Medicare Non-Directive Pregnancy Counselling

Non‑Directive Pregnancy Counselling (Medicare Item 81005)

Non-directive pregnancy counselling is a Medicare-rebated service provided by an eligible social worker to anyone who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant in the past 12 months, when the concern is pregnancy-related. Medicare covers up to three sessions per pregnancy.

This counselling may include support to explore pregnancy options, including for an unplanned pregnancy or when medical concerns affect a pregnancy. It can also assist with preparation for birth, pregnancy- or birth-related anxiety, birth trauma, adjustment difficulties, and other emotional or psychological concerns connected to the perinatal period.

If you are seeking counselling related to time-sensitive decisions about a current pregnancy, please let the therapist know when booking your appointment, as these sessions are prioritised.

A brief referral letter from a GP is required to access Medicare-rebated non-directive pregnancy counselling. The referral must include the GP’s signature and provider number.

non-directive pregnancy counselling may be accessed in addition to a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, allowing further Medicare-rebated mental health sessions where clinically appropriate..