The Medicare Better Access Scheme provides rebates to eligible people so they can access the mental health support that they need.

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The scheme provides eligible people with:

- 10 individual sessions, and

- 10 group sessions 

per calendar year.

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As part of the Federal Government's COVID response, changes were made to provide an additional 10 sessions (a total of 20) per year for eligible people.

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The Government recently sought a review of the additional sessions and whether it was effective. Whilst the independent review recommended keeping the additional 10 sessions, it was also acknowledged that vulnerable groups in our communities still had barriers to accessing mental health services. 

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The Government has determined not to continue with the additional 10 sessions from 1 January 2023. They will be reviewing mental health resourcing in the new year, including implementation of the review's recommendations.

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The Australian Psychological Society has made a statement regarding this decision as well as other experts - all whom have raised concerns.

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What does this mean for current clients on the extra 10 plan? Your plan is still valid into 2023. However, the number of individual sessions that can be claimed for the 2023 calendar year is 10.

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We appreciate that this news may raise questions for you, including how to plan for future sessions. Please contact our reception team with any questions and your psychologist will work with you to adjust intervention and support in line with your goals.