Your guide to referring patients for psychology services under Medicare’s Better Access Initiative
Welcome to The Three Seas Psychology GP Referral Hub.
We work closely with GPs to provide timely, evidence-based psychological support for patients under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. Our team supports a wide range of presenting concerns, with both in-person and telehealth appointments available.
We currently have availability for new referrals, with patients typically able to commence sessions within a short timeframe. Once a referral is received, our team will contact the patient within 24–48 hours to arrange their first appointment.
Referrals can be sent via email, fax or phone, and we are always happy to discuss suitability, availability or patient needs prior to referral.
You can also learn more about our team and areas of expertise on our Meet the Psychologists page.
Referral Contact Details
Email: clientconnect@thethreeseas.com.au
Fax: 03 98091003
Phone: 03 98091000
How to Refer a Patient at a Glance
1. Complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Use MBS items 2700, 2701, 2715 or 2717.
2. Write a Referral Letter
Signed, dated, and addressed to The Three Seas Psychology.
3. Send to Us
Email or fax
4. We Contact the Patient
Intake completed within 24–48 hours.
Medicare & Better Access Explained
Understanding the Better Access Initiative
Eligible patients can access up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year under the Better Access Initiative.
GPs create a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer directly to registered psychologists. After six sessions, a brief review is required before further sessions are approved.
How the Referral Process Works
Step 1 — Assess and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Identify the patient’s presenting mental health concerns and confirm eligibility for Medicare rebates.
Complete a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MBS items 2700, 2701, 2715, or 2717).
Document the diagnosis and treatment goals to accompany your referral.
Step 2 — Write and send referral letter
- Patient’s name
- Patient’s date of birth
- Patient’s address
- Diagnosis
- List of any current medications
- Number of sessions the patient is being referred for
- The GP’s signature and date of completion
- GP provider number
Step 3 — Initial sessions and mid-treatment update
The patient attends up to six sessions with a registered psychologist.
We focus on assessment, treatment planning, and early intervention goals.
Practitioners will contact the GP after the 1st session is accessed on a referral, and then again after the final session is used.
Step 4 — Review and extend sessions
The patient returns to you for a review after six sessions.
If continued care is appropriate, issue a new referral for up to four additional sessions.
We maintain communication to ensure treatment continuity and shared goals.
Step 5 — Completion and final report
Once therapy concludes, we send a written summary of treatment outcomes and recommendations.
The report supports your ongoing management plan and any future referrals.
Patients can return for new sessions in the next calendar year if required.
Why Refer to The Three Seas Psychology?
Collaborative Care
We keep you informed with progress reports and end-of-treatment summaries.
Expert Psychologists
All general and clinical psychologists are AHPRA registered and evidence-based.
Flexible Access
Face-to-face or telehealth sessions available.
Medicare
Our team provides timely correspondence to keep GPs informed of progress and outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions for Referring GPs
How many psychology sessions are covered under Medicare?
- 10 sessions per year.
What information should be included in a GP referral?
- Patient’s name
- Patient’s date of birth
- Patient’s address
- Diagnosis
- List of any current medications
- Number of sessions the patient is being referred for
- The GP’s signature and date of completion
- GP provider number
Do referrals need to be addressed to a specific psychologist?
- Yes, telehealth sessions are eligible for rebates
Are telehealth sessions eligible for Medicare rebates?
- Yes, telehealth sessions are eligible for rebates
What happens after a patient completes their sessions?
Once sessions are complete, clients can usually access private health insurance rebates (subject to their insurer and level of cover).
In some cases, a GP may determine that a Chronic Condition Management Plan is appropriate.
Resource and Downloads
About The Three Seas Psychology
The Three Seas Psychology is a Melbourne-based practice offering individual, couple, and family therapy. Our clinicians are experienced in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, working closely with GPs to provide coordinated, evidence-based care.
– Reviewed by Kimberly Daniels
Last updated, November 2025