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After receiving your Mental Health Plan and referral letter, you can apply for bulk billing. Our team will review your application within 1-3 days.
Walking Session
Guidelines for accessing bulk-billing Psychologists
Here at Walking Session we prioritize providing mental health support when and where you need it. As a mixed billing service, we offer a variety of payment options including Medicare gap sessions, private fee sessions, and bulk-billing for eligible clients.
Bulk-billed sessions are available through an application process, and our team reviews each request based on specific financial hardship criteria. This ensures that those who qualify can access mental health care without the burden of out-of-pocket costs.
What are the requirements for accessing bulk-billing psychologists?
Our bulk-billing application asks a few questions to better understand your circumstances and determine eligibility for bulk-billed sessions. Since we only offer a limited number of these sessions, this process helps ensure fair distribution. Factors we consider include:
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Your location (particularly rural or remote areas)
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Financial hardship
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Employment status
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Holding a healthcare concession card
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Being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
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Having a valid referral and Mental Health Plan (which you can obtain from your GP or through an online consultation)
Benefits of your Walking Session
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Research shows that outdoor recreation is associated with significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing.
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Does having a Mental Health Plan automatically qualify me for bulk-billing with no charge?
No, having a Mental Health Plan doesn’t automatically qualify you for bulk-billed sessions. While the plan allows you to access Medicare rebates, bulk-billing is determined based on eligibility criteria such as financial hardship or other specific factors. If you're not eligible for bulk-billing, you may still access sessions at a reduced cost through Medicare rebates, meaning you’ll need to cover any gap fees.
I’ve applied for bulk-billing. What happens next?
Once you've submitted your bulk-billing application, our team will review it and assess your eligibility based on the information provided. You can expect to hear back from us within 1-3 business days with an update on your application. If approved, you will receive an email with instructions and we’ll connect you with an available bulk-billing psychologist, and you’ll be able to schedule your session. If additional steps are required, we’ll inform you during the review process.
Can I get my Mental Health Care Plan bulk billed?
Yes, in many cases, you can have your Mental Health Plan appointment bulk billed if your GP offers bulk billing services. This means there will be no out-of-pocket costs for the appointment where your plan is created. Be sure to confirm with your doctor or clinic if they offer bulk billing for these consultations.
What factors do you consider in the bulk-billing application?
Will Medicare cover my sessions of I cancel them?
Can I book a bulk-billed session immediately after approval?
Why have I only been approved for 6 bulk-billed sessions?
I've completed my 10 bulk billed sessions per year. How can I access more bulk-billed sessions?
We assess bulk-billing applications on several criteria, including financial hardship, location (such as rural or remote areas), employment status, whether you hold a healthcare concession card, and if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Additionally, you must have a valid Mental Health Care Plan and a referral letter to be eligible for bulk-billing. Each application is reviewed individually to ensure fair access to the service.
Please provide as much notice as possible if you need to cancel your session to avoid cancellation fees, as these are not covered by Medicare. Medicare doesn’t rebate for unattended sessions, including cancellations and no-shows.
According to our policy, cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice incur a 50% fee, while those under 24 hours incur a 75% charge. No-shows will be charged the full session fee. This fee will be charged either at the time of cancellation or after the missed session.
Once your bulk-billing application is approved, you’ll receive an email with details on how to book an appointment. A note will be added to your profile, so that our staff is aware of processing your session bulk billed. Please note, not all of our psychologists offer bulk-billed sessions, and availability is limited. Our team will inform you of the psychologists available for bulk-billed appointments at the time of approval. Availability may change weekly, so it’s best to book as soon as possible to secure your preferred psychologist.
Typically, Medicare initially approves 6 sessions as part of your Mental Health Care Plan. After completing these, your psychologist will review your progress and send a report to your GP. If additional support is needed, your GP can approve up to 4 more sessions. This process ensures that your treatment is regularly evaluated and adjusted as necessary.
If you have any further questions about this process feel free to give us a call on (02) 4214 8728 or email admin@walkingsession.com.au
Once you’ve completed your 10 Medicare-rebated sessions for the year, you won’t be able to claim further sessions under your current Mental Health Care Plan. However, you can discuss your ongoing needs with your GP, who may recommend additional support options. In some cases, you may be able to access alternative funding or community services to help cover the cost of more sessions.
Access to 10 more sessions under the Mental Health Care Plan is reset every calendar year on the 1st of January.
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Email: admin@walkingsession.com.au
Address: PO Box 407
FIGTREE NSW 2525
Ph: (02) 4214 8728
Fax: (02) 4216 9438
Walking Session
Walking Session would like to show their respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, Elders past and present, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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