How to See a Psychologist in Newcastle

A guide to accessing psychology services in Newcastle, some with low or no costs depending on your eligibility

By Lacuna Psychology · Published 2025 · 6 min read

Bald man with glasses smiling, wearing a striped shirt, with a lamp and green plant in the background.

There are different ways to see a psychologist depending on your situation. For most people, the best option is to see a psychologist with a Medicare rebate as there are no psychologists in Newcastle that bulk bill adults. However, if you are a young person, or a members of the ADF and their families, you may have access to fully funded services at Lacuna Psychology in Newcastle. Here’s how it works:

See a Psychologist with a Medicare Rebate

Most people access psychology at Lacuna through Medicare, which offers rebates for up to 10 sessions per year under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). See our FAQs which cover fees and rebates.

How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan:

  1. Book an appointment with your GP – Let them know you’d like to see a psychologist.

  2. Your GP will assess your needs – If eligible, they will create a Mental Health Care Plan and provide you with a referral to a psychologist.

  3. Get your referral (paper or email) – Some GPs will email the referral directly to Lacuna, but in most cases, you will need to send it yourself. Even in Lacuna isn’t named on your referral, we can still accept it.

  4. Book an appointment at Lacuna Psychology – You can book online with a psychologist of your choice or call us on 02 4003 4804.

You’ll receive Medicare rebates for 6 sessions. After those, you can return to your GP to request a review and access 4 more rebated sessions, bringing the total to 10 per calendar year.

💡 Lacuna Psychology currently has open books, meaning you won’t be added to a waitlist

See a Psychologist at No Cost if you’re an ADF Member, Veteran or Family Member

Female Australian Airforce personnel

Image copyright: Australian Department of Defence

If you or a family member have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you may be eligible for fully funded therapy at Lacuna Psychology through Open Arms.

Who is eligible for fully funded therapy at Lacuna?

  • Current and former ADF members

  • Partners, ex-partners (still co-parenting) and children of ADF members or veterans

  • Grown children of ADF members, even if the ADF member has passed away

  • Reservists with at least one day of full-time service

How to access therapy at Lacuna through Open Arms

  1. Call Open Arms (1800 011 046) or complete their intake form to start the process.

  2. Complete an intake interview and request a referral to Lacuna Psychology. Our psychologists have many years of experience treating ADF members and their families.

  3. Once approved, book your sessions with us – there are no out-of-pocket fees

💡 Read our guide: ADF Members, Veterans and Families can see a Psychologist at Lacuna at No Cost

Group of five smiling young adults outdoors with a scenic background.

See a Psychologist at No Cost if you’re Under 18

Lacuna Psychology only sees adults, but if you’re a young person looking for therapy, Headspace is a great option.

  • Headspace provides free psychology services for young people under 25 with a GP referral.

  • Visit your GP and ask for a referral to Headspace.

  • Book an appointment at your nearest Headspace centre (Newcastle, Maitland, or other locations).

💡 Just a tip, Lacuna Psychology only treats people over 18

A person sitting on a couch holding their head in frustration, while facing another person who is holding a pen and wearing glasses, possibly in a counseling or therapy session.

See a Psychologist at No Cost if you’ve Been a Victim of a Violent Crime

If you've experienced a violent crime or traumatic event, you may be eligible for therapy funded through the Victims Support Scheme. This program offers up to 22 hours of free counselling to those affected by violent crimes, such as assault, sexual violence or domestic abuse.

At present, Lacuna Psychology does not offer therapy under this scheme, but clinics like Common Good Therapy in Newcastle do.

How to Qualify

  • Experience of Violent Crime – You must have been directly affected by a violent crime, such as physical or sexual assault, or domestic violence.

  • Timeframe – The crime must have occurred within the last 10 years for adults, or at any time for children

  • Impact on Mental Health – The crime should have caused mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

  • Once approved, you'll be given a list of registered psychologists who accept Victims Services referrals.

See a Psychologist with a Rebate from your Health Insurance

Woman in polka dot dress using smartphone near indoor plants.

If you have Extras Health Insurance, you may be eligible for a rebate on psychology services through your health insurance.

How to use your health insurance

  • Check with your health insurer or read your policy to see if psychology services are covered

  • You will likely have an annual cap, meaning you can get a rebate on each session until you reach that cap

  • Patients often use their 10 Medicare Rebated sessions first and then use their health insurance if they wish to continue seeing a psychologist at Lacuna within the same calendar year

Modern therapy room with brown leather sofa, decorative cushions, wooden coffee table with a lamp and plant, and white curtains.

Make a booking at Lacuna Psychology

Take the first step toward feeling better by booking an appointment at Lacuna Psychology. If you still have questions, try our FAQs or call our Practice Manager on (02) 4003 4804.