How to Check if Your Psychologist Bulk Bills Before Your First Appointment

Walking into a psychology appointment not knowing what you'll pay is stressful. Here's how to confirm there are no out-of-pocket costs before you book.

Ask these questions when you call

When contacting a psychologist's practice, ask directly:

• "Do you bulk bill for Medicare sessions?" — Some psychologists accept Medicare but charge a gap fee. Only those who confirm bulk billing charge nothing.
• "Can you bill my scheme directly?" — For DVA, NDIS, WorkCover, or TAC, the psychologist should bill the scheme directly so you pay nothing.
• "Is there any out-of-pocket cost for my first session?" — Some practices charge an initial consultation fee that differs from ongoing sessions.

What to check before booking on ClearAccess

Every psychologist listed on this site has confirmed they accept at least one scheme with no gap fee. However, it is always a good idea to:

1. Check which schemes are listed on the psychologist's profile
2. Confirm you have a valid claim or referral for that scheme
3. Verify with the practice when booking that your specific scheme is accepted

Red flags to watch for

• "We bill Medicare but there's a gap" — this means you pay the difference between the psychologist's fee and the Medicare rebate
• "You'll need to claim it yourself" — bulk-billing psychologists claim on your behalf; if they ask you to claim, there may be a gap
• "The first session is a bit more expensive" — some practices charge more for initial assessments; ask upfront

The bottom line

A quick phone call or email can save you an unexpected bill. All psychologists on this site are listed because they offer gap-free services, but policies can change — always confirm at the time of booking.