Make a Referral
Resources for Medicare eligibility and compliance
Clients wishing to see a psychologist may be eligible for Medicare-rebated psychological services under:
Better Access to Mental Health initiative (MHCP)
Referrals can be provided by any GP, not necessarily the client’s regular GP.
To be considered valid, a referral must include:
Patient Details: Full name, date of birth, and address.
Diagnosis/Symptoms: Include mental health diagnosis or eating disorder diagnosis.
Number of sessions: Specify the number of sessions the client is being referred for (the ‘course of treatment’) (i.e., 6, 4, or 10).
Treatment Plan: Specify the type of referral and service (i.e, MHCP/EDTP and psychologist, dietitian, or both).
If an EDTP, provide scores on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) - must be 3.0 or above to be eligible.
Provide additional clinical indicators.
Current Medications (if applicable).
GP Details: Provider number, signature, and date.
Mental Health Treatment Plan / Psychiatrist Assessment: Note whether one exists.
Service Entitlements:
Better Access / MHCP: Referrals are valid for the specified number of sessions, not by calendar year. Unused sessions can roll over into the next year, up to a maximum of 10 sessions per year.
EDTP Psychological Services: Referrals are valid for 10 sessions per visit, and up to 40 sessions per 12-month period. Requires a review every 10 sessions. Unlike MHCP, EDTPs expire after 12 months and require renewal.
EDTP Dietetic Services: Up to 20 sessions per 12-month period.
Additional Notes for GPs:
Referrals do not need to specify a particular provider: “Dear Psychologist/Dietitian” is valid.
Review Requirements (EDP): After 20 psychological sessions, a psychiatrist or paediatrician review is required to continue accessing sessions.
Medicare Rebates: Can only be processed once a valid referral is received.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular review of medical stability and progress is recommended.
Please note, ARFID does not currently qualify under an EDTP.
For detailed information and resources, consult the InsideOut Institute’s Eating Disorder Care Plan page.
If a referral is incomplete or invalid, our Client Care Team will contact the GP Practice for clarification.
Medicare rebates can only be processed once a valid referral is received.
If the individual is not eligible for an EDP, the GP may refer for treatment under the existing Better Access to mental health care model or to the public system for treatment.