Rebates and Fees

Individual Sessions

 

Our standard sessions run for 50 minutes and are available both in-person and via Telehealth — whatever feels most comfortable for you.

  • General Psychologist: $260 per session

  • Clinical Psychologist: $300 per session

  • After-hours appointments (from 5:00 pm): incur a 10% surcharge

If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate:

  • General Psychologist: $98.95 rebate (out-of-pocket $161.05)

  • Clinical Psychologist: $145.25 rebate (out-of-pocket $154.75)

Please note: Medicare rebates aren’t available for sessions while you’re overseas.

At the moment, we do not have the capacity to offer reduced-fee and bulk-billed appointments, including third-party or plan-managed invoicing. If you’re looking for more affordable support, we’ve put together a list of alternative services that may be helpful.

If you have any questions, we’re here to help — just reach out.

Mental Heath Care Plan Information

    • A mental health care plan (MHCP) is a support plan for someone to address mental health concerns. 

    • Your GP prepares a MHCP with you in an appointment with treatment recommendations - this can include attending sessions with a psychologist. 

    • Medicare (the government) funds a ‘rebate’ for psychology sessions. When you receive a MHCP you are eligible for a rebate.

    • You need a MHCP to be eligible for rebate. Your MHCP will specify the number of sessions you will be able to receive a rebate for.

    • Once you have paid for and attended a session with a psychologist, you can then submit a request to Medicare for a rebate.

    • At SHIPS, we submit the request on your behalf.

    • Rebates are paid (by Medicare) into your nominated bank account.

    • This mean you will pay fee to SHIPS for the session, receive a rebate from Medicare, and you will only be ‘out of pocket’ for the difference between the full fee and the rebate (For example if the session is $260, and your receive a rebate for $98.95, the out of pocket fee will be $161.0).

    • If your GP recommends psychological treatment, you can be eligible for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

    • The initial MHCP usually recommends 6 sessions (sometimes the GP will specify 10 total, however you will only be able to access a maximum of 6 at a time).

    • After you have completed 6 sessions, your psychologist will write a letter to the GP recommending additional sessions (if this is what is appropriate).

    • You can then attend another appointment with your GP to receive this treatment review.

    • The additional review usually recommends 4 further sessions.

    • You can pay the full fee and not receive a rebate.

    • You can discuss a General Practitioner Management Plan (GPMP), Team Care Arrangement (TCA) with your GP which may give you access to additional rebated sessions.

 

Relationship Sessions

Our relationship sessions run for 50 minutes and are offered in a format that suits you — either in-person or via Telehealth.

  • Relationship Psychologist: $320 per session

  • Relationship Counsellor: $300 per session

  • After-hours appointments (from 5:00 pm): incur a 10% surcharge

Please note: Medicare rebates do not apply to relationship sessions.

We know investing in your relationship can be a big step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions about what to expect or which option might be right for you, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to help.

Once-off Support Sessions

Sometimes, you just need a little extra support to get through a tough moment — without committing to ongoing therapy. Our once-off sessions are here to offer that space.

These sessions can be helpful for:

  • Debriefing after a distressing or overwhelming experience

  • Identifying short-term coping strategies while waiting for longer-term care

  • Accessing useful tools, ideas, and resources that can support you right now

Session Info

  • Duration: 50 minutes

  • Fee: $200

  • Medicare rebate: If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate:

    • General Psychologist: $96.65 rebate (out-of-pocket $161.05)

    • Clinical Psychologist: $141.85 rebate (out-of-pocket $154.75)

If you’re not sure whether a once-off session is right for you, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help you find the right support.

Cancellation Policy

When you book an appointment, your practitioner sets aside the full hour just for you. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we do our best to be flexible — while also ensuring others on our waiting list have the opportunity to access support.

Here’s how our cancellation policy works:

  • More than 48 hours’ notice: No charge

  • Between 24–48 hours’ notice: $100 fee

  • Less than 24 hours’ notice: 80% of the full session fee

  • Non-attendance (no notice): Full session fee applies

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us offer timely care to everyone who needs it. If you’re unsure about your ability to attend, please let us know as soon as possible — we’re here to support you.