Do you need a GP Referral for a Psychologist in Australia

This is a great question, because the healthcare system can be confusing. The answer in brief:

• You can see a psychologist without any referral.
• But you need a GP referral (Mental Health Treatment Plan) if you want to use Medicare to help pay for it.

Let’s detail each:

Seeing a Psychologist Without a Referral

You do not legally or logistically need a referral to see a psychologist. Psychologists are considered primary healthcare providers for mental health, meaning you can access them directly. Many people simply find a psychologist (via online search, recommendation, or contacting a clinic) and book an appointment themselves.

How to do it: Find a psychologist who looks suitable (consider their specialities, location or telehealth, fees, etc.). You can often book by calling their office or using an online booking system if they have one. The receptionist or online form will take your details and book you in. You might be asked if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, but it’s okay to say you don’t or you’re coming privately.

What happens next: You attend the session, and you pay the psychologist’s fee. Since you don’t have a Medicare referral in this scenario, you’ll pay the full amount and won’t get an automatic rebate from Medicare. If you have private health insurance with psychology cover, you could later claim a rebate from your insurer for that session.

Why go this route? Some people choose private self-referral because:

• They may not want to discuss their mental health with a GP or don’t have a regular GP.
• They might have used up their Medicare-rebated sessions for the year already.
• Their issue might be something they prefer to keep off their Medicare record (though Mental Health Plans are confidential medical info, some people still have privacy concerns).
• Or they simply want to get started immediately and avoid the extra step of a GP visit.

There’s nothing wrong with seeing a psychologist directly. The only downside is the cost factor, as you’re foregoing the Medicare rebate.

Seeing a Psychologist With a GP Referral (Using Medicare)

If you want to use Medicare to subsidise your psychology sessions (which is very common and recommended if you’re eligible), then you will need to involve a GP for the paperwork. Here’s what that looks like:

1. Book a GP appointment: Ideally, book a long appointment (15-20 minutes) so there’s time. When you see the GP, tell them you’ve been struggling with your mental health (for example, feeling very anxious, depressed, stressed, etc.) and that you’d like to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan for psychology sessions.
2. Discussion and assessment: The GP will ask you some questions about what’s been going on. Be as honest as you feel comfortable – remember, they’re professionals and these conversations are confidential. They might have you fill out a short questionnaire (like a DASS21 or K10) that asks about symptoms. This helps them document your situation.
3. The Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP): This is basically a document the GP writes up that includes:
   • Your personal details,
   • Your stated issues/diagnosis (the GP might write something like “Anxiety disorder” or “Depression” if it fits, or just “symptoms of anxiety/depression” if not sure),
   • A plan for treatment (which is basically referring you to a psychologist for X number of sessions, typically 6 to start),
   • Goals (e.g., “improve coping skills, reduce anxiety by 50%” – it’s a brief outline).
   • The referral to a specific psychologist or clinic (or a generic referral if you don’t have a name).
4. Choosing the psychologist: You can come with a particular psychologist’s name if you already have one in mind (e.g., “I’d like to see Erin Taylor, clinical psychologist via telehealth”). The GP can address the referral to that person. If you don’t have someone in mind, the GP might suggest someone local or just write a general referral so you can find someone yourself.
5. Getting the paperwork: The GP or their nurse will either give you the referral documents (which might be a letter plus the plan) or sometimes they send it directly to the psychologist (especially if it’s an electronic referral system or if the GP knows the psychologist). Make sure you have either a copy or at least know that it has been sent.
6. You can start sessions: Once you have the Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can start seeing a psychologist.
7. Session limits: The Mental Health Treatment Plan typically covers a set number of sessions (usually 6-10 per calendar year).

No Referral vs With Referral Summary

• No Referral:
  • Pros: No need to see a GP, potentially faster access, more privacy (no medical record of the referral if that’s a concern).
  • Cons: No Medicare rebate, so higher cost to you; GP isn’t looped in on your mental health (GP involvement can be good for holistic care).
• With GP Referral:
  • Pros: Medicare covers a lot of the cost (making therapy much more affordable), GP can support you alongside therapy.
  • Cons: You have to spend time for a GP appointment and discuss your mental health with them; there’s a bit of paperwork and session limits to navigate.

Most people opt for the referral because of the financial benefit. GPs in Australia are by and large very understanding about mental health – it’s a common part of their job. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; it’s a routine thing for them.

Finally, if you’re unsure, you can always call the psychologist’s clinic and ask, “Do I need a referral to see the psychologist?” They’ll explain exactly what they need from you. They might say, “No, you can come without one, it’ll just be full fee,” or “Yes, if you want the rebate, please bring the GP letter.”

Either way, the most important thing is: if you feel you need support, don’t let the referral question stop you from reaching out. There’s a path to get help either way, and the administrative stuff can be sorted out with a few phone calls. The end goal is your well-being, and the system is there to support that, whether you walk in directly or through your GP’s door.