When you’re struggling with your mental health, visiting your GP for a mental health treatment plan can be an important first step.

These plans indicate a diagnosed mental health condition (such as depression or anxiety) and allow you to access up to ten subsidised psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”) sessions through Medicare’s Better Access Initiative.

But what happens next?

Our recently published research suggests whether you actually see a psychologist may depend on where you live.

We found those living in low-income neighourhoods were much less likely to receive psychological care soon after receiving a plan, compared to those in wealthier neighbourhoods.

And in the decade between 2014–23, this gap widened substantially – particularly for children.

Even with subsidies, mental health care can be expensive

While private psychologists can choose their own rate, the suggested fee for a 45–60 minute consultation is A$330. But the Medicare rebate is set at $149.05 for a clinical psychologist – and even less for general psychologists – meaning the gap you pay can be substantial.

Read more: Need to see a psychologist? How to find one that’s right for you

High out-of-pocket costs, long waits and limited local services can prevent people from getting the care they need.

In the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2024–25 Patient Experience Survey, about one in four people who needed to see a psychologist reported delaying or going without care because of the cost.

Financial barriers to mental health care were more common in disadvantaged areas.

What we did and what we found

We wanted to understand how large the income-related gaps in psychological care are across Australia.

We used........

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