Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Paying for mental health services

2-minute read

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.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: April 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Mental Health Services | SA Health

Mental health services in South Australia. A directory of where to get mental health help: crisis, counselling, support, advocacy and complaint services.

Read more on SA Health website

Health and Disability Services Complaints Office - Complaints about Mental Health Services

Complaints about Mental Health Services

Read more on Health and Disability Services Complaints Office website

Hospital mental health services | NT.GOV.AU

Top End and Central Australia mental health hospital services.

Read more on NT Health website

Choosing teenage mental health services | Raising Children Network

If you’re choosing teenage mental health services for your child, it’s vital to look for services that suit your child’s and family’s needs. Here’s how.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Tips for choosing a digital mental health service – Information for consumers and carers | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

Tips for choosing a digital mental health service – Information for consumers and carers Downloads Tips for choosing a digital mental health service – Information for consumers and carers For more information National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards Publication year 2020 Resource type Fact sheet or brochure Topics e-Health (digital health) Mental health

Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website

Community based mental health services | NT.GOV.AU

Non-government mental health support organisations and services for individuals and carers in the Northern Territory.

Read more on NT Health website

Mental health in remote communities | NT.GOV.AU

Top End and Central Australia remote mental health services.

Read more on NT Health website

ForWhen Helpline - Mental Health Support for Parents

ForWhen is a new and free parent mental health service designed to help expectant parents...

Read more on Karitane website

Support for culturally and linguistically diverse people | Head to Health

An informative resource for finding mental health services and support for anyone from another culture or who speaks another language.

Read more on Head to Health website

Multicultural people - Beyond Blue

Studies have highlighted the barriers people from diverse backgrounds encounter when accessing mental health services and finding help.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.