but you may be eligible for a rebate through your private health fund. 

Mental health assessment and treatment with a registered Psychologist or Accredited Mental Health Social Worker is between $190-200 per hour. This may attract a Medicare rebate of $77.80 to $88.25 with a current referral and mental health treatment plan.

Provisional psychologists, social workers, counsellors, play therapists or art therapists do not attract a Medicare rebate, and generally do not attract private health rebates but please check your individual fund and level of cover for further information. These fees range between $120-160 per session.

NDIA managed NDIS referrals are funded as per your current plan. Self- and plan-managed NDIS participants are billed at the current NDIS schedule rate for Therapeutic Supports and Early Childhood Intervention for psychology, accredited mental health social work and art therapy. Our provisional psychologists and accredited social workers are billed at a lower rate.

Report preparation costs vary and are dependent on the length and complexity of the report - please contact us for an approximate quote.

Private health fund rebates vary. Please contact your private health fund who can provide further details. 

Rates for third-party funded services vary and can be confirmed on enquiry.

Please note that we are not a bulk-billing service, and fees are generally payable on the day of your consultation. Please discuss with your clinician if you require a payment plan. 

Please note, our 2022 fee schedule has been extended from 1st January 2022 until 30th June 2023.

Medicare Rebate

Most Psychiatric consultations and Psychological counseling attract a Medicare rebate. Please refer to Fee Applicability on Medicare Site.

The fee is charged in accordance with Australian Medical Association (AMA).

Out of Pocket Expenses

There is out of pocket expenses for consultations in addition to Medicare rebate, which needs to be paid in full at the time of consultation.

The Practice offers Medicare easy claim, which allows getting your Medicare rebate to be transferred immediately to your account.

The out of pocket fees is eligible for safety net and registration for safety net through Medicare is recommended.

Cancellation Fees

There is a 24-hour notice, which must to be given prior to your appointment for cancellation. This can be done through a phone call or an email message. Failure to do so will incur a cancellation fee of $100.

This is a fair process allowing other patients who need immediate care and treatment to access the services and not be disadvantaged due to long waiting periods.

Failure to attend appointments consecutively at least three times will incur a full consultation fee which ranges from $ 200-$400. An invoice will be issued for payment to be made within 7 days and following this payment period, the issue may be forwarded to debt collector for review.

"My journey with my mental health has been one of fragments, a disconnection to myself and the world around me. Through treatment, and a program of recovery with help of my psychiatrist - the pieces have come together, and I have found the connection within me. I have found a ground, a foundation, a stability. I have come home to myself maybe for the first time ever. And I would not change a thing"

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