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Using OSHC for Mental Health: GP Referral, Psychology & Counselling

Comprehensive guide to using oshc for mental health: gp referral, psychology & counselling for international students in Australia. Expert analysis of coverage, costs, and practical advice.

Published: 2026-06-12 Verified: 2026-06-12 by Editorial Desk

Using OSHC for Mental Health: GP Referral, Psychology & Counselling

Adjusting to life in Australia as an international student can be both exciting and overwhelming. Between academic pressures, cultural transitions, and being far from family, it is completely normal to experience stress, anxiety, or low mood. The good news is that your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides meaningful support for mental health care—but navigating the system can be confusing. Many students do not realise that their OSHC policy covers psychology sessions if they follow the right pathway, or that there are free alternatives available on campus. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of accessing mental health services with OSHC, from getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP to understanding session limits, telehealth options, and crisis resources. By the end, you will have a clear, actionable roadmap to get the care you need.

Understanding the Mental Health Treatment Plan Pathway

The most common way to access subsidised psychology or counselling under OSHC is through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), also known as a Better Access plan. This is a formal document prepared by a General Practitioner (GP) after an assessment of your mental health needs. The MHTP is not unique to OSHC—it is part of Australia’s Medicare system—but OSHC policies generally mirror Medicare’s coverage for this service.

To start, you must book an appointment with a GP. You can choose a bulk-billing GP who does not charge an out-of-pocket fee, which means your OSHC will cover the entire cost of the consultation. If you see a GP who charges above the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee, you will need to pay the gap yourself. Most OSHC providers, including ahm, nib, Bupa, Medibank, and Allianz Care, cover 100% of the MBS fee for GP visits up to a reasonable limit, often up to $75–$100 per consultation as of 2026. Check your policy’s specific benefit schedule.

During the GP appointment, you will discuss your symptoms, how long you have been feeling this way, and any impact on your daily life. The GP will determine if you meet the criteria for a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, or stress. If they agree, they will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This plan includes a referral to an eligible mental health professional—typically a psychologist, clinical psychologist, or counsellor who is registered with Medicare.

Psychology Session Limits Under OSHC

Once you have your Mental Health Treatment Plan, you are eligible for subsidised psychology sessions. Under Medicare, the standard allocation is up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (with a possible extension to 20 under certain circumstances). OSHC policies generally follow this same limit, though there are important nuances.

For example, as of 2025, most OSHC providers cover up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year when referred under an MHTP. This is a combined limit for all mental health professionals—so if you see a psychologist and a clinical psychologist, the total count is 10. Group therapy sessions (such as group CBT) may also be available, typically counted separately.

It is critical to note that the 10-session limit applies to the calendar year (January to December), not the policy year. If you start sessions in November, you may only get a few before the limit resets in January. Plan accordingly.

How to Claim for Psychology with OSHC

There are two main ways to pay for your psychology sessions: direct billing (where the psychologist bills your OSHC provider directly) or pay-first-then-claim. Direct billing is increasingly common, especially at larger psychology clinics near universities. If the psychologist offers direct billing, you will only need to pay any gap fee (the difference between the psychologist’s fee and what OSHC covers). Many psychologists charge around $180–$220 per session as of 2026, while the OSHC rebate is typically around $90–$130 per session for a general psychologist or $130–$150 for a clinical psychologist. You will need to cover the difference.

If direct billing is not available, pay the full fee upfront and then submit a claim to your OSHC provider via their app or online portal. You will need the item number from your psychologist’s invoice (usually item 80000 for a session with a general psychologist, or 80010 for a clinical psychologist). Claims are usually processed within 2–5 business days, and the rebate is deposited into your Australian bank account.

Telehealth Psychology Options

Many international students prefer telehealth (video or phone) psychology sessions. This is especially convenient if you live far from a psychologist’s office or have a busy schedule. Under OSHC, telehealth psychology sessions are covered in the same way as in-person sessions, provided the psychologist is registered with Medicare and the session is conducted via an approved platform (Zoom, HealthDirect, or similar).

As of 2026, all major OSHC providers—ahm, nib, Bupa, Medibank, and Allianz Care—cover telehealth psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative. You still need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, and the session limits remain the same (10 per calendar year). Telehealth can be a lifeline if you are experiencing anxiety about leaving home or have mobility issues.

Psychiatry Referrals and Coverage

For more complex mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, or schizophrenia, a GP may refer you to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specialising in mental health). Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and provide medical management. Under OSHC, psychiatrist consultations are covered as specialist appointments, meaning you will need a referral from a GP.

The coverage for psychiatrists is generally more generous than for psychology. Most OSHC policies cover 100% of the MBS fee for psychiatrist consultations, with no cap on the number of sessions per calendar year (though your GP may need to provide a referral each time). However, psychiatrists often charge significantly above the MBS fee—$300–$500 per initial consultation as of 2026—so you may face a substantial out-of-pocket cost. Some public hospital outpatient psychiatry services are available at low cost, but waiting lists can be long.

University Counselling Services: Free and Accessible

One of the best-kept secrets for international students is that most Australian universities offer free, confidential counselling services to enrolled students. These services are staffed by qualified psychologists, social workers, or counsellors. They do not require a GP referral, and sessions are not counted against your OSHC psychology limit. University counselling is typically short-term (6–12 sessions per year) and focuses on common student issues like stress, anxiety, academic pressure, and relationship difficulties.

