You do not need a referral for therapy.

However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates under the Better Access scheme, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan and Referral Letter from your GP.

Medicare provides up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year for therapy. You will get back $98.95 per session. To access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP. Mental Health Care Plans are also known as Mental Health Treatment Plans.

When organising an appointment with your GP, book a longer appointment as this gives your GP time to complete the plan properly.

Tell your GP you would like to see a psychologist. They will complete the MHCP and referral letter. You can give Tara Psychology's details to your GP for the referral letter; however, a referral letter does not need to be made out to a specific psychologist.

The referral letter will include:

• GP provider number, signature, and date

• Client's full name, date of birth, and address

• Client's symptoms or diagnosis

• List of any current medications

• A statement that the client has a MHCP or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan

• Number of sessions approved for psychology services (the initial course of treatment will be 6 sessions)

You can upload the referral letter (and MHCP if you have a copy) to our secure client management system during the intake process.

Your GP can also send us the referral letter (and copy of MHCP) via secure email or eFax: (03) 7054 3600.

Medicare rebates can only be processed with a valid referral letter, which must be provided before your first session.

Yes, we can process Medicare rebates. Once your payment is processed, your Medicare rebate will be submitted electronically after the session. You will receive the rebate into your bank account within 24 to 48 hours.

Please ensure you provide your Medicare number, bank details, and valid referral letter before your first session.

Both in-person and online therapy sessions are available. In-person sessions are located in Footscray and telehealth is available Australia-wide via Zoom.

If you are eligible for the Medicare rebate, the rebate can be applied to both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Tara Psychology is located at 80 Paisley St, Footscray 3011. Ample paid parking is available next to the Footscray Library, and limited 2 hour free parking along the street. The practice is a 5-minute walk from the Footscray train station.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm.

Telehealth appointments are available every day.

In-person appointments are available Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm, and Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm.

Your first session is an opportunity to share what you're struggling with and clarify your goals for therapy. We'll explore key areas of your life like relationships, family, work, school, and anything else impacting your wellbeing. It's also a chance to discuss how therapy works, including privacy and confidentiality, so you feel informed and safe throughout the process.