Do You Need a Referral to See a Psychologist Online in South Australia?
No — you do not need a referral to see a psychologist online in South Australia. You can book directly with a private telehealth psychologist and start straight away. A referral only becomes relevant if you want to claim a Medicare rebate, which requires a GP Mental Health Care Plan.
This is one of the most common questions South Australians ask before their first session, so let’s unpack exactly when a referral matters and when it doesn’t.
Booking without a referral
Psychologists in private practice — including telehealth practices like MindLens Psychology — accept self-referrals. That means you can contact the practice, book a session, and begin therapy without seeing your GP first. You’ll pay the full session fee privately, but there’s no gatekeeping step and often no waitlist for online providers.
Self-referral suits people who want to start quickly, who don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition but want support with stress, relationships or a life transition, or who simply prefer to keep their GP out of the loop.
When you do need a referral: the Medicare rebate
A referral matters if you want to reduce the cost of therapy through Medicare. To claim a rebate, you need a GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Here’s the process:
- Book a longer appointment with your GP and explain that you’d like a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Your GP assesses your situation and, if appropriate, prepares the plan and refers you to a psychologist.
- The plan covers a set number of rebated sessions per calendar year.
- You attend your sessions and claim the Medicare rebate on each one.
With a valid plan and referral, MindLens clients receive a Medicare rebate of $101.55 per session. On the standard $260 session fee, that brings the out-of-pocket cost to approximately $158.45.
Does the referral work for telehealth?
Yes. A GP Mental Health Care Plan and referral apply to telehealth psychology sessions in exactly the same way as in-person appointments. You can be anywhere in South Australia — metropolitan Adelaide or a regional town — and still use your rebate for online sessions.
Which option is right for you?
- Want to start today and happy to pay privately? Self-refer and book directly.
- Want to lower the cost over several sessions? See your GP first for a Mental Health Care Plan, then book.
- Not sure? You can begin privately and add a Mental Health Care Plan later — many people do.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan by telehealth?
Many GPs offer Mental Health Care Plan appointments by phone or video. Check with your regular GP clinic about their telehealth options.
How many rebated sessions do I get?
A Mental Health Care Plan covers a set number of individually rebated sessions each calendar year. Your GP will explain the current allowance and review your progress along the way.
Do I need a new referral each year?
Your GP will review your plan periodically and provide new referrals as needed. Your psychologist can let you know when a review is due.
MindLens Psychology offers telehealth psychology to Adelaide and all of South Australia, with or without a referral. Request an appointment to get started.
