Funding, Medicare Rebates & NDIS

Understanding funding for psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology and assessments can feel confusing. The suitable pathway depends on the service, eligibility and whether the person has an NDIS plan.

Psychology Therapy

Occupational Therapy & Speech Pathology

Assessments

NDIS Support

NDIS Supports at First Steps Psychology

First Steps Psychology accepts self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

First Steps provides neurodiversity-affirming psychology, occupational therapy and speech pathology supports that relate to disability needs, NDIS goals, functional capacity, participation and independence.

Examples: emotional regulation and capacity building, communication and language, sensory and daily living, social participation, parent/caregiver capacity building, functional assessments, disability-related reports, collaboration with families/schools.

Medicare Psychology

Mental Health Treatment Plans may provide eligible clients rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year; initial referral up to six sessions, with review and further referral for remaining sessions. A gap applies.

From 1 July 2026, an in-clinic appointment of at least 50 minutes has Medicare benefit $101.55 with a generally registered psychologist or $149.05 with an eligible clinical psychologist. Provisional psychologist appointments do not attract Medicare rebates.

Paediatrician & Neurodevelopmental Pathways

For people under 25 with a suspected Autism, eligible paediatrician or psychiatrist referrals may allow Medicare contributions toward psychology, speech pathology or occupational therapy assessment. Up to eight allied health assessment services may be available across the person's lifetime; generally up to four before medical review.

From 1 July 2026 rebates are Psychology assessment $101.55, Speech pathology assessment $89.50, Occupational therapy assessment $89.50.

After diagnosis and the required treatment and management plan, up to 20 eligible allied health treatment services may be available across the person's lifetime.

This is a specific pathway; standard GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan cannot automatically claim these assessment items.

Applying for NDIS

Children younger than nine can contact an early childhood partner; children younger than six with developmental delay may receive early childhood support without formal diagnosis. People aged 9 to 64 can contact an NDIS partner, LAC or NDIA.

Evidence may describe disability, permanence, treatments explored, functional impact and support needs. Reports do not guarantee access or funding. NDIS does not generally fund assessment solely to obtain diagnosis or establish initial access.

Private Funding

No referral is needed for private clients. Private funding can be used for psychology, OT, speech, Autism/ADHD assessments, cognitive and learning assessments, parent consultations and reports.

Private health rebates vary. Medicare and private health insurance cannot both be claimed for the same appointment.

Can I use Medicare and NDIS?
You may use Medicare and NDIS funding for different services or purposes when each service meets the relevant requirements. The same appointment cannot be claimed through both Medicare and the NDIS.

Can a Mental Health Treatment Plan pay for Autism or ADHD assessment?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is intended for eligible psychological treatment and does not cover a comprehensive Autism, ADHD, cognitive or learning assessment. A separate under-25 neurodevelopmental Medicare pathway may apply with an eligible paediatrician, psychiatrist or specialist referral.

Will Medicare cover the full fee?
No. Medicare provides a rebate towards eligible appointments and a gap payment will apply.

Can NDIS pay for psychology?
The NDIS may fund psychology when the support is disability-related, works towards the participant's NDIS goals and focuses on functional capacity or participation.