For example, the University of Melbourne’s Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the University of Sydney’s Student Counselling Service both offer free individual and group sessions. As of 2025, these services are available to all international students, regardless of visa status. They are an excellent first step if you are unsure whether you need ongoing psychological care.

Crisis Support Resources

In a mental health crisis, OSHC is not the right tool—you need immediate, free support. Australia has a robust network of crisis helplines that are available 24/7, and they are free to call from any phone. Key resources include:

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 000. For non-urgent mental health advice, you can also contact the National Mental Health Helpline on 1800 789 978.

Practical Steps to Get Started

Here is a step-by-step action plan for accessing mental health care with OSHC:

  1. Find a bulk-billing GP near your university or accommodation. Check the OSHC provider’s website for a list of participating GPs.
  2. Book a longer appointment (20–30 minutes) to discuss mental health. Tell the receptionist you want a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
  3. Attend the GP appointment and be honest about your symptoms. The GP will assess you and, if appropriate, prepare the MHTP and refer you to a psychologist.
  4. Choose a psychologist who accepts direct billing or is affordable. Ask the GP for a recommendation or search the Australian Psychological Society (APS) directory.
  5. Book your first session and confirm whether they offer telehealth if needed.
  6. Claim your rebate through your OSHC app if you paid upfront, or check that direct billing is in place.
  7. Track your session count to ensure you do not exceed the 10-session limit per calendar year.

Alternatives and Workarounds

If you have exhausted your 10 psychology sessions under OSHC or cannot afford the gap fees, consider these alternatives:

Real-World Example

Let’s say you are a Chinese student at Monash University in Melbourne. You have been feeling anxious and unable to concentrate on your studies. You book a GP appointment at the Monash University Health Service (bulk-billing). The GP diagnoses adjustment disorder with anxiety and prepares a Mental Health Treatment Plan. They refer you to a psychologist near campus who offers direct billing. You attend 8 sessions between March and June. In July, you feel better but still want support. You switch to Monash’s free counselling service for 4 sessions. By August, you are managing well. Total out-of-pocket cost: $0 for the GP, plus $60 per session gap fee for psychology (totalling $480), but you claimed $120 per session back from your OSHC (nib) for a net cost of $60 per session. You could also have chosen a bulk-billing psychologist if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does OSHC cover psychology sessions without a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

No. OSHC only covers psychology sessions if you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP. Without an MHTP, you would have to pay the full fee yourself. The GP appointment itself is covered under your OSHC policy. If you need immediate support, consider university counselling or crisis helplines.

Q: How many psychology sessions can I get per year under OSHC?

Most OSHC policies cover up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (January to December) when referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This limit applies to all mental health professionals (psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers) under the Better Access initiative. Some OSHC providers may offer a higher limit for clinical psychologists. Group therapy sessions may be counted separately. Always check your policy’s benefit schedule.

Q: Can I see a psychologist via telehealth with OSHC?

Yes. Telehealth psychology sessions are covered under OSHC in the same way as in-person sessions, provided you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and the psychologist is registered with Medicare. All major OSHC providers (ahm, nib, Bupa, Medibank, Allianz Care) cover telehealth as of 2026. You need a stable internet connection and a private space. Telehealth can be particularly helpful if you have social anxiety or live in a remote area.

Q: What if I need more than 10 psychology sessions?

If you have complex needs, your GP can apply for a Mental Health Treatment Plan extension, allowing up to 20 sessions per calendar year. This requires a review by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Additionally, you can use free university counselling services or community health centres. Some OSHC providers also offer a higher limit for clinical psychologist sessions, so check your policy.

Q: Does OSHC cover psychiatry appointments?

Yes, OSHC covers psychiatrist consultations as specialist visits. You need a referral from a GP. The coverage is typically 100% of the MBS fee with no annual limit on the number of sessions. However, psychiatrists often charge above the MBS fee, so you may face significant out-of-pocket costs. Some public hospital outpatient psychiatry services are available at low cost, but waiting lists can be long.

Q: Can I claim psychology costs from my OSHC if I already used university counselling?

Yes, you can use both university counselling and OSHC-covered psychology sessions separately. University counselling does not count toward your OSHC session limit because it is not billed through Medicare. However, you cannot claim the same session from both. If you see a psychologist through your OSHC, you can also access university counselling for additional support—just ensure you inform both providers.

Q: What should I do in a mental health emergency?

In an emergency, call 000 immediately. For crisis support, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). These services are free and available 24/7. Do not wait for an OSHC claim or GP appointment if you are in immediate danger. University security services can also assist if you are on campus.

Q: Are there any medications covered for mental health under OSHC?

OSHC provides limited coverage for prescription medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). For mental health medications like antidepressants or anxiolytics, you may pay up to $50–$70 per script (2026 rates) with an annual cap of $300–$500 depending on your OSHC provider. You need a prescription from a GP or psychiatrist. Always check your policy’s pharmacy benefit schedule.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to access mental health services with OSHC. Remember, you are not alone—Australia has excellent resources for international students. Start with a GP appointment, and do not hesitate to use free university counselling or crisis helplines if needed. Your mental health matters.