Bushfires, floods and other natural disasters leave more than physical damage. Long after the immediate danger has passed, many people carry an emotional toll — shock, grief, anxiety, sleeplessness and, for some, symptoms of post-traumatic stress. If you or someone you love has lived through a bushfire or another traumatic event, it is important to know that psychological support is available, and that there are pathways to help make it more affordable.

This article explains how to access psychological services after a disaster or traumatic event in Australia — how a GP Mental Health Care Plan works, how Medicare rebates apply for eligible clients, and how telehealth makes support reachable even from affected or remote areas. At Vitality Unleashed Psychology in Bundall on the Gold Coast, our Clinical Psychologists provide trauma-informed care in person and via telehealth Australia-wide.

A note on disaster-specific programs: Over the years, the Australian Government has from time to time introduced special initiatives — such as the Medicare Bushfire Response Initiative that followed the 2019–2020 bushfires — to expand access to psychological services for people affected by particular disasters. These programs come and go, and their eligibility rules and end dates change. This article is general and evergreen; do not assume any specific past initiative is currently active. Always check the current arrangements with your GP or Services Australia, as new supports may be available depending on the event and your circumstances.

The emotional impact of bushfires and disasters

It is completely normal to be affected emotionally after a frightening or life-altering event. Living through a bushfire — the threat to life, the loss of homes, pets, livestock or livelihoods, the evacuation and uncertainty — is exactly the kind of experience the human nervous system reacts strongly to. In the days and weeks afterward, people commonly notice:

For most people, these reactions ease gradually as life stabilises. For some, they persist or intensify, and can develop into conditions such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neither path is a sign of weakness. How strongly a person is affected depends on many factors — the severity of the event, prior experiences, and the support available afterward — none of which are a measure of character.

When to seek psychological support

There is no “right” amount of distress you must reach before help is worthwhile. That said, it is a good idea to reach out if, some weeks after the event, you notice that:

If you ever feel unsafe or have thoughts of suicide, please reach out immediately to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or, in an emergency, call 000. Support is available at any hour.

How a GP Mental Health Care Plan works

In Australia, the main pathway to Medicare-subsidised psychological care is a GP Mental Health Care Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Treatment Plan, or MHCP). Here is how it generally works:

This pathway is available for a wide range of mental health concerns — including anxiety, depression and trauma-related difficulties following a disaster — not only under special disaster programs. Your GP is the right person to talk to about eligibility and to explain any current disaster-specific supports that may apply to you.

Medicare rebates, fees and what to expect

It is important to understand the difference between a fee and a rebate. Vitality Unleashed is a private practice: private fees apply, and eligible clients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan can claim a Medicare rebate that reduces the out-of-pocket cost. The rebate is a partial subsidy rather than the full fee, so there is generally a gap payment. Please note that we do not bulk bill — we do not offer free or fully-covered sessions.

We believe in being clear and upfront about cost so you can plan with confidence. You can see our current session fees and the applicable Medicare rebate amounts on our psychology fees and rebates page. If a special government disaster initiative is active and you are eligible, your GP or Services Australia can advise on how it may change what you pay.

Not sure where to start? We can help you understand your options and the referral process. Book Online (opens in a new window) · Submit an enquiry

Telehealth: support wherever you are

One of the hardest parts of accessing help after a disaster is that the people most affected are often in regional, rural or fire-affected areas where local services are stretched or unreachable. This is where telehealth is invaluable.

Our Clinical Psychologists offer secure online telehealth consultations Australia-wide, so you can access support from home, from temporary accommodation, or from anywhere with a private space and an internet connection. Telehealth sessions can be delivered under a Mental Health Care Plan in the same way as in-person appointments for eligible clients, meaning distance need not stand between you and care. For those who prefer to be seen face to face, we also welcome clients at our Bundall rooms on the Gold Coast.

How trauma-focused therapy helps

The good news is that trauma responses, including PTSD, are very treatable. Evidence-based psychological therapies help the brain and body process what happened, so that the memories lose their grip and life can move forward.

At Vitality Unleashed, our approach may include:

If you would like to understand trauma responses in more depth, our related articles on PTSD and the brain and how to deal with flashbacks explain what is happening and what can help.

How Vitality Unleashed can help

At Vitality Unleashed Psychology, our AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologists provide warm, trauma-informed, evidence-based care for people affected by bushfires, floods and other traumatic events. Whether your distress is recent or has lingered for years, we can help you make sense of it and work towards recovery through individual therapy and, where appropriate, trauma reprocessing and EMDR. You can also learn about our approach to trauma on our PTSD treatment page.

We see clients in person in Bundall and via telehealth Australia-wide. Private fees apply, and eligible clients with a GP Mental Health Care Plan may access Medicare rebates — see our psychology fees page. Please note we do not bulk bill. To begin, speak with your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan, and check with them about any current disaster-specific supports you may be eligible for.

Recovery after a disaster is possible, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Support is available in Bundall and via telehealth Australia-wide. Book Online (opens in a new window) · Submit an enquiry

Frequently asked questions

How do I get Medicare rebates for seeing a psychologist after a bushfire?

Speak with your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan. If they assess that one is appropriate, they can prepare the plan and refer you to a psychologist, which gives eligible clients access to Medicare rebates on a set number of sessions per year. Your GP can also tell you about any current disaster-specific government initiatives you may qualify for.

Is the Medicare Bushfire Response Initiative still available?

Special disaster programs are introduced and wound back over time, and their rules change, so we cannot confirm that any particular past initiative is currently active. The best step is to check current arrangements with your GP or Services Australia. Regardless, the standard Mental Health Care Plan pathway remains available for eligible clients.

Do you bulk bill for disaster-related counselling?

No. Vitality Unleashed is a private practice and we do not bulk bill. Private fees apply, and eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan can claim a Medicare rebate that reduces the out-of-pocket cost. Our psychology fees page sets out the details.

Can I get help by telehealth if I’m in a remote or affected area?

Yes. We offer secure telehealth consultations Australia-wide, which is often the most practical way to access support from regional, rural or disaster-affected areas. Telehealth sessions can be delivered under a Mental Health Care Plan for eligible clients, just like in-person appointments.

What if my distress started years ago and never really went away?

It is never too late to seek help. Trauma responses can persist for years, and evidence-based therapies such as trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are effective even long after the original event. Reaching out is a valid and worthwhile step at any stage.

Helpful Australian resources

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified health professional. If you’re struggling, please reach out to your GP, a psychologist, or a support service. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.