Fees & Rebates

Assistance with Therapy Costs

Receiving individual specialised professional therapy for your child can become expensive.

There is financial assistance available to help with these costs.

However it is necessary for parents to be proactive in gaining the correct forms from the correct professional/organisation in order to utilise the financial assistance.

Many parents become confused by this process. We have attempted to make it as easy as possible for you.

Outlined are six different options that may be suitable to your child and your current situation. Each option is separate from another, so you may be entitled to several options.

1. Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative – Medicare

Provides 12 individual therapy sessions (usually 6 sessions, review by doctor, then another 6 sessions)- in exceptional circumstances this can be increased to 18 sessions; and 12 group sessions per calendar year.

I Can … Therapy Centre is currently bulk billing sessions to clients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan – which means there is no charge to you for the sessions.

This initiative is for people with a mental disorder (eg. anxiety disorder, depression, sleep problems, ADHD, adjustment disorder, conduct disorder). In some cases both the child and carers may be eligible for therapy through this program.

To attend I Can … Therapy Centre through this initiative, and have no out of pocket expense you will need to make an extended appointment with your local doctor.

We suggest printing off the Dear Doctor letter and the About the Centre document and taking them to your appointment to discuss with your doctor.

Following your appointment, if your doctor feels this initiative is suitable he will write a GP Mental Health Care Plan and a referral to I Can … Therapy Centre.

2. Helping Children with Autism - FaHCSIA Funding

Provides $12,000 to be spent on early intervention services (maximum $6,000 per year) plus a one off $2,000 payment for families living in regional or remote areas.

The child must have a definitive written diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. The full $12,000 must be used by the child’s 7th birthday.

To attend I Can … Therapy Centre through this funding program you will need to contact Autism Australia ASPECT phone 1300 978 611.

I Can … Therapy Centre is registered with FaHCSIA under Home Ease Occupational Therapy Service.

3. The Enhanced Primary Care Plan

Provides a rebate through Medicare for 5 sessions of allied health professional consults per calendar year.

The Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) are for people with a chronic condition.

This rebate covers about a half of the cost of the therapy session. Please contact Medicare to find out the rebate you would receive using this program.

To attend I Can … Therapy Centre through this funding program you will need to make an appointment with your local doctor, and request a Enhanced Primary Care Plan.

We suggest printing off the About the Centre document and taking it to your appointment to discuss with your doctor.

4. Helping Children with Autism Treatment Plan

Provides a rebate through Medicare for 20 sessions of allied health professional consults. These rebates can be used once in the child’s lifetime, and must be written by the child’s 13th birthday and used by the child’s 15th birthday.

The child must have a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Please contact Medicare to find out the rebate you would receive using this program.

To attend I Can … Therapy Centre through this funding program you will need to make an appointment with your child’s paediatrician.

We suggest printing off the About the Centre document and taking it to your appointment to discuss with your doctor.

5. Private Health Insurance

The amount of rebate you receive for Occupational Therapy and Psychology Services varies significantly depending on your private health insurance company and the level of cover you have.

To attend I Can … Therapy Centre using private health insurance contact your insurance company for specific entitlements and rebates.

6. Community and Government organisations

At times community and government organisations may have funding available to assist you with the cost of therapy for your child.

I Can … Therapy Centre is able to provide services and invoice directly to an organisation following written approval.