Understanding Fees & Medicare Rebates
Most patients want to know: what will I actually pay?
Psychiatrist fees in Australia vary depending on the clinician you see, the type of appointment, and your Medicare eligibility. At Wellvue, we believe in clear, transparent pricing so you can make informed decisions about your care.
While fees vary, Medicare rebates and the Medicare Safety Net can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs over time. Many patients find that although initial costs can be higher, ongoing care becomes more affordable as rebates accumulate.
We will always provide clear pricing before confirming your booking, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Will I Actually Pay?
Costs at Wellvue vary depending on the clinician you see and the type of appointment. Below is a general guide to help you understand typical fees and Medicare rebates.
- Psychiatrist Initial Consultation (60 mins): $650 – $1000
Medicare rebate: $262.10 - Psychiatrist Follow-Up (30mins): $300 – $460
Medicare rebate: $134.00 - Psychology Session (50 mins): $280 – $325
Medicare rebate: $145.25
These are typical ranges. Your exact fee will always be confirmed before booking.
Important: Your out-of-pocket costs may reduce over time through the Medicare Safety Net.
ADHD Assessment Fees
Our ADHD assessment process is delivered as a structured pathway with a psychiatrist across three linked appointments. This approach supports diagnostic accuracy, safe treatment planning, and appropriate follow-up care.
- Initial Consultation (60 mins): $900 – $1000
Medicare rebate: $262.10 - Session 2 and 3 (45 mins each): $750 per session
Medicare rebate: $184.90 per session
This comprehensive process helps ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment recommendations, and ongoing care planning.
Total out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the psychiatrist and Medicare eligibility.
Already have an ADHD diagnosis?
If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, we do not simply start from scratch. Our approach focuses on building a working relationship with a new, experienced psychiatrist who will review your existing diagnosis and understand how ADHD is impacting your life at this stage.
This includes assessing for any co-occurring conditions and, where appropriate, developing a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan to support your ongoing care.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment Fees
Our Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments are delivered as a structured pathway with a psychiatrist across three linked appointments. This approach supports a thorough, respectful, and clinically appropriate understanding of your experiences over time.
- ASD Assessment Package (3 sessions + report): $2400 – $3500
Medicare rebate: approximately $718 (eligible patients)
All sessions are booked together as a package to ensure continuity, avoid delays, and support a consistent assessment process. Each assessment includes a comprehensive report, whether or not diagnostic criteria are met.
This structured approach allows your psychiatrist to understand your experiences across different areas of life, including social, sensory, and functional patterns, while considering your individual context and needs.
What to expect:
- Some patients receive an autism diagnosis, while others don’t
- The process may also identify other conditions or contributing factors
- Many patients find the process clarifying and validating, regardless of outcome
Optional additional services
NDIS Functional Report: Available where clinically appropriate. This includes a consultation and additional report writing time, billed at your clinician’s hourly rate.
ADHD Clarification: If ADHD symptoms overlap or require further assessment, additional sessions (typically $500 – $1000) may be recommended.
Why Our Approach Matters
Choosing the right provider is not just about the cost of a single appointment, it is about the quality, safety, and continuity of your care over time.
At Wellvue, we take a structured and considered approach to assessment and treatment. This means taking the time to understand your history, current needs, and broader clinical picture, rather than relying on brief or one-off interactions.
A thorough assessment process helps reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and supports more appropriate long-term care.
- Assessments are delivered across multiple sessions to support accuracy and reduce the risk of missed or incomplete information
- Care is designed to continue beyond diagnosis, with appropriate follow-up and review
- Your clinician works with you over time to monitor treatment, response, and any changes in your circumstances
- Telehealth supports continuity of care if your location changes
This approach supports safer prescribing, more accurate diagnosis, and a more consistent therapeutic relationship.
Mental health care is rarely a single appointment, it is an ongoing process, and we aim to support you throughout that journey.
How Medicare Reduces Your Costs
If you’re eligible for Medicare, you’ll receive a rebate for each session. Over time, your out-of-pocket costs may reduce further through the Medicare Safety Net.
What is the Medicare Safety Net?
The Medicare Safety Net helps reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs once you reach a set threshold within a calendar year.
- After reaching the threshold, Medicare may cover a higher portion of your costs
- For many services, this can be up to 80% of your out-of-pocket expenses (subject to Medicare caps)
- The higher rebate continues for the rest of the calendar year
Example
- Before Safety Net: ~$200+ out-of-pocket per session
- After Safety Net: costs may reduce to approximately $40–$50 per session
This means that while initial costs may be higher, ongoing care can become significantly more affordable over time.
Families and couples
You can register as a family with Medicare and combine your out-of-pocket expenses. This may allow you to reach the Safety Net threshold sooner.
Important: Medicare rebates, Safety Net thresholds, and caps depend on your individual circumstances. We recommend confirming your eligibility with Services Australia.
Estimate Your Costs
Every patient’s care journey is different, and your exact costs will depend on your clinician, appointment type, and Medicare eligibility.
Most patients find that while initial out-of-pocket costs are higher, ongoing care may become more affordable over time through Medicare rebates and the Medicare Safety Net.
If you’re unsure what to expect, our team can help you understand the likely costs based on your situation before you book.
What we can help with:
- Estimated costs for ADHD or ASD assessments
- Expected rebates and out-of-pocket costs
- How the Medicare Safety Net may apply to you
- Next steps for getting started
