Medicare Mental Health Check-In vs Private Psychology: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for mental health support under Medicare, it’s important to understand that not all services offer the same level of care, flexibility, or therapeutic depth.

The Australian Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check-In service provides free, early-intervention support for people experiencing mild or short-term emotional distress.
At The Three Seas Psychology, we provide face-to-face psychological therapy in Melbourne for adults, adolescents, couples, and children who require more personalised, relational, and ongoing care.

This guide explains the difference between Medicare Mental Health Check-In services and private psychology, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

What is the Medicare Mental Health Check-In?

The Medicare Mental Health Check-In is a free mental health service funded by the Australian Government. It is designed to support people experiencing mild or temporary emotional distress, particularly as an early step before more intensive care.

The service typically includes:

• An initial assessment via the Medicare Mental Health phone service

• Short-term, low-intensity psychological support

• Telehealth sessions and/or self-guided digital programs

• A structured, standardised therapy model, often CBT-based

• A focus on early intervention and symptom management

Because it is fully Medicare-funded, the service is designed to be brief, standardised, and widely accessible, rather than long-term or individually tailored. It is intended to complement existing mental health services, not replace them.

What Does The Three Seas Psychology Offer?

The Three Seas Psychology provides ongoing psychological therapy delivered by fully registered psychologists across Melbourne.

Our psychologists undertake extensive postgraduate training and supervised clinical experience. This allows them to work effectively with complex presentations, developmental concerns, trauma, relationships, and long-standing mental health difficulties in adults, adolescents, and children.

Our psychological care is:

• Client-centred and relational

• Tailored to your personal history, goals, and emotional needs

• Delivered face-to-face (with telehealth available where appropriate)

• Suitable for adults, adolescents, couples, and children

• Focused on meaningful, sustainable change rather than short-term symptom relief

Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, therapy at The Three Seas is matched to the individual and their presenting concerns. Our clinicians draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, including:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and treatment-focused CBT

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

• Schema Therapy

• Interpersonal Therapy

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

• Play Therapy for children and adolescents

Kim and the clinical team continue to refine and expand our therapeutic offerings to ensure care is developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and responsive to each client’s needs.

Medicare Mental Health Check-In vs Private Psychology Care

Medicare Mental Health Check-In

Best suited for:

• Mild or short-term emotional distress

• Early intervention or first-step mental health support

• Adults comfortable with phone-based or digital therapy

• People seeking free mental health support under Medicare

Considerations:

• Limited number of sessions

• Less continuity with the same practitioner

• Primarily phone-based or digital delivery

• Standardised therapy model

• Not designed for children, adolescents, trauma, or complex presentations

The Three Seas Psychology (Private Psychology Care)

Best suited for:

• Ongoing anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout

• Relationship and couples counselling

• Child and adolescent emotional or behavioural concerns

• Eating disorders and complex mental health presentations

• People seeking face-to-face psychologist care in Melbourne

Benefits:

• Ongoing work with the same psychologist

• Access to multiple therapeutic approaches

• In-person appointments across Melbourne locations

• Immediate availability in many cases

• No GP referral required

Understanding Rebates and Payment Options

While sessions at The Three Seas Psychology are privately paid, many clients are eligible for rebates or third-party funding, depending on their circumstances.

These may include:

• Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP

• Private health insurance psychology rebates (depending on your cover)

• Third-party funding, such as WorkCover, TAC, or other insurer-supported referrals

Our team can help explain which rebate or funding pathways may apply to you and guide you through the process.

Why Some People Move Beyond Medicare Check-In Services

For many people, Medicare-funded early-intervention services are a helpful starting point. However, some find they need:

• A stronger therapeutic relationship

• More sessions than short-term programs allow

• Face-to-face therapy rather than digital delivery

• Support for children, adolescents, relationships, or trauma

• Therapy that evolves as their needs change over time

In these cases, ongoing psychologist-led therapy can offer the consistency, depth, and flexibility needed for meaningful progress.

Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

If you’re unsure whether the Medicare Mental Health Check-In is sufficient for your needs, or if you’re looking for face-to-face psychological support in Melbourne for yourself, your adolescent, or your child, we’re here to help.

Book an appointment
No referral required
Immediate availability across Melbourne locations

Work with a psychologist who understands you as a whole person — not just your symptoms.