Medicare Mental Health Care Plan

A Mental Health Care/Treatment Plan (MHCP/MHTP) is part of the Better Access Initiative. It is a collaborative care plan developed between you and your general practitioner (GP). It outlines the support you need from mental health professionals following a diagnosis of a mental health condition and a recommendation for treatment. Your MHCP sets clear goals and lists suggested treatment options. It also includes a personalised safety plan to guide you during a crisis or help prevent a relapse.

You do not require a MHCP to attend sessions - it is optional and to aid in costs. 

To determine your eligibility, you must schedule a ‘long’ appointment with your GP. During this appointment, your GP will assess your mental health and may ask you to complete some scales, such as the K10 Anxiety and Depression test.

A MHCP under Medicare covers various psychological conditions, including - but not limited to - anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

It is important to note that the MHCP does not cover all concerns; for example, certain cognitive psychological assessments (such as those for ADHD and Autism), disability supports, and couples therapy are excluded from the coverage.

The Australian Better Access programme encourages individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions to seek timely support by offering Medicare rebates. With an MHCP:

• You gain access to affordable, evidence-based mental health services.

• You can receive partial financial rebates on psychologist session fees.

• You benefit from treatment that is tailored to your needs, based on the joint decisions made with your GP.

Although you do not need an MHCP to see a psychologist privately, having one is essential for claiming Medicare rebates. 

A GP referral and MHCP enable you to claim up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a psychologist. 

1. Typically, your GP issues an initial referral allowing for six sessions. 

2. After completing these sessions, your psychologist produces a treatment progress report, which is sent to your GP. 

3. You are required to re-visit your GP for a follow-up appointment to discuss the possibility of ongoing treatment and obtain a re-referral for the remaining 4 sessions. 

*It is essential that you proactively schedule the follow-up appointment with your GP to ensure your Medicare rebate eligibility continues uninterrupted.

Once you complete 10 sessions under an MHCP, you can continue therapy privately or request a new referral in the following calendar year.

If you are not eligible for a MHCP - and therefore cannot claim Medicare rebates - you may still access funding for psychological services. Alternatives include:

• Private Health Insurance: Often covers individual or couples counselling.

• NDIS: Provides support for eligible individuals.

• WorkCover and Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers assistance through work-related schemes.

• Other funding organisations: Some Australian insurance companies and overseas insurers may also provide support.

Always check with your funding organisation or insurer to determine the exact rebate amounts and whether your psychologist meets the required registration standards.