Using Medicare at
Therapy for Kids Perth
Medicare rebates may be available for occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychology at Therapy for Kids Perth — depending on the program and your child's eligibility. Here's what you need to know.
The Medicare programs we accept
We accept three Medicare programs at Therapy for Kids Perth. Each program has different eligibility requirements, session limits, and referral requirements — all explained below.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
The GPCCMP (formerly known as the Chronic Disease Management plan or CDM) supports people with chronic health conditions to access allied health services under Medicare. From 1 July 2025, the previous GPMP and Team Care Arrangement framework was replaced by this streamlined single-plan model.
How it works
- Your GP prepares a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) and refers you to allied health services
- Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year are covered (up to 10 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients)
- Sessions can be spread across different allied health disciplines
- From 1 July 2025, a standard referral letter is accepted — no structured Medicare form required
- Existing CDM plans prepared before 1 July 2025 remain valid until 1 July 2027
Eligibility & referral
- Referral from: GP
- The client must have a diagnosed chronic health condition
- The GP must be the client's MyMedicare registered practice (from 1 July 2025)
- A GPCCMP can be prepared once every 12 months if necessary, with reviews available every 3 months
- Available for occupational therapy, speech pathology, and physiotherapy at Therapy for Kids Perth
Mental Health Care Plan
The Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), also known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), is part of the Better Access initiative. It provides Medicare rebates for psychological therapy sessions for people with a diagnosable mental health condition. From 1 November 2025, the program was updated to strengthen links to a patient's regular GP.
How it works
- Your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provides a referral
- Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year are available under this program
- The initial referral covers up to 6 sessions; a GP review is required before accessing the remaining 4
- From 1 November 2025, referrals must come from the client's MyMedicare registered practice or usual medical practitioner
- Sessions can be delivered face-to-face or via telehealth
Eligibility & referral
- Referral from: GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist
- The client must have a diagnosable mental health condition
- The session limit of 10 resets each calendar year (1 January)
- The MHCP can be used for therapy sessions — it cannot be used to fund psychological assessments
- Available for psychology services at Therapy for Kids Perth
M10 — Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions Program
The M10 program provides Medicare rebates for allied health services for children and young adults under 25 who have a diagnosed complex neurodevelopmental disorder (such as autism spectrum disorder) or an eligible disability. It covers both assessment and therapy sessions with occupational therapists and speech pathologists.
How it works
- A medical practitioner refers the client for assessment and/or treatment services with an eligible allied health professional
- Up to 8 assessment services and 20 treatment sessions are available per lifetime under this program
- The client must be under 25 years of age at the time of service
- Services can be delivered face-to-face or via telehealth video
- The referring practitioner must have assessed or contributed to a treatment plan for the client
- Medicare rebates for allied health services under M10 do not attract benefits until the prerequisite medical practitioner item has been billed
Eligibility & referral
- Referral from: Paediatrician, psychiatrist, or GP
- The client must be under 25 years of age
- The client must have a diagnosed complex neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. autism spectrum disorder) or an eligible disability
- A separate referral is required for assessment services and treatment services
- A separate referral is required for each allied health professional
- The rebate covers face-to-face assessment sessions — it does not cover report writing
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions families most commonly ask us about Medicare.
Do you bulk bill?
No. We do not bulk bill. A gap payment will apply for all Medicare-funded sessions — meaning you pay the full session fee and receive the Medicare rebate back into your account. Our team can provide a full fee breakdown when you enquire so you know exactly what to expect.
How do I get a referral for Medicare?
The referral process depends on which Medicare program you're accessing:
GPCCMP: Book an extended appointment with your GP and ask for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral to allied health services.
MHCP: Book an extended mental health appointment with your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral to a psychologist.
M10: Book an appointment with your GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist. They will need to assess your child and prepare or contribute to a treatment plan before referring to allied health.
Can I use Medicare and NDIS for the same child?
In some circumstances, yes — but there are rules about which funding source should be used first and for what purpose. Generally, NDIS funding is used for disability-related supports, while Medicare covers health-related services. We recommend speaking with your NDIS Support Coordinator or getting in touch with our team to discuss your child's specific situation before booking.
Can the MHCP be used for psychology assessments like ADHD or autism?
No. The Mental Health Care Plan covers therapy sessions only — it cannot be used to fund psychological assessments such as ADHD assessments, autism assessments, or cognitive assessments. These assessments are available on a self-funded or private health basis. Please see our individual assessment pages for more information.
My child already has some M10 sessions remaining — can we use these at Therapy for Kids Perth?
Yes, provided your child still has remaining sessions within their lifetime limit and a valid referral in place. Please get in touch and let us know how many sessions remain and who the referring practitioner is — we can confirm eligibility and help you get started.
What happens when my Medicare sessions run out?
When your Medicare sessions are exhausted for the year (or for the program's lifetime limit), sessions can continue on a self-funded or private health basis if you'd like to maintain continuity of care. We'll always let you know how many sessions remain so there are no surprises. Many families also use NDIS funding alongside or instead of Medicare.
Can I use Medicare for telehealth sessions?
Yes. Medicare rebates are available for telehealth sessions under all three programs we accept — GPCCMP, MHCP, and M10 — provided the other eligibility requirements are met. Telehealth sessions must be delivered by video for M10 services.