If you are trying to work out whether to use Medicare (Medicare system) or the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)) for Psychology/Counselling, the simplest way to decide is to look at the purpose of support. Medicare (via Better Access) is designed for mental health treatment. The NDIS is designed for disability-related supports that build or maintain functional capacity and participation, and it does not replace the health system’s clinical mental health treatment. This guide is for individuals, families, and professionals navigating psychology and counselling funding options in Australia. Choosing the right funding pathway can impact the type and amount of support you receive for mental health and disability-related needs. This guide explains the difference in plain language, gives practical examples, and helps you choose the pathway that fits your situation.
The core difference (the one that saves you months)
Medicare is for treatment
Medicare’s Better Access initiative provides rebates for mental health treatment services when you have been assessed with a clinically diagnosed mental disorder and you have the right referral pathway in place.
Under the Medicare system, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) must be created by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician to receive rebates for psychological services as part of your health care. Medicare provides a rebate for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year under an MHTP. The Better Access initiative ensures that the general public with a clinically diagnosed mental disorder can access rebates for mental health services. Medicare offers universal health care access for those with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan, supporting a wide range of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for specific mental health diagnoses. As of November 2025, GPs have greater flexibility to use time-tiered attendance items for MHTP reviews in Medicare, improving the management of ongoing health care needs. Medicare services are provided for a specific diagnosed mental health illness where a General Practitioner makes a referral for psychological counselling. Additionally, medicines may be integrated into health care management under Medicare, with subsidies and approvals managed through government schemes.
The NDIS is for disability-related function and participation
The NDIS cannot fund supports that are the responsibility of another government system, including supports that are more appropriately provided through the health system.
NDIS funding for psychology services must meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria and be included in a participant’s NDIS plan. NDIS supports are explicitly excluded for the treatment or stabilisation of symptoms, which must be funded through the health system.
For psychosocial disability, the mental health system is generally responsible for clinical services such as diagnosis and treatment, while the NDIS is generally responsible for non-clinical supports that focus on functional ability, independence, and social and economic participation.
Medicare Better Access (what it covers and what you actually get)
Under Better Access, eligible patients can claim a Medicare benefit for up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group sessions per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
A few key mechanics matter in real life:
- Your doctor (or eligible Psychiatrist or Paediatrician pathways) refers you for sessions.
- Referrals are typically written for up to 6 sessions at a time, then reviewed if more sessions are needed.
- Health professionals set their own fees, so Medicare will likely only cover part of the cost.
A recent change to be aware of (from 1 November 2025)
From 1 November 2025, changes were introduced to improve continuity of care by linking Mental Health Treatment Plan preparation, referrals, and reviews to a patient’s MyMedicare practice or their usual medical practitioner (with specific exceptions, such as some Psychiatrist pathways).
NDIS Psychology/Counselling (what it can fund and what it usually looks like)
For psychosocial disability, the NDIS funds supports that focus on improving functional ability and participation in social, work, and community life. It does not replace community mental health services or treatments offered through the health system.
Under the NDIS, psychology services are categorised under capacity building, which focuses on developing skills and independence, rather than direct clinical mental health treatment.
So what does that mean in practice?
NDIS Psychology/Counselling support is strongest when it is framed around function and goals, such as:
- building routines and daily living skills
- developing strategies that support participation
- building independence and confidence in real settings
- strengthening social skills and relationships
- supporting capacity building linked to disability-related impacts
Psychologists assist participants to develop essential skills, teach self-advocacy, and provide training to both participants and their support networks. They play a key role in behaviour support, working with support networks to develop positive behaviour support plans and facilitate trauma-informed care for support workers. Psychologists support community participation by helping participants overcome barriers to social engagement, which can lead to greater independence and more active involvement in community life. Their extensive training enables them to provide accurate diagnosis of psychosocial disabilities and deliver tailored interventions and evidence-based coping strategies. By supporting the development of social skills and community involvement, psychologists help participants function more independently and reduce reliance on extensive support services.
The decision guide: which pathway fits your situation?
