No, you do not need a referral. However, by seeing a GP and obtaining a referral under the Better Access Mental Health Care Plan, you will be able to receive Medicare rebates.

The Better Access to Mental Health Care program is a government effort aimed at enhancing the treatment and handling of mental health challenges. It offers financial support through rebates to aid individuals seeking assistance for a very wide range of psychological disorders and adjustment difficulties with adjustment to life changes and challenges

To access a psychologist under Medicare, you must be referred by your GP, a psychiatrist or a paediatrician. Your GP will need to prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You will likely need to book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.

Your MHCP enables you to have up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist per calendar year. Initially, your first six sessions are covered under your initial plan, with the option to access an additional four by attending a review appointment with your doctor.

The duration of therapy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of therapy, the specific goals you're working towards, the severity of the issues being addressed, and your individual progress and needs.

Some forms of therapy may last only a few sessions or several weeks, focusing on specific problems and providing practical strategies for coping and improvement.

On the other hand, other clients may need moderate to long term support to adress underlying issues and patterns of behaviour to promote more fundamental and lasting change.

Ultimately, the duration of therapy is a collaborative decision between you and your therapist, based on your goals, progress, and ongoing assessment of your needs.

There are many similarities between psychiatrists and psychologists, and both have a focus on mental health. Psychologists typically specialise in psychotherapy and psychological assessment. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, and often provide a broad range of treatments for mental health conditions. Often, they work together as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for individuals with mental health concerns.