The private services listed here include individual health professionals as well as outpatient clinics and inpatient services (hospitals). You will need to determine from your private health insurance provider exactly what services you are covered for and what the gap will be (if any) for any of the services you access.  Private services do not adhere to the same geographical boundaries as the Public System, hence if your insurere covers the service or you are prepared to pay, and the service has a vacancy for you, you can usually access the private service of your choice.

As of November 2006 the Commonwealth Government introduced Medicare Items for psychologists and clinical psychologists to provide 12 subsidised sessions of therapy per calendar year for people who suffer a mental illness, including eating disorders.  Under extenuating circumstances the GP can extend these up to 18 sessions, at their clinical discretion.  This means that alot more individuals can now access psychological care, for atleast 3 months, for their eating disorder.  On the list of professionals provided those covered by medicare for the most part state it.  In order to be eligible for your 12 sessions with a psychologist you will need to be referred by your GP and placed on a care plan with the psychologist of your choice.  Most psychologists are happy to discuss this system with you if you make an enquiry call.