Does Medicare Cover Relationship Counselling in Australia? A Clear Guide for Couples

Thinking About Couples Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know About Medicare and Costs

Relationship counselling is one of the most effective ways to improve communication, rebuild trust, and reduce emotional distance in a partnership. But one of the first questions many couples ask is:
“Does Medicare cover couples therapy?”

As a relationship therapist and psychology professional, I’m often asked to explain how Medicare works when it comes to couples counselling, and whether financial support is available for this essential service. This article breaks it all down, so you can make informed, stress-free decisions about your emotional wellbeing and your finances.

Does Medicare Cover Couples or Relationship Counselling?

Short answer: Not directly.

Medicare does not currently cover couples therapy or relationship counselling as a stand-alone service. This applies even when the relationship issues are serious, such as ongoing conflict, communication breakdown, or recovery from infidelity.

However, there are exceptions and workarounds through the Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) that may cover certain sessions where mental health is a central focus for one individual in the relationship.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a care plan written by your GP that provides access to subsidised psychological treatment under Medicare. It allows the individual to see a psychologist, social worker, or mental health occupational therapist for up to 10 individual sessions per year (as of 2024).

Key points:

• The MHTP is designed for individuals, not couples.

• You must have a diagnosable mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).

• The GP will refer you to a registered psychologist or similar provider.

So Can I Use My MHTP for Couples Counselling?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances.

If one partner has a valid mental health diagnosis, and the therapist agrees that including the partner is therapeutically helpful, then some joint sessions may be billed under the individual’s plan.

For example:

• If a person is being treated for anxiety or depression, and their therapist believes involving their partner in a few sessions will support recovery, then Medicare may subsidise those joint sessions.

• These sessions are still considered part of the individual’s therapy, not couples counselling per se.

Important: The sessions must still centre on the individual’s treatment. The partner is a “support person,” not a co-client.

Medicare Does Not Cover:

• Sessions where both partners are treated equally as clients.

• General relationship or marriage counselling with no individual diagnosis.

• Therapy focused on communication, parenting disagreements, or intimacy concerns unless directly tied to a mental health condition.

What Are Your Options if You Don’t Qualify for Medicare Support?

If you don’t meet the MHTP criteria, or want therapy that treats both partners equally, here are your options:

1. Private-Pay Couples Counselling

Many therapists offer private couples sessions (typically 50–90 minutes) with fees ranging between $120 to $250+ per session, depending on location, therapist experience, and session length.

Pros:

• Sessions are tailored to both partners equally.

• No mental health diagnosis required.

• Greater choice in therapists, styles, and frequency.

Cons:

• Fully out-of-pocket, unless your private health insurer offers cover.

2. Private Health Insurance Rebates

Some extras cover policies under Australian private health insurance provide partial rebates for psychological services, including relationship counselling.

You’ll need to check:

• Does your fund cover relationship counselling?

• Are there annual limits or waiting periods?

• Is your therapist registered with your health fund provider list?

Not all funds or policies offer this rebate, and the claim process varies.

3. Community-Based or Low-Cost Services

A number of organisations offer affordable or sliding-scale counselling, including:

• Relationships Australia – Offers professional relationship counselling across Australia (fees are income-based).

• Centacare, Anglicare, and other faith-based or not-for-profit providers.

• University Psychology Clinics – Sessions with supervised psychology interns at reduced fees.

• Telehealth Counselling – Many therapists offer online sessions with lower rates.

These services are ideal for couples with budget concerns or limited access to private therapists.

What About Bulk-Billing for Relationship Therapy?

Bulk billing is generally not available for couples counselling unless one partner is being treated under an MHTP and:

• The provider accepts bulk-billing,

• The issue is tied directly to that person’s mental health,

• The joint session is documented appropriately.

Even then, most relationship therapy remains private-pay, as bulk billing is rarely offered by experienced relationship specialists.

How Do We Talk to Our GP About This?

If you believe mental health is contributing to your relationship distress, speak with your GP honestly. They can help assess:

• Whether one partner qualifies for an MHTP.

• Whether the partner might benefit from joint sessions with a psychologist.

• Referrals to local or virtual therapists familiar with MHTP-included relationship work.

Bring any relevant documentation or a written list of concerns. Ask:
“Would some joint sessions with my partner help support my mental health recovery?”

Couples Therapy vs Individual Therapy: What’s Best?

Both approaches have benefits, depending on your needs:

You can also combine both: individual support alongside joint sessions.

Quick Recap: What Medicare Covers

Final Therapist Insight

Couples therapy is one of the most impactful investments you can make in your emotional wellbeing, family stability, and long-term happiness. While Medicare’s current limitations can be frustrating, many affordable pathways exist, from community services to insurance rebates to private, highly-targeted support.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with your GP or a relationship therapist who understands the system. Support is available, and clarity brings peace of mind.