How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan in Australia

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a document created by your GP that allows you to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or other mental health challenges, a Mental Health Care Plan can help make therapy more affordable.

This guide explains what a Mental Health Care Plan is, how to get one, and how it works with psychology appointments.

What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan is part of the Australian Government’s Better Access Initiative, which helps people access treatment for mental health conditions.

When a GP prepares a Mental Health Care Plan, it allows you to:

• Access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions

• Receive a structured treatment plan

• Work towards specific mental health goals with a psychologist

With a Mental Health Care Plan, you may be eligible for up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year.

Who Can Get a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan may be recommended if you are experiencing symptoms of:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress or burnout

• PTSD or trauma

• Panic attacks

• Sleep difficulties related to mental health

• Adjustment difficulties

• Workplace stress

Your GP will assess whether a Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate based on your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life.

How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan

1. Book a Longer Appointment with Your GP

When booking with your doctor, ask for a long consultation to discuss your mental health. This allows enough time for the GP to complete the assessment required for the Mental Health Care Plan.

2. Discuss Your Mental Health Concerns

During the appointment, your GP will ask about:

• Your symptoms

• How long you have been experiencing them

• How your mental health is affecting work, study, or relationships

• Any previous mental health treatment

  
  

They may also ask you to complete a short mental health questionnaire such as a DASS-21 (Depression, Anxitety & Stress Scale) or K10.

3. Your GP Creates the Mental Health Care Plan

If appropriate, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist.

This plan may include:

• Your mental health goals

• Recommended therapy approaches

• The number of initial psychology sessions approved

Most GPs initially refer patients for six psychology sessions.

4. Book Your Psychology Appointment

Once you have the referral, you can book with a psychologist. Your psychologist will work with you to develop strategies and treatment goals based on the Mental Health Care Plan.

What Happens After Your First 6 Sessions?

After the initial six sessions, your GP may request a progress review.

If additional therapy would be beneficial, your GP can approve up to four additional Medicare-rebated sessions, bringing the total to 10 sessions per year.

Do You Need a Referral to See a Psychologist?

You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, however without a Mental Health Care Plan you cannot claim the Medicare rebate.

Some people choose to attend therapy as a private client, while others access sessions through:

• Medicare Mental Health Care Plans

• WorkCover or workplace injury claims

• NDIS (Only self-managed or plan-managed participants are accepted at Tele-Psych)

• Private health insurance (depending on policy)

Can You Choose Your Own Psychologist?

Yes. Even if your GP suggests a psychologist, you are free to choose another provider.

It is important to find a psychologist you feel comfortable with, as a good therapeutic relationship is a key part of successful treatment.

To learn more about Tele-Psychs psychologists, please visit the following link: https://www.tele-psychs.com.au/book-a-session

How Telehealth Psychology Works

Many psychology sessions are now delivered via secure video consultation, making therapy more accessible for people across Australia.

Telehealth psychology allows you to:

• Attend therapy from home

• Access psychologists even if you live in a regional area

• Avoid travel and waiting rooms

Medicare rebates apply to both in-person and telehealth psychology sessions.

Getting Started with Therapy

If you believe you may benefit from therapy, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP and request a Mental Health Care Plan.

If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan and are looking to book an appointment with a psychologist, our team at Tele-Psychs provides online psychology sessions across Australia.

Phone: 1300 820 031

Email: reception@tele-psychs.com.au

Website: www.tele-psychs.com.au