Access psychology sessions with a Chronic Disease Management Plan

Living with a chronic illness or caring for someone who does can affect many areas of life. Beyond managing the physical symptoms, you might also feel stressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. These feelings are understandable and common, but they can be hard to carry alone.

That’s why support through a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) can make such a difference. This Medicare-funded plan is organised by your GP and can include referrals to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists.

If your mental wellbeing has been impacted by a long-term condition, a CDMP can help you access therapy sessions with the backing of your GP. Keep reading to learn more.

Psychology support under a CDMP

A CDMP is designed for people who have chronic or complex health conditions that require ongoing care. If emotional or mental health challenges are part of your experience, your GP can refer you to a psychologist under this plan.

Here are some key facts you need to know:

• You can access up to five Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year with an allied health professional, including a psychologist.

• These sessions must be at least 20 minutes long and provided by a registered psychologist who is eligible under Medicare’s item 10968.

• The number of sessions is capped at five across all eligible allied health services. So if you use two for physiotherapy, for example, you’ll have three left for psychology.

• Some psychologists bulk bill, which means you won’t pay anything. Others may charge more than the Medicare rebate, and you’ll need to cover the gap. Always check with the provider before booking.

For more details, you can check Service Australia’s CDMP resources.

How to get a CDMP that includes psychology

Who can get a CDMP?

You’re likely eligible for a CDMP if you have a chronic medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more. There's no official list of eligible conditions, but the following are likely to be covered under a CDMP:

• Diabetes

• Asthma or other respiratory conditions

• Arthritis

• Chronic pain

• Heart disease

• Musculoskeletal issues

• Cancer during or after treatment

Your GP will determine whether your condition meets the criteria and whether a structured care plan involving other health professionals is appropriate.

Children and older adults can also access CDMPs if they meet these requirements. If you’re a parent or a carer, you can start the conversation with the GP on their behalf.

Steps to access psychology sessions through a CDMP

1. Book a longer appointment with your GP

Let your GP know you’d like to talk about a Chronic Disease Management Plan. This longer consultation gives you the space to discuss your health history, what support you need, and how you’ve been coping physically and emotionally.

2. Talk about your support needs

Your GP will assess whether a CDMP is appropriate based on your condition and care needs. If mental health has been affected by the chronic condition, ask about including psychology in your plan. This could apply whether it’s you, your child, or someone else you care for.

3. Get a referral to a psychologist

If your GP agrees, they’ll create or update your CDMP and provide a referral to a psychologist under Medicare item 10968. This referral is required for you to claim the rebate.

4. Choose a psychologist who accepts Medicare referrals

You can search for a psychologist who’s eligible under the Medicare scheme. On Talked, you can easily browse psychologists who accept CDMP referrals or get matched with someone suited to your needs.

Talked also offers free 15-minute consultations, which can help you decide if a particular psychologist is the right fit before booking a full session.

5. Attend your sessions

You’re eligible for up to five Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year under the CDMP. These can be used for psychology or shared with other services like physiotherapy or dietetics.

Make sure to check if the psychologist you chose bulk bills or if there will be any out-of-pocket costs.

6. Review your plan with your GP

CDMPs are usually reviewed every 12 months. During this review, you and your GP can reflect on how things are going, whether the services are meeting your needs, and if referrals should be updated or extended.

Other benefits of a CDMP

A CDMP is about more than just individual referrals. It creates a coordinated plan that helps you manage your health in a way that’s sustainable and focused on your specific needs.

With a CDMP, you can:

• Access care from multiple allied health professionals under one plan

• Set realistic health goals with support from your GP and care team

• Receive help with both physical and emotional aspects of chronic illness

• Keep all providers on the same page through shared care planning

• Review your progress regularly to make sure your plan still fits your situation

When your GP includes psychology in the plan, it helps ensure your mental health is not overlooked. Living with chronic illness or caring for someone who is can be emotionally draining, but seeing a psychologist can help you build resilience, manage stress, and find healthier ways to cope.