How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in Australia?

A private ADHD assessment in Australia typically costs $600–$2,500, with $1,200 being a common price for a comprehensive assessment by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP referral, reducing the out-of-pocket cost. Wait times for public ADHD assessments can exceed 12 months.

Does Medicare cover psychologist sessions in Australia?

Yes. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, Medicare provides a rebate of $93 per session for up to 10 psychologist sessions per calendar year. The typical psychologist fee is $220, leaving an out-of-pocket gap of approximately $100–$150 per session.

What is a Mental Health Care Plan in Australia?

A Mental Health Care Plan is a GP-prepared plan that gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 subsidised sessions per year with a psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist. Your GP assesses your needs and creates the plan during a longer consultation (often bulk-billed or low gap).

How much does a psychiatrist cost in Australia without Medicare?

Without Medicare, a psychiatrist initial consultation in Australia costs $300–$600, with $400 being typical. With a GP referral, Medicare provides a rebate of approximately $200, leaving an out-of-pocket gap of $100–$400 depending on the psychiatrist's fee.

Private Mental Health & ADHD Prices Australia 2026

Compare private mental health prices. ADHD assessment from $600. Psychologist from $150. Online therapy from $60. Medicare rebates included. All prices in AUD.

Medicare note: A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP gives 10 subsidised psychologist sessions per year (rebate $93/session). Psychiatrist consultations also attract Medicare rebates with a GP referral.

Service prices

ADHD Assessment

$1,200

$600 – $2,500

A formal diagnostic assessment for ADHD involving clinical interview, validated questionnaires, developmental history review, and a comprehensive diagnostic report.

Comprehensive assessment by psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.

RANZCP: ADHD ↗

Psychiatrist Initial Consultation

$400

$300 – $600

First appointment with a consultant psychiatrist — a medical doctor specialising in mental health who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and create treatment plans.

Medicare rebate ~$200 with GP referral.

RANZCP: Find a psychiatrist ↗

Psychologist Session

$220

$150 – $300

A therapy session with a registered psychologist, typically using evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, or EMDR. Medicare rebates available with a Mental Health Care Plan.

Medicare rebate $93 with Mental Health Care Plan.

APS: Find a psychologist ↗

Online Therapy

$100

$60 – $150

Therapy delivered via video call, text messaging, or structured online programs with a licensed therapist or psychologist. Convenient access from home.

Text, video or app-based platforms.

Head to Health ↗

CBT Session

$200

PBS

Some psychiatric medications are PBS-listed. ADHD medications are PBS-subsidised with an authority prescription from an appropriately qualified prescriber, typically a psychiatrist. Eligibility is decided clinically; check the current PBS schedule at pbs.gov.au.

Medicare

Medicare Mental Health Care Plan gives 10 subsidised sessions/year. Out-of-pocket gap for psychologist ~$100-150 per session. Psychiatrist rebate ~$200 with GP referral.

Private health insurance

Private health insurance extras may cover psychology sessions (typically $50-100 per session). Hospital cover includes in-patient psychiatric care.

When paying privately for mental health services makes sense

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You need an ADHD assessment

Public wait times for ADHD assessment exceed 12 months in most states. Private assessment costs $600-2,500 but you can be seen within weeks.

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You've used your 10 Medicare sessions

The Mental Health Care Plan provides 10 sessions per year. After that, private psychology sessions cost $150-300 without a rebate.

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You want a specific therapist or modality

Medicare-rebated sessions may limit your choice of therapist. Paying privately gives access to specialists in EMDR, DBT, schema therapy, and other modalities.

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You need flexible scheduling

Online platforms like Lysn and MindShift offer evening and weekend sessions from $60-150.

What to check before booking

✓Ask your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan (10 subsidised sessions/year)
✓Check if the provider offers Medicare rebates
✓Verify AHPRA registration of the practitioner
✓Ask about the out-of-pocket gap fee before booking

Sources & further reading

Medicare Mental Health Care Plan — Medicare subsidised psychology sessions and eligibility
RANZCP — Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists — Clinical practice guidelines for mental health treatment
Beyond Blue — Mental health service information and provider directories
AHPRA — Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency — Psychologist and psychiatrist registration verification

Prescription treatments require a valid Australian prescription from an AHPRA-registered practitioner. This site does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment.