Psychological Support Services (PSS)
PSS gives free, short-term psychological therapy to people with mild to moderate mental health concerns. It is funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) and runs separately from Medicare. Sessions can be face to face or by telehealth.
If you've been referred through this program, we will contact you directly. Once we've reached out, please use the booking link below to schedule your appointment.
For all other bookings, click here.
Please do not use this booking page unless our office has confirmed your participation in the program.
Who can use it
You may be eligible if you:
- live in the Central and Eastern Sydney region (from Bondi to the Sutherland Shire, and west to Strathfield)
- have a mild to moderate mental health concern
- are likely to benefit from short-term treatment
- can't use Medicare-subsidised psychology (Better Access) because of financial hardship or low income. As a guide, this means an individual income under $67,000 or a family income under $140,000.
You also need to be in at least one of these groups
- Children aged 0 to 12 who haven't finished primary school
- Young people aged 12 to 25
- Adults on a low income
- LGBTIQA+ people
- Parents with perinatal depression, and their partners
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People from multicultural communities
- People who have attempted suicide or self-harm, or are at risk of it
- People with a mild intellectual disability who also have a mental health concern
- People affected by natural disasters or traumatic events
Who it isn't for
- people currently getting care from a public mental health service, such as a Local Health District team
- people currently getting psychology through Medicare (Better Access) or the NDIS
- people with severe or complex mental health concerns
How many sessions
CESPHN approves up to 10 sessions to start. If more help is needed, a one-time extension of up to 8 more sessions may be approved, up to a total of 18. Extra sessions aren't guaranteed, and PSS doesn't renew each year.
How to get a referral
Through your GP. Ask your GP to refer you to PSS through CESPHN. This is not the same as a Medicare referral.
Through another health practitioner. Other practitioners can refer you through the CESPHN online form. You can then start with up to 10 sessions, and you'll need to see your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan before any more are approved.
For referral questions, contact the CESPHN Mental Health team on 1300 170 554 or [email protected].
PSS is not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 000 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
