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Pathways to Rebates & Funding

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At Thoughtful Connections, there are several ways to access support and reduce out-of-pocket costs. 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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Self-funded

Clients can self-refer and access services without a referral. Standard session fees apply.

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Medicare Rebates 

  • MHTP: Eligible clients may access Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). 

  • Referral: You need to be referred by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician and must bring it to your first appointment.

  • Sessions: Clients can access up to 10 rebated sessions each calendar year. After your initial block of 6 sessions, your practitioner will send a brief progress report to your referrer. You then return to your referrer for a review, and they 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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Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) / CTP Claims

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

  • What you will need: provide your claim details so we can apply for a mental health treatment plan on your behalf and 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: are not covered by MAIC CTP.

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​National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

  • We welcome NDIS participants. Services can be paid for through your NDIS funding, depending on your plan and supports. 

  • Self‑Managed NDIS Plans: If your NDIS plan is self‑managed, you have complete flexibility in choosing your mental health provider. You simply book sessions directly, pay the invoice, and then claim reimbursement through the NDIS participant portal. Self‑management allows you to select the practitioner who best fits your needs and preferences, and to negotiate fees and appointment times that work for you.

  • Plan‑Managed NDIS Plans: After booking your session, invoices are sent directly to your plan manager, who processes payment using the appropriate funding category (usually Improved Daily Living). This option offers flexibility similar to self‑management, with the added convenience of not having to handle payments or claims yourself.

  • Thoughtful Connections is not registered with the NDIA, 

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Private Health Insurance (Extras Cover/Allied Health)

  • Depending on your level of cover, you may be able to claim a rebate through your private health fund. Please check directly with your insurer regarding your eligibility for counselling and mental health support, and rebate amounts. 

  • AMHSW recognition: Private Health Funds recognized via the AASW professional body include HCF, Bupa, Teachers Health, Doctors’ Health, St Lukes, Phoenix Health Fund, TUH, Medibank, Mildura Health Fund, GMHBA. 

  • What you will need: Check your fund’s app or member portal to confirm your fund's inclusions and annual limits. Depending on the insurer and level of cover, the following may attract rebates - individual counselling / social work; couple or family therapy; group therapy; telehealth sessions (varies by fund).

  • Generally not covered: Cancellation fees; travel time; court attendance; reports; clinical or professional supervision.

  • How it works: Thoughtful Connections does not currently offer HICAPS claiming, so private health clients pay the full session fee, then you claim your rebate directly through the insurer’s app or member portal, or by submitting your receipt to your insurer. Refunds generally take 24-48 hours to be processed.

  • General: 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

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

  • What you will need: You will need to provide your claim number and case manager or referring GP’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. Thoughtful Connections will then send reports directly to your referrer or case manager.

  • Cancellation fees: are not covered by WorkCover.

​​​​​​​updated 17th September 2026

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