Bulk-billing psychologists earn as little as $12 an hour, Australian peak body says

Almost half of all Australian adults will face mental ill-health at some point in their lives, but for the most vulnerable of them, accessing affordable mental healthcare has become more difficult as general practitioners and psychologists move away from bulk billing.

A GP-approved mental healthcare plan is needed to receive government-subsidised psychological sessions. But psychologists told Guardian Australia they too are cutting back on bulk billing, and one was even forced to close their practice altogether.

Psychologists spend much longer with clients than GPs, which means they book fewer appointments in a day and receive fewer rebates from the government. Like GPs, they need to pay for rent, education, administration, Covid-related expenses, registration, telehealth software and insurance.

For every 50-minute session with a client, there is additional time invested to research conditions or medications, liaise with the referrer, check referrals and care plans, write up notes and provide reports.

An Australian Association of Psychologists survey of its members found the hourly rate for a bulk-billing psychologist would be on average about $12 to $20 after accounting for additional time and expenses.

A 59-year-old man living in South Australia said he has been unemployed for three years due to a serious back injury and mental health issues he has had since childhood. The GP in his town does not bulk bill, forcing him to travel.