There are a few ways to bring down what you pay for sessions with me. Which ones apply depends on your situation, who's referred you, and what you're covered for. This page explains each one in plain terms, and what you need to claim it.
If you're not sure what applies to you, that's normal. Get in touch and we can work it out together.
A quick note on cost before the detail. Sessions cost money, and the cost reflects what's involved: the session itself, the prep before, the notes and follow-up after, the years of training, and the ongoing supervision that keeps the work sound.
If cost is a barrier, tell me. The fees are what they are, but I keep a small number of reduced-fee places, and if I can't make it work I'll point you towards options that might.
How you pay differs too. With Medicare, DVA, and private health insurance, you pay for the session yourself and claim part of it back afterwards. With NDIS, WorkCover, TAC, and victims of crime, the cost can be covered directly, so you're not out of pocket.
What you pay up front
For most appointments, the upfront cost is $220. If you're using a rebate, like Medicare, DVA, or private health insurance, you pay the $220 at the time of your session and then claim part of it back yourself.
NDIS sessions are charged at the rate set by the NDIS.
Some appointment types are fully covered, depending on the agreement in place. If you're not sure what applies to you, contact the person organising your funding to check.
Medicare
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be able to claim part of the cost of each session back through Medicare.
Here's how it works:
- You see your GP and ask about a Mental Health Treatment Plan. It's sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan. Both names mean the same thing.
- Your GP writes the plan and refers you to me.
- You pay for the session, then Medicare pays you back part of the cost.
- A plan covers up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. Your GP refers you for the first lot, then you go back for a review to access the rest.
$87.25Medicare rebate per session, as at 2026
This is set by the government as Medicare item 80160, and it usually changes a little each year. Check the current figure with Services Australia or with me.
The rebate is not the full fee. There's a gap, which is the difference between the rebate and what the session costs. I'll always tell you the gap up front so there are no surprises.
NDIS
If your NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can use your funding for sessions with me.
Your plan also needs to include Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) funding. That's the part that covers therapy.
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
If you have a DVA Health Card (Gold or White) and a referral from your GP, your sessions can be covered through DVA.
Like Medicare, it works on a pay up front and claim back basis: you pay for the session, then claim the cost back.
Private health insurance
Some private health funds pay a rebate towards counselling or social work sessions, usually through extras cover. Whether you can claim, and how much you get back, depends on your fund and your level of cover.
The best thing to do is ring your fund and ask two things:
- Whether they cover sessions with an accredited mental health social worker.
- What you'd get back.
These funds may offer a rebate on sessions with an accredited mental health social worker, depending on your level of cover:
- HCF
- Bupa
- Teachers Health (including UniHealth and Nurses and Midwives Health)
- Doctors' Health
- St Lukes Health Insurance
- Phoenix Health Fund
- TUH (Teachers Union Health Fund)
- Medibank
- Mildura Health Fund
- Peoplecare Health Insurance
- GMHBA
It's still worth ringing your fund to check what applies to you. If you can claim, I'll give you a receipt you can claim with.
WorkCover, TAC, and victims of crime
If your situation involves a work injury, a transport accident, or being a victim of crime, the cost of sessions may be covered through the relevant scheme rather than paid by you.
- WorkCover: if you're seeing me as part of a work-related injury claim, sessions may be funded through WorkSafe.
- Transport Accident Commission (TAC): if your sessions relate to a transport accident, TAC may cover the cost.
- Victims of crime: if you've been affected by a violent crime, you may be able to have sessions funded through the victims of crime financial assistance scheme.
These pathways usually need approval before sessions start, and often a referral or a case manager involved. If one of these applies to you, contact me and I'll walk you through what's needed.
Paying privately
If none of the above applies, or you'd rather not go through a scheme, you can pay for sessions privately. No referral or plan needed. Just get in touch and we'll book you in.
Not sure what applies?
You don't have to work this out on your own. If you tell me a bit about your situation, I'll tell you which of these pathways might fit and what the next step is.
Refer yourself or someone else