Referring Made Easier for GPs

Our business is predominantly via an online model, and we typically manage most communication and processes via email. For further information, or to submit an eligible referral and MHCP, please email the clinic at: info@forwardthinkingpsychology.com

GPs or Case Managers can also request a phone call or submit a referral for workers’ compensation claims at the same email address.

If necessary, we have a dedicated business phone specifically for referrers and other stakeholders that can be requested via email.

Once we have all relevant client details, we then reach out to the client to arrange suitability and final booking. We aim to make contact within 3 days, with initial session bookings frequently within 1-2 weeks of first contact. If we cannot contact your client, we will inform you within one week.

Medicare Referrals and Mental Health Care Plans - info for GPs

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, eligible clients can access Medicare-rebated psychological treatment with a clinical psychologist. Eligible clients may receive a Medicare rebate of $145.25 per session for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. In 2026, our clients will pay a gap fee of $83.75 per session. We do not offer Bulk-Billing.

Rebates apply to:

  • Clients with a valid referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan

  • Individual sessions of 50 minutes or longer

  • Services provided in person or via telehealth/online

To enable Medicare rebates, we must receive:

  • A valid referral, which includes: 

    • Be provided by a registered medical practitioner (GP)
      (The referring GP does not need to be the patient’s regular GP.)

    • Include the patient’s:

      • Full name

      • Date of birth

      • Residential address

    • Outline:

      • Presenting symptoms and/or relevant diagnosis

      • Confirmation that a Mental Health Treatment Plan has been prepared

    • List any current medications

    • Specify the number of sessions being referred for (the “course of treatment”), typically six sessions, or four following a review

    • Include the GP’s:

      • Provider number

      • Signature

      • Date of referral

  • A completed and signed Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

Medicare rebates can only be processed once both are in place.

The Referral Does Not Need To:

  • Name a specific psychologist (referrals addressed to “Dear Psychologist” or to another provider remain valid and allow patients to choose a clinician with appropriate availability)

  • Specify a formal mental health diagnosis (a Mental Health Treatment Plan can be completed even where a condition has not yet been formally diagnosed)

Additional Information

  • Referrals are valid for the number of services specified, not for a calendar year.

  • Unused sessions may carry over into the next calendar year, subject to the maximum of 10 rebated services per calendar year.

  • If a referral is incomplete or unclear, Forward Thinking Psychological Services will contact the referring GP to request clarification.

  • Medicare rebates cannot be claimed until a valid referral has been received.

GP Reviews and Ongoing Care

An initial referral generally allows for a course of treatment of up to 6 sessions.

Following the sixth session, Forward Thinking Psychological Services will provide a written progress report to the referring GP to support review and consideration of further sessions (up to a total of 10 per calendar year).

Progress reports typically include:

  • Assessments undertaken and clinical progress

  • Interventions provided

  • Recommendations for ongoing management

There is no prescribed Medicare format for progress reports.

If a client requires ongoing psychological support beyond the 10 Medicare-rebated sessions available under Better Access, they may continue therapy either on a GP Management Plan (sometimes referred to as an EPC Plan), or on a private-fee basis, noting that no Medicare rebate is available for additional private sessions.

How to Refer

If you have questions about referral suitability or current availability, you are welcome to contact the practice directly.