Cost is one of the most common concerns people have when considering psychiatric care. The good news is that Medicare provides significant rebates for psychiatrist consultations, and telehealth has made accessing affordable care easier. This guide explains how private psychiatry fees work, what Medicare covers, and the factors that influence your out-of-pocket cost.
Private Psychiatrist Fees in Australia
In Australia, psychiatrists set their own fees — there is no single standard rate. Fees vary based on the psychiatrist’s experience, the length and complexity of the consultation, and the location of the practice. Generally, you can expect the following as a guide to the broader market:
- Initial consultation (45–90 minutes): typically a higher fee reflecting the comprehensive assessment involved
- Follow-up consultation (20–30 minutes): a lower fee for ongoing management appointments
Because fees vary widely, we recommend checking the exact cost with the practice before your appointment. For our current fees, please see our fees & Medicare page — any specific figures listed there should be confirmed with our reception team, as fees may be updated periodically.
Medicare Rebates for Psychiatrist Consultations
With a valid GP referral, you can claim a Medicare rebate for your psychiatrist consultation. The rebate amount depends on the Medicare item number, which is determined by the consultation type and duration. Medicare rebates for psychiatry are designed to cover a substantial portion of the consultation fee, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expense.
To claim the rebate, you’ll need to pay the full consultation fee first, then submit a claim to Medicare — either through the Express Plus Medicare app, online via myGov, or at a Medicare service centre. Some practices also offer on-the-spot Medicare claiming.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence the final cost of seeing a psychiatrist:
- Consultation type: Initial assessments are longer and more expensive than follow-ups.
- Consultation length: Longer appointments cost more but also attract a higher Medicare rebate.
- Experience and specialisation: Highly experienced psychiatrists or those with sub-specialty expertise may charge higher fees.
- Location: In-person fees can vary by region, though telehealth largely equalises this.
- Gap fees: The “gap” is the difference between the consultation fee and the Medicare rebate. Some practices charge a private fee with the rebate reducing your out-of-pocket cost, while others may have different billing arrangements.
How Telehealth Can Reduce Costs
Telehealth psychiatry can help reduce the overall cost of accessing psychiatric care. Because there’s no need to travel to a physical clinic, you save on transport, parking and time off work. Telehealth also gives you access to psychiatrists across Australia, meaning you’re not limited to practitioners in your local area — which can sometimes mean shorter wait times and more competitive fees.
Medicare rebates apply to telehealth psychiatry consultations just as they do for in-person appointments, provided you have a valid GP referral. To learn more about the telehealth process, see our guide on how telehealth psychiatry works or our online psychiatry page.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance generally does not cover outpatient psychiatric consultations in the same way it covers hospital admissions. However, some extras policies may offer limited rebates for psychology sessions. It’s worth checking with your insurer, but for most outpatient psychiatrist appointments, Medicare is the primary source of rebate.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The best way to understand your likely costs is to speak with the practice directly. When you contact us, our reception team can provide current fee information, explain the Medicare rebate you’re likely to receive, and give you an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost. Visit our fees & Medicare page for more detail, or contact us to discuss your situation.
Note: All fee figures mentioned in general terms above reflect the broader Australian private psychiatry market, not necessarily our specific fees. Please refer to our fees page for current pricing, and confirm with our team before your appointment.