Hello Tallypez and welcome to the forums.
I see a psychiatrist so I'm not sure how different the charges are with a psychologist but yes you will need to submit your reciepts to medicare. Like you I found this initial part confusing. Wasn't quite sure how much I would pay or what was required of me.
There are a few ways this is done depending on which your therapist does. Some ask for payment first and then submit your claim to Medicare. Others give you an invoice to submit to Medicare and you then pay the difference. Your best option is to phone reception and ask for clarification and guidance.
Do you use your mygov account? It is helpful because you can access your saftey net balance and check where you're at.
To give you some idea of costing at the start of the year (saftey net resets on the calander year) I would pay around $250 for a 45 minute appointment with the psychiatrist. By December it is usually about $20 for a 45 min session. Financially the first months of the year are when I need to have money put aside in advance to try keep afloat.
It is a very anxious time when you're trying to work out how to afford your treatment. But your health is worth the effort.
Above all I found it is important to speak to your professional plainly and honestly about what is realistic for you. For example if they say they want to see you more than you will be able to afford you need to be honest about this.
I found when my treatment puts massive financial strain on my family I feel worse and tempted to give it up altogether. This might help us financially but then I go downhill and that affects all of us. So we had to be realistic about what we can afford.
I hope you are able to find a balance between helpful therapy and affordability soon.
Kindest,
Nat
