Mental health care: how to cover the costs
7 August 2026
Your mind doesn’t switch off when the bell rings. Caring for students, supporting colleagues and navigating the demands of the day often means there’s little time to focus on yourself.
As the year progresses, it’s not uncommon to feel mentally or emotionally stretched. If things are starting to feel heavier than usual, or your usual self-care strategies aren’t cutting through, recognising those signs early and understanding the support available can help you take the next step.
Medicare support
For many people, mental health care starts with a conversation with your GP. It’s a practical first step, giving you time to talk through what’s going on and what kind of support might help.
A mental health treatment plan is one way your GP can help connect you with Medicare-supported care. It can provide access to rebates for eligible services, including psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Medicare rebates are generally available for up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year, helping to reduce the cost of ongoing support. Because Medicare rebates and health fund benefits can’t be claimed for the same service.
Mental health treatment plans and health cover limits reset on 1 January each year, allowing eligible members to access renewed support^.
Extras cover
Once Medicare-supported sessions have been used, Extras cover may help with the cost of continuing care.
All levels of Teachers Health Extras cover include benefits for psychology and counselling, helping members access support if they choose not to use Medicare, or when Medicare entitlements no longer apply^.
Depending on your level of cover and remaining limits, benefits may also apply to some doctor-prescribed medications that are not subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) ^.
Hospital cover and additional support
Having hospital cover can help with the cost of inpatient psychiatric treatment. Members with Top Hospital (Gold) cover are covered for in-hospital psychiatric services at agreement hospitals, while psychiatric services may be restricted on other levels of cover#.
Support doesn’t always stop at hospital or clinical care. Eligible members may also be able to access support through Healthcare Services, including mental health coaching and support following a mental health-related hospital admission*.
Support that stays with you beyond the classroom
Your mind doesn’t switch off when the bell rings, and support shouldn’t either. Whether you’re noticing the effects of a demanding term, seeking help for the first time or simply working out what comes next, understanding what’s available can help you access care when you need it most.
That’s why Teachers Health includes psychology benefits on all levels of Extras cover^, helping members access support at every stage.
To learn more, visit https://www.teachershealth.com.au
* Subject to eligibility, level of cover and annual limits.
Teachers Federation Health Ltd ABN 86 097 030 414 trading as Teachers Health.
A Registered Private Health Insurer.
⚹The information in this editorial is general information only and is based on the assumption you’re eligible for Medicare. For more information, please visit https://www.teachershealth.com.au/healthmatters/body-mind/mental-health-care-how-to-cover-the-costs/
^Extras benefits depend on your level of cover and remaining limits – see how to check.
#To be eligible for a program you must be a member of Teachers Health and have Hospital cover with all relevant waiting periods served. Hospital cover requirements and waiting periods vary for different programs. Additional eligibility criteria may apply.
*These programs are brought to members through Teachers Healthcare Services (‘Healthcare Services’), an initiative of Teachers Health, to support members’ health and wellbeing through quality, evidence-based health management. Eligible members are connected with a dedicated Healthcare Services care coordinator who supports them along the way.
