Medicare does not cover clinical hypnotherapy, and GP Mental Health Care Plans cannot be used for our sessions. All appointments at Norwest Wellbeing are privately billed. The upside: because Medicare isn't involved, you don't need a GP referral to book. You can make an appointment directly.

Why this is the case

Medicare rebates and Mental Health Care Plans apply to specific Medicare-listed services. Clinical hypnotherapy is not one of them, regardless of which clinic or practitioner you see. This is a national rule, not a Norwest Wellbeing policy.

What it means when you book

You pay the session fee privately and receive a tax invoice. For in-clinic appointments a $50 deposit is paid online at booking and the remainder at your appointment; Zoom appointments are paid in full at booking. See session fees for current pricing.

What about private health insurance?

Private health is a different story. Many funds pay rebates on hypnotherapy under Extras cover, depending on your fund, policy level and practitioner recognition. Check the directory at /health-funds and read private health rebates for how it works.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to book. That said, GPs and health professionals are welcome to refer patients to us. GP referrals explains the referral pathways for practitioners who want to send one.

Item numbers and care plans

We do not issue Medicare item numbers for hypnotherapy, and a GP Mental Health Care Plan cannot be used to claim our sessions. If your fund or accountant asks for a code, ask them what they need for a private hypnotherapy invoice; we provide a tax invoice with practitioner details and AHA association numbers for private health claims.

Who to contact

If you're unsure how billing applies to your situation, call (02) 8069 9777 or email hello@norwestwellbeing.com.au before you book. For questions about a possible private health rebate, your health fund is the right first call. They can confirm your cover level and limits.