Short answer

• Many Australian private health insurers offer stress‑management and mental‑health services either through Extras (psychology/counselling, online CBT courses) and/or hospital cover (psychiatric care). Major providers include Bupa, Medibank and HCF — each advertises psychology/counselling benefits, digital programs, telehealth or phone support for members. (blua.Bupa.com.au)

What these plans typically cover

• Extras cover: rebates toward sessions with psychologists, counsellors or accredited mental‑health social workers (annual limits apply and limits vary by policy). (Medibank.com.au)
• Digital/online programs: many insurers offer or rebate evidence‑based online CBT courses (e.g., THIS WAY UP) or mental‑health apps and programs. (blua.Bupa.com.au)
• Hospital cover: psychiatric inpatient/day programs are included on some Hospital policies (usually Silver/Gold levels) after waiting periods. (Medibank.com.au)
• Additional supports: 24/7 phone lines, virtual psychology clinics, wellbeing hubs and short coaching sessions are offered by some insurers. (Medibank.com.au)

Public (Medicare) option to combine with private cover

• If you have a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (Better Access), Medicare provides rebates for up to (currently) 10 psychology sessions per calendar year; private insurance cannot be claimed for the same appointment as Medicare. Check the Better Access/Medicare Mental Health pages for current session limits and rebate amounts. (medicarementalhealth.gov.au)

How to find the right plan quickly

1. Check your existing policy’s Extras schedule — look for “psychology”, “counselling”, “mental health” or “online CBT” and note the annual limits and waiting periods. (Insurer websites list which Extras include mental‑health benefits.) (blua.Bupa.com.au)
2. Compare specific benefits (rebate per session, annual limit, telehealth/online program coverage) between insurers before switching. Major insurers to compare: Bupa, Medibank, HCF (also other funds such as NIB, ahm, HBF, Latrobe/Defence Health — many have similar offerings; check their product pages). (blua.Bupa.com.au)
3. If cost is the main barrier, use your GP to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan first (use Medicare rebates), then see whether private Extras will top up remaining cost. (medicarementalhealth.gov.au)

If you’d like, I can:

• Look up and compare specific policies (example: psychology limits and rebates) from 2–3 insurers for your state and budget; or
• Find the exact page for a particular fund (Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, etc.) with the mental‑health benefits listed.

Which would you prefer?