The short answer
Couples therapy and Medicare
Medicare doesn't cover couples therapy as a joint service. Better Access is for an individual's diagnosed mental health condition, although up to 2 of your 10 sessions can involve a family member where it helps your treatment. Couples sessions are usually paid privately, and some private health extras policies contribute. MeHelp offers couples and relationship sessions by phone or video, Australia-wide.
A look inside
From the guide
The rules
What Medicare covers
Covered
Individual therapy
If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, your own sessions are covered under Better Access. Relationship stress is often part of what people work on.
Partly covered
A partner joining
Up to 2 of your 10 sessions can include a family member or carer, where it supports your treatment.
Not covered
Joint couples therapy
Sessions where the relationship itself is the focus are usually paid privately.
Maybe
Private health extras
Some policies contribute to couples sessions with a psychologist. Check with your fund.
Common questions
What people ask
Does Medicare cover marriage counselling?
No. Medicare doesn't fund joint couples therapy. You can claim individual sessions if you have a diagnosed condition, and a partner can join up to 2 of those.
Can we claim couples therapy on private health?
Some extras policies contribute when you see a psychologist. Ask your fund about item codes and limits.
Can we do couples therapy online?
Yes. Many couples join a video session together, or from separate locations.
Evidence
Sources we checked
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by Phillipa Brown, registered psychologist and founder of MeHelp. This page is general information, not individual advice.
