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Funding Options

Thoughtful Connections offers several pathway to rebates that may help reduce the cost of your sessions. Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria and referral process. The information below outlines the most common options available to clients.

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Better Access (Mental Health Treatment Plan - MHTP)

  • MHTP: The Better Access initiative provides Medicare rebates for mental health services when you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

  • Referral: You need a referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician and must bring it to your first appointment.

  • Sessions: Clients can access a set number of rebated sessions each calendar year. After your initial block of sessions, your practitioner will send a brief progress report to your referrer. You then return to your GP for a review, which may approve additional sessions.

  • Payment: Sessions are paid in full at the time of your appointment, and you can claim your rebate afterward.

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Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan

  • A CDM Plan supports people with chronic or terminal medical conditions.

  • Referral: With a GP referral, clients can access a limited number of allied health sessions each calendar year.

  • Payment: You pay the full session fee upfront and then claim your Medicare rebate. As Thoughtful Connections is at present not a bulk‑billing provider, there is always an out‑of‑pocket cost.

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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  • The NDIS provides funding for people with permanent and significant disability, including psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports are also available for eligible children with developmental delay.

  • Eligibility: Eligibility is based on residency, age, and the impact of disability on daily functioning. Check your eligibility at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110 to make an Access Request.

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Private Health Insurance (Extras Cover)

  • Some private health insurers provide rebates for counselling and mental health social work services delivered by Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs).

  • Eligibility: Eligibility depends on your level of Extras cover, waiting periods and whether Medicare rebates apply.

  • Referral: A referral is not required. Clients cannot claim Medicare and private health rebates for the same session.

  • AMHSW recognition: Private Health Funds that recognize Thoughtful Connections Pty Ltd via the AASW include:

  • Services covered: Depending on the insurer and level of cover, rebates may apply to:

    • Individual counselling / social work

    • Couple or family therapy

    • Group therapy

    • Telehealth sessions (varies by fund)

  • Not covered, generally:

    • Cancellation fees

    • Travel time

    • Court attendance

    • Reports

    • Supervision

  • Claims: These can usually be made:

    • Through HICAPS at the time of your appointment

    • Via your insurer’s mobile app

    • Through your online member portal

    • By submitting your receipt directly to your insurer

  • General:

    • Check your fund’s app or member portal to confirm your coverage and annual limits.

    • Private Health Fund members must choose whether to claim from their Health Fund or Medicare - you cannot claim a rebate from both, for the same session.

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WorkCover Queensland & CTP Insurance

  • Thoughtful Connections provides psychological services for clients with approved WorkCover or CTP claims.

  • What you will need: provide your claim number and case manager’s details so we can confirm your approved sessions.

  • How it works: If your claim is accepted, there is no out‑of‑pocket cost for sessions. If the insurer declines coverage, you are responsible for the session fee.

  • Cancellation fees: not covered by WorkCover or CTP.

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Useful Links

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