Understanding the M10 Medicare Pathway: A Guide for GPs Supporting Young People Through Psychological Assessment

Understanding the M10 Medicare Pathway: Supporting Young People Through Collaborative Care

When a young person or their family begins looking for answers, the journey can sometimes feel complicated.

A parent may come to their GP with concerns about their child’s attention, learning, emotional regulation, social experiences or daily functioning. A teenager or young adult may be trying to understand why certain parts of life feel more challenging than expected.

For many families, the GP is the first trusted professional they speak with.

Having a clear understanding of available assessment pathways can help GPs provide guidance, reassurance and appropriate next steps.

The M10 pathway psychology pathway provides Medicare rebates for eligible young people under 25 years of age accessing psychology assessment and treatment services related to Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders or eligible disabilities.

For GPs supporting children, teenagers and young adults, understanding how this pathway works can help create a smoother referral experience and support collaborative care.

What Is the M10 Medicare Pathway?

The M10 pathway is a Medicare-supported pathway that allows eligible young people under 25 to access rebates for certain allied health services, including psychology.

The pathway was expanded in March 2023, increasing the age eligibility from younger age groups to include eligible individuals under 25 years for both assessment and treatment services.

This means more young people may now have access to Medicare-supported psychological assessment when there are concerns relating to neurodevelopmental differences or eligible disabilities.

The purpose of an assessment is to develop a clearer understanding of the individual’s strengths, experiences and support needs.

A psychological assessment is not simply about identifying challenges. It can help young people, families and professionals understand how a person learns, communicates, processes information and navigates everyday environments.

The Role of GPs in the M10 Referral Pathway

GPs play an important role in helping families understand their options when concerns arise.

Often, the first signs that further assessment may be helpful appear in everyday life.

A parent may describe that their child:

• becomes overwhelmed by changes or transitions

• finds school or study demands difficult to manage

• experiences challenges with attention or organisation

• has differences in communication or social experiences

• appears to be working much harder than their peers to manage everyday expectations

A young person may describe their own experiences differently, such as:

• feeling exhausted from trying to keep up

• struggling with planning, routines or motivation

• feeling misunderstood by others

• wanting a better understanding of their strengths and challenges

These conversations can be an important starting point.

How Does the M10 Assessment Referral Process Work?

The M10 pathway involves several stages to ensure that assessment is appropriate and clinically supported.

Step 1: Initial GP Consultation

The process often begins with a conversation between the young person, their family and their GP.

During this appointment, the GP may explore:

• developmental history

• current concerns

• previous assessments or supports

• education or workplace experiences

• the impact of challenges on everyday functioning

The GP can then consider whether referral to a consultant paediatrician or consultant psychiatrist may be appropriate.

Step 2: Referral From a Consultant Paediatrician or Consultant Psychiatrist

For M10 psychology assessment services, a referral is required from a:

• Consultant Paediatrician, or

• Consultant Psychiatrist

The referring practitioner will determine whether the young person meets the relevant Medicare requirements and provide appropriate referral documentation.

This collaborative approach ensures that the assessment pathway is considered alongside the young person’s broader developmental and health history.

Step 3: Psychological Assessment

Following referral, eligible young people may access Medicare-rebated psychology assessment services.

At Evolve Wellbeing Psychology, our assessment approach focuses on creating a supportive environment where young people and families feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

A comprehensive psychological assessment may explore areas such as:

• cognitive functioning

• attention and executive functioning

• emotional wellbeing

• social communication experiences

• developmental history

• everyday strengths and challenges

The goal is to develop a meaningful understanding of the person rather than focusing only on difficulties.

Supporting Young People Seeking Autism, ADHD and AuDHD Assessment

Many referrals involve questions about autism, ADHD or combined experiences sometimes described as AuDHD.

Families and young people may be seeking clarity about experiences such as:

• difficulty maintaining focus

• managing multiple demands

• emotional overwhelm

• sensory differences

• navigating social situations

• feeling different from peers

• challenges with organisation and planning

A thoughtful assessment process considers the individual’s complete story.

For healthcare professionals, this means recognising that assessment is not about making assumptions based on one behaviour or concern. It involves exploring patterns across development, environments and lived experiences.

It is also important to note that ADHD alone is not an eligible disability under the M10 pathway. Eligibility depends on Medicare requirements and whether relevant criteria are met.

Why the M10 Pathway Matters for Young Adults Aged 17–24

The transition from adolescence into adulthood can be a significant period of change.

Young adults may be managing new expectations around:

• university or vocational education

• employment

• independent living

• relationships

• decision-making

• future planning

Some young adults seek assessment later because earlier challenges were not fully recognised or because their support needs have changed over time.

A psychological assessment during this stage of life may help provide greater self-understanding and identify strategies that support wellbeing, learning and everyday functioning.

For GPs, recognising when a young person may benefit from further exploration can be an important part of supporting their long-term wellbeing.

A Neuro-Affirming Approach to Psychological Assessment

A neuro-affirming approach recognises that people experience the world in different ways.

Assessment is not about finding what is “wrong” with someone.

Instead, it aims to understand:

• individual strengths

• personal experiences

• areas where additional support may be helpful

• environments that allow the person to thrive

For families, this understanding can provide reassurance and practical direction.

For young people, it can provide language to describe their experiences and advocate for what they need.

Working Together to Support Young People

The best outcomes often come from collaboration between:

• young people and their families

• GPs

• paediatricians

• psychiatrists

• psychologists

• education and support professionals

At Evolve Wellbeing Psychology, we value working alongside referring practitioners to support young people through a respectful and comprehensive assessment process.

Our assessment services support children, teenagers and young adults across Queensland, with telehealth options available Australia-wide (NB: telehealth assessments can only be conducted for ages 17+).

You can learn more about our assessment services here: https://www.evolvewellbeing.com.au/assessments

Supporting the Next Step

When a young person and their family are seeking answers, having a clear pathway can make the process feel more manageable.

GPs play an important role in helping families access appropriate information, referrals and support.

If you are supporting a young person who may benefit from psychological assessment, Evolve Wellbeing Psychology welcomes collaboration with referring practitioners and families.

You are welcome to reach out if you would like to discuss the assessment process or whether this pathway may be appropriate.