Looking for free therapy sessions can be confusing. Some services cost nothing, while others are subsidised by Medicare. The right support depends on what you are experiencing, how quickly you need help and whether you want brief or ongoing care.
This guide explains how to access free therapy in Australia, what Medicare covers and when Monument Counselling may be a better fit for your goals.
How Medicare and bulk billing reduce therapy costs
A Mental Health Treatment Plan can help eligible people receive Medicare rebates for sessions with certain mental health professionals. Your doctor completes a mental health assessment, discusses your mental health concerns and decides whether a structured mental health plan is suitable.
The mental health plan may cover psychology sessions with an eligible clinical psychologist, registered psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist. It does not automatically make all sessions free. A social worker or psychologist must meet Medicare requirements.
Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year. Your doctor will generally make an initial referral for up to six sessions. After reviewing your progress, they may refer you for four more psychology sessions.
Can you get 10 free therapy sessions?
You may be eligible for up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions in a calendar year, but “10 free therapy sessions” is only accurate when the provider accepts bulk billing.
Health professionals set their own fees. With bulk billing, Medicare covers the approved fee and you pay nothing. Otherwise, you pay the gap between the Medicare rebate and the full cost.
Before booking, ask:
Does the provider bulk bill?
What is the full cost?
How much will Medicare rebate?
Do I need a current GP referral?
Are there cancellation fees?
Private health insurers may cover some services. The amount rebated depends on your policy.
How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Book a longer appointment with your usual doctor. Bring your Medicare card, a list of medicines and examples of how symptoms affect sleep, work, relationships or daily life.
Your doctor may ask about anxiety, depression, stress, safety and previous treatment. If eligible, they will create a mental health treatment plan with agreed goals and refer you to suitable mental health professionals for more sessions.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan does not expire, although Medicare limits rebated sessions per calendar year.
What is the three-month rule in mental health?
The “three-month rule” usually refers to reviews of a mental health plan, not a rule that treatment must stop after three months.
Services Australia says that, except in unusual circumstances, a plan review should not occur more than once every three months or within four weeks of the plan being prepared. Your doctor can explain how this affects your referral.
Medicare Mental Health services without a GP referral
Medicare Mental Health Centres provide confidential mental health support across Australia. You do not need a referral, appointment, Mental Health Care Plan or diagnosis.
Centres provide immediate support, short-to-medium-term care and connections to local services. Teams include mental health professionals and workers with lived experience.
You can also phone Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
Medicare Mental Health Check In
Medicare Mental Health Check In is an Australian Government digital service for people aged 16 and over living in Australia. It provides guided or self-directed programs for mild challenges such as worry, low mood and sleep problems.
No referral or diagnosis is needed. This free mental health therapy may suit people seeking early mental health support and practical skills for good mental health.
Other ways to access free therapy in Australia
Australian Government-funded and community resources can help people access free or low cost care.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides telephone and online support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use its telephone service or webchat for brief support and help finding the right services.
Beyond Blue can help when you need to talk now, do not know where to start or need guidance towards suitable services.
MindSpot
MindSpot is a digital clinic for Australian adults. Its services include online assessments, treatment courses and phone-based therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and related mental health conditions.
Its online therapy programs may suit people who want structured care at home. MindSpot is not intended for immediate danger or urgent crisis care.
Headspace and Kids Helpline
Headspace centres provide free or low cost mental health services for young people aged 12 to 25. Support may include counselling, general health advice and help with work, study, alcohol or other drugs.
Kids Helpline provides private 24/7 phone and online counselling for children and young people aged five to 25.
Low cost alternatives
Waiting lists, eligibility rules or session limits may apply. Other services include:
University psychology clinics, where provisional psychologists work under supervision.
Community health centres offering low cost counselling.
An Employee Assistance Program through your workplace.
Local council, charity or Primary Health Network services.
A counselling service recommended by your doctor.
Private health insurance extras that include counselling.
Ask each counselling service about qualifications, waiting times, session length, approach and total cost. Low fees are not good value if the service cannot meet your needs.
When free counselling services may suit you
Free counselling can be a sensible first step for brief emotional support, information or help deciding what to do next.
It may suit you when:
A recent event has left you overwhelmed.
You want a service recommendation.
You need short-term help with anxiety or depression.
Cost is stopping you from speaking with a therapist.
You are supporting someone else.
These services can help after a natural disaster, sudden loss or major event. Brief support is not a substitute for ongoing treatment when a mental health issue is persistent or worsening.
Is my mental health declining?
Signs may include low mood, anxiety, poor sleep, withdrawing from people, losing interest in usual activities, struggling at work or school, increased substance use or finding basic tasks harder.
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe. Speak with a doctor or registered health professional when changes persist or affect wellbeing. Early help can protect your wellbeing and make your mental health journey easier to manage.
When to consider Monument Counselling
Public and community services may not provide the continuity, flexibility or personalised approach you want.
Monument Counselling provides trauma-informed, goal-oriented support for adults, children and families. Its sessions focus on practical tools, clear goals and wellbeing.
Monument may suit you if you want:
A consistent therapist who can talk through progress over time.
Help with trauma, grief, stress, anxiety or family challenges.
Online or in-person appointments.
Evening or Saturday access.
Support shaped around your goals and financial situation.
Access without a GP referral.
Monument works with recognised private health insurers, although eligibility and rebates depend on your policy. Ask the practice and your insurer about expected costs before booking.
Practical steps for choosing support
Call 000 if there is immediate danger.
Contact a crisis service if you need immediate help.
Ask your doctor about a Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare rebates.
Confirm bulk billing and gap fees before seeing a psychologist.
Compare waiting time, expected outcomes and treatment approach.
Check the qualifications of health professionals.
Choose a service you can realistically continue using.
Talk with a health professional
Online information cannot diagnose a condition or select treatment. Talk with your doctor, counsellor or other health professionals about your symptoms and options.
Emergency and crisis contacts
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero on 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For free, confidential crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline 24/7 by phone on 13 11 14, text or online chat.
If you are thinking about suicide or self harm, seek immediate help rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Discuss your options with Monument Counselling
You do not have to navigate mental health care alone. Monument Counselling can discuss your goals, explain available services and help you decide whether its practical approach is right for you.
Enquire online about appointments, fees, private health insurance benefits or general enquiries.