Use this as a practical filter. The question is not “which one is better?”, it is “what are you trying to achieve right now?” Seeking professional advice can help you determine which funding pathway—NDIS psychology or Medicare—is most appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.
Choose Medicare when your main need is clinical treatment
Medicare is usually the best fit when you are seeking structured mental health treatment for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trauma responses, or other clinically diagnosed mental health conditions, and the support is primarily treatment-focused.
Common signs Medicare is the right first step
- Your main goal is symptom relief and stabilisation.
- You want a time-limited course of treatment with a clear clinical approach.
- You have not used Better Access and want to start with a GP-led plan.
Choose the NDIS when disability impacts daily function and participation
The NDIS is often the better fit when the support is about disability-related functional capacity over time, especially if you need consistent, practical support to live day-to-day and participate in the community.
Common signs the NDIS is the right pathway
- Daily living tasks regularly break down because of psychosocial disability impacts.
- Participation is limited (work, study, community life) and you need capacity building.
- You need consistent strategies that are applied in your real environment, not only in-session.
Many people use both, for different purposes
It is common for people with psychosocial disability to have clinical treatment through the health system and functional capacity supports through the NDIS. The important rule is that a single session or support should not be claimed twice. Use one funding pathway per service. The NDIS is explicit that medical and clinical care should not stop once you are an NDIS participant.
Practical examples (so you can see the difference)
Example 1: “I am experiencing anxiety and I need help now”
If the focus is clinical treatment for anxiety symptoms and you want structured therapy, Medicare Better Access is often the most direct starting point.
Example 2: “My mental health condition affects everything I do day-to-day”
If you are an NDIS participant (or seeking access) because a psychosocial disability significantly impacts function, NDIS Psychology/Counselling may focus on building routines, independence, participation, and long-term capacity, while clinical treatment remains a health system responsibility.
Example 3: “I am a parent and my teen cannot cope with school and daily routines”
Medicare may help with clinical treatment sessions if there is a diagnosed mental disorder and the right referral pathway. The NDIS may help when the focus is functional capacity, participation, and disability-related impacts over time, particularly where strategies need to be embedded at home and school. For children with autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder, the NDIS can support interventions that address education and communication needs, helping to build skills for learning and daily life. Psychological support through the NDIS can also enhance social interactions and participation, especially for children with developmental conditions.
What sessions look like in each pathway
Medicare Psychology sessions (typical structure)
- Assessment and treatment planning (based on referral and clinical needs, including management strategies and, where appropriate, the integration of medicines as part of the treatment plan)
- Evidence-based treatment sessions
- Review after the initial referral block (often after 6 sessions)
NDIS Psychology/Counselling sessions (typical structure)
- Functional and goal-based assessment (what is hard day-to-day, and why)
- Practical strategies linked to participation and daily living
- Skill-building and coaching (often involving carers where helpful)
- Coordination with the wider support team, including involvement of a multidisciplinary team where appropriate, to improve real-world outcomes
- Developing skills for community participation and social engagement, supporting clients to overcome barriers and actively engage in social and community activities
Checklist: questions that make the pathway clear fast
Questions to ask your GP (Medicare pathway)
- “Do I meet the eligibility criteria for Better Access?”
- “Can you provide advice on whether NDIS psychology or Medicare-funded sessions are more suitable for my needs?”
- “How can I better understand my eligibility and options for psychology support under both NDIS and Medicare?”
- “Can you refer me for the first block of sessions and schedule a review point?”
- “What will I likely pay out of pocket after the Medicare rebate?”
Questions to ask your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager (NDIS pathway)
- “Which plan goals should Psychology/Counselling support?”
- “Is my funding flexible or stated for therapy supports?”
- “What evidence will help at a plan review to keep supports aligned to functional capacity?”
- “Can I seek advice from my Support Coordinator or Plan Manager to better understand my NDIS plan and funding options for psychology services?”
Questions to ask your Psychologist or Counsellor (either pathway)
- “What will success look like in 8 to 12 weeks?”
