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Understanding the costs of mental health services

Warning:

If you, or someone you know, is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000). For help and support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Key facts

  • The costs of mental health services can vary, depending on the service you use and where you live.
  • The Australian Government's Better Access initiative helps you get mental health support at a lower cost.
  • You can also get mental health support through telehealth, which may cost less.

How much do mental health services cost?

The costs of mental health services can vary enormously, depending on where you live and which service you need.

Use the Australian government's Medical Costs Finder tool (Opens in new tab) to help understand the costs of seeing a doctor or medical specialist.

How can I access a mental health service?

Some mental health services are free or are low cost. There are also services that you don't need a referral for. These include mental health helplines.

Search for mental health services in your location.

You may want to see your doctor. They can:

You can visit the Medicare Mental Health website for more information on:

You can register for MyMedicare (Opens in new tab). This service can help coordinate care from your usual general practice. This might include your doctor, a psychologist or a counsellor.

If you have a mental health condition, you might be able to get help with costs from the government. This includes the Australian Government's Better Access initiative (Opens in new tab).

What is the Better Access initiative?

The Better Access initiative gives Medicare rebates to eligible people. This helps you to see a mental health professional and get support at a lower cost.

Who can use the Better Access initiative?

The rebate is available to people with a diagnosed mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

To get the rebate, your doctor will assess your mental health. They will then work with you to develop a mental health treatment plan. The plan can help you get Medicare rebates for 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year.

Your mental health treatment plan will include the care you need and your treatment goals.

What services can I get through the Better Access initiative?

You can see eligible:

The Better Access initiative also supports telehealth appointments, if this better suits your needs.

How much will I have to pay?

The cost of getting mental health care can vary a lot.

A mental health treatment plan allows you to claim some costs for your mental health care through Medicare. But this may only cover some of your costs.

If you use all the sessions on your mental health treatment plan, you will need to pay for any more sessions.

If your doctor or mental health professional bulk bills, your cost will be covered by Medicare. This means that you will not need to pay anything for your appointment.

If your doctor or mental health professional charges a gap fee, you will need to pay this out-of-pocket cost. Almost all psychiatrists and psychologists charge this fee.

It's important to talk to your healthcare providers about the costs before you have treatment.

If you're under financial stress, ask your doctor or mental health professional about your treatment options.

Telehealth psychology services usually have lower cost options.

Provider Cost
Doctor Medicare covers some or all of the cost
Psychologist The Better Access initiative covers some or, rarely, all of the cost
Psychiatrist The Better Access initiative covers some of the cost
Community mental health service Usually free
Non-government organisation (NGO) Usually free
Public hospital Free

Private hospital

If you get care in a private hospital or as a private patient, you will likely need to pay.

If you have private health insurance, it may cover some of your costs. Talk with your private health insurer to find out what is covered.

Other support for mental health services costs

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of most medicines for mental health. Medicines that are not on the PBS cost more. Private health insurance may cover some of the costs of these treatments.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to people aged under 65 years with a psychosocial disability.

Psychosocial disability is when your mental health condition impacts your ability to function in everyday life.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

You can visit the Medicare Mental Health (Opens in new tab) website for mental health support. You can also call 1800 595 212 or visit a Medicare Mental Health centre (Opens in new tab). The centres are free, walk-in clinics — you don't need a Medicare card or a referral to get care.

If you have concerns about your mental health, you can also contact a free counselling service such as:

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you can also visit the 13YARN (Opens in new tab) website for support. You can also call them on 13 92 76 to talk to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Languages other than English

If you speak a language other than English, Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (Opens in new tab) has services and information available.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last reviewed: July 2025

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