What you actually need to do to book an appointment with a therapist

Over the past decade, the conversation around mental health has shifted. No longer a fringe issue, it is now considered a crucial component of public health and our overall wellbeing. And rightly so. No one is immune from the stresses of everyday life, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer in silence. 

If you are noticing a pattern of feeling tired, anxious, restless or depressed, it might be time to consider an appointment with a mental health professional. The Medicare Mental Health Quiz is also a good starting point to explore treatment options for yourself or a loved one. 

But what do you actually need to book an appointment with a therapist? The process is much simpler than many people might imagine. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

You’re not alone

In the 12 months of 2024-2025, some 2.8 million Australians received Medicare-subsidised mental health services, that’s 10 per cent of the country’s population. The vast majority of those cases were seen by psychologists, who can provide personalised mental health support for a range of mental health concerns.

Speak to your doctor

Every private psychologist sets their own rates. But to claim some of your sessions through Medicare, you will have to speak to your GP. In addition to providing an overall assessment of your health, they may be able to offer you a referral to a psychologist or a mental health plan, which allows you up to 10 individual psychology appointments, each calendar year. If you have private health insurance, you may also get some money back on additional appointments, depending on your extras coverage.

Your GP will also be able to make an assessment on any treatment you require, and may ask you to complete a form called the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a 10-point questionnaire that provides a snapshot of your mental wellbeing. From there, you may receive a physical or electronic referral – typically delivered via email – for a specific psychologist or psychology clinic. They may also be able to provide a list of other psychologists in your area, if need.

Make an appointment

Get in touch with the psychologist or clinic recommended by your GP to find a suitable time for your first visit. You are also welcome to do your own research into a suitable psychologist, or to look into recommendations from others. 

From there, the psychologist or their office will be able to advise any information that you will need to provide, though you will likely need to bring your referral letter with you, as well as your Mental Health Treatment Plan, if you are planning to claim Medicare rebates.

Prepare for your first visit

Visiting a psychologist can seem daunting, but there’s really nothing to be worried about; it’s the first step in taking care of your mental health. Before your first appointment, it’s worth asking yourself what you want to get out of the session, what qualities you want to look for in a psychologist, and what your biggest concerns or challenges are. 

It is also important to mention any changes in your mood or emotions, and anything that might have negatively affected your mental health recently, such as losing a loved one, relationship issues or workplace stresses. 

You may also want to ask how many sessions they think you will need, how often you should visit, and if there are any additional treatments or therapies they recommend.

Additional resources

More information about the Medicare Mental Health program and additional mental health resources can be found here. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to one of the following services:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800