- “How will we measure progress in real-life function, not only how I feel in session?”
- “How will strategies be carried over into home, school, work, and community life?”
- “What reporting can you provide if I need evidence for a plan review?”
- “Can you provide advice on the best funding model for my needs and how to access multidisciplinary support?”
- “How can you help me understand my progress and what my next steps should be?”
Getting the best outcome (the part most people miss)
1) Write goals that describe function
NDIS goals and reports land better when they describe what you want to do, not only what you want to feel.
Example goal language:
- “Increase independence with daily routines so I can attend appointments and community activities.”
- “Build capacity to participate in work or study consistently.”
- “Develop skills to manage my mental health and daily challenges for greater independence and self-advocacy.”
This aligns with the NDIS emphasis on functional ability and participation.
2) Keep treatment and capacity building distinct
If a support is clinical treatment, Medicare is often the relevant pathway. If a support is functional capacity building linked to disability, the NDIS pathway is often relevant. The split is clearer when the plan and notes reflect purpose.
Effective management strategies and comprehensive training for clinicians are essential in distinguishing between treatment and capacity building, ensuring that supports are delivered appropriately within either the Medicare or NDIS frameworks.
3) Track outcomes that matter to daily life
Choose 2 to 3 simple measures and track them fortnightly:
- number of community outings completed
- number of days you follow a routine without support
- ability to attend work or school consistently
- reduction in crisis-driven service use
- quality of social interactions, such as improvements in engaging with others or participating in community activities
This is the type of evidence that supports future planning and continuity.
Referrers
Who to refer: NDIS participants, families and carers, Support Coordinators, GPs, Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, schools, SIL providers, and community teams where psychosocial disability impacts daily function, participation, or independence.
For complex cases such as acquired brain injury, it is recommended to seek advice from a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive assessment and support. Multidisciplinary teams can provide expert advice and collaborative care, especially when managing complex needs under the NDIS.
What to include in the referral:
- Participant details and NDIS number (if applicable)
- Plan dates and funding type (self-managed, plan-managed, NDIA-managed)
- Current goals and the functional impacts day-to-day
- Relevant diagnoses and a short summary of how they affect function
- Risks (isolation, inability to attend work or school, carer strain, safety concerns)
- Current supports and what is not working
- Preferred service setting (clinic, home, school, telehealth)
- Consent and key contacts
FAQs
Can I use both Medicare and the NDIS for psychology?
Yes, many people use both, but for different purposes. A single session should be funded by one system only, and the NDIS does not replace clinical mental health treatment.
How many Medicare psychology sessions can I access under Better Access?
Eligible patients can claim up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year, and referrals are typically written in blocks (often up to 6 sessions at a time).
Do I need a referral to see a Psychologist under Medicare?
Yes. Better Access requires the right referral pathway, commonly via a mental health treatment plan or other eligible referral routes described under Better Access.
Will I have out-of-pocket costs with Medicare Psychology?
Possibly. Health professionals set their own fees, and Medicare may cover only part of the cost.
Does the NDIS fund clinical psychology treatment?
For psychosocial disability, the NDIS is generally responsible for non-clinical supports focused on function, while the mental health system is generally responsible for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
What does “functional capacity” mean in NDIS mental health supports?
It means the practical impact on daily living and participation, such as routines, independence, social and economic participation, and rebuilding skills and confidence.
What changed in Better Access from 1 November 2025?
Changes were introduced to link mental health treatment plan preparation, referrals, and reviews to a MyMedicare practice or a usual medical practitioner (with some exceptions).
How Bloom Healthcare can help
Bloom Healthcare’s Psychology/Counselling team supports NDIS participants and Medicare clients with practical, goal-led care. Our experienced clinicians provide expert advice to guide you through funding models and service options, ensuring you receive the most suitable support. We work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high quality, collaborative care tailored to your needs. Where you are unsure which pathway fits, Bloom can help clarify purpose, align supports to the right funding stream, and focus sessions on measurable progress in daily living, independence, and participation.
