Can I use my private health insurance ?

Short Answer - No

Private Health Insurance in Australia and Psychiatry 

In Australia, private health insurance plays a role in covering various healthcare services, but there are important limitations when it comes to psychiatry: 

• Limited to Psychology: Most private health insurance plans cover psychological services such as counselling or therapy sessions, classified under 'extras' coverage, but not psychiatric services. 
• Psychiatry Considered Medical: Psychiatric consultations are classified as medical services and are covered under Medicare, not private insurance extras. 

In summary, private health insurance typically does not cover psychiatric outpatient services because they fall under Medicare's domain. Instead, private insurance may offer coverage for psychological services or hospitalizations related to psychiatric conditions.