Yes, of course. A Catholic who commits any mortal sin, no matter what the sin, always can (and should) go to confession and receive absolution.
This is true, generally speaking. It is not true, specifically, for such sins as heresy, schism, etc.
These sins have the EXTRA penalties (through canon law) of spiritual interdiction, excommunications (there are various kinds). Such sins CANNOT be forgiven by confession alone. Similar to abortion...under normal circuмstances, abortion cannot be forgiven in confession, but ALSO requires a forgiveness and process by way of the bishop (or, in some cases, the pope).
The issue is heresy severs one from the membership of the Church. But such a person can choose to return to the Church.
Right. And the Church does not take these sins lightly (i.e. heresy, schism, abortion, etc). The whole purpose of excommunication, interdicts, etc is to make these sins EXTRAORDINARILY wrong, because they do such harm to the faithful and to society. The Church cannot let a Martin Luther scandal just be over and done with after a 20 min confession. The evil, scandal, and damage done by Martin Luther was too great. There's always room for forgiveness but since these sins are PUBLIC sins, then the retribution and confession of wrong-doing must also be public.
Thus, a public heretic/schismatic would still go to confession, but there would also be a public hearing, meeting, process whereby the Bishop or a papal official would review the case, interview the sinner, and get his statement on record that a) he was wrong, b) he no longer believes in the errors and c) he will do public penance as a way to try to undo the damage of scandal.
As Christ said yesterday in the Gospel "Woe to those who cause scandal". The sins of heresy and schism are super-scandals which are ultra-damaging to the Faith. A simple confession does NOT cut it. Canon law is very clear.