Everything you need to know about eligibility, Medicare rebates, online GP appointments, psychologist referrals, costs, and what happens next.
A Mental Health Care Plan is the standard entry point into subsidised mental health treatment in Australia. It determines whether you can claim a Medicare rebate on psychology sessions. It also determines which practitioners you can see, and how many sessions you are entitled to each year.
The term comes up often. But the process itself is rarely explained in one place. This guide sets out exactly what a Mental Health Care Plan is. It covers who is eligible, how the Medicare rebate works, what the GP appointment involves, and how to obtain one, in person or via telehealth.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
Most Australians call it a Mental Health Care Plan. Medicare’s official name for it is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). They are the same document. GPs, psychologists, and Australian government websites use both terms interchangeably.
MHTP is a written plan. Your GP prepares it, or in some cases a psychiatrist or paediatrician, after assessing your mental health. It sets out what you’re dealing with. It outlines a treatment approach and the goals you’re working toward.
Most importantly, it’s the document that unlocks your Medicare rebate for psychology sessions under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This is a federally funded program. It’s designed to make therapy more affordable for people with a diagnosed mental health condition.
However, an individual can see a psychologist privately without this plan. But no Medicare rebate applies in that case.
How Does a Mental Health Care Plan Work?
The process, from first appointment to first therapy session, generally looks like this:
- You book a longer appointment with your GP.
- Your GP assesses your mental health. This often involves a short questionnaire alongside a conversation.
- If appropriate, they diagnose a mental health condition.
- They prepare your care plan, outlining your needs and treatment goals.
- They write you a referral to a psychologist or another mental health professional.
- You book and attend your sessions.
- After a set number of sessions, you return to your GP for a review.
Who Can Get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Almost anyone can be assessed for one. Medicare doesn’t restrict access by age, employment status, or income. Adults, university students, teenagers, and older Australians can all be assessed.
Eligibility itself isn’t automatic, and it isn’t decided by you. It’s a clinical decision made by your GP, based on a formal assessment. The full criteria are set out below.
Conditions commonly assessed and supported include:
- Anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder
- Depression and mood disorders
- ADHD
- PTSD and trauma-related conditions
- OCD
- Bipolar disorder
- Stress and adjustment disorder
- Panic disorder
- Eating disorders
- Sleep difficulties tied to a mental health condition
A GP may decide that a formal plan isn’t the right fit right now. That isn’t the end of the road. Other supports are still available. These are outlined later in this guide.
Eligibility Criteria For MHTP
To qualify for a Medicare-rebated Mental Health Care Plan, three things generally need to be true:
- You have a diagnosable mental health condition. This means your symptoms match a recognised condition, such as depression or generalised anxiety disorder. A general sense of stress isn’t enough on its own; the GP needs to identify a specific condition.
- Your care needs are assessed as at least moderate. GPs often use a validated screening tool, such as the K10 psychological distress scale, alongside a clinical conversation, to reach this judgement.
- Structured psychological treatment is likely to help. The GP needs to be satisfied that seeing a psychologist, or another eligible allied health professional, is a suitable next step for your specific situation.
A psychiatrist or paediatrician can make this same assessment instead of a GP. There is no separate application form and no online eligibility checker. The only way to find out if you qualify is to book the assessment appointment itself.
Signs You May Benefit From a Mental Health Care Plan
You don’t need a diagnosis before you book that first GP appointment. Many people go in simply describing how they feel. The GP works out the rest from there.
Common reasons people book in include:
- Unhappiness, loss of interest, or emotional numbness for many weeks
- Overworrying, racing thoughts, or physical signs of anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Sleep problems that arise from stress or anxiety
- Work-related stress leaving you tired and stressed out
- Difficulties concentrating, organising yourself, or staying still
- Reliving a traumatic experience or being constantly on guard because of it
- Racing thoughts, intrusive thoughts, or obsessive-compulsive behaviour
- Grief that doesn’t go away with time
- Conflict in relationships or families causing stress in everyday life
Any of the above is a reasonable basis to book a GP appointment. A formal diagnosis isn’t required beforehand. That assessment is the GP’s job.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
Step 1: Book a longer GP appointment
Call ahead. Ask specifically for a mental health consultation or a longer appointment. A standard 10-minute slot usually isn’t long enough. Your GP needs time to properly assess you and complete the paperwork. Most clinics offer a 20 to 30 minute appointment for this purpose.
A regular GP isn’t required for this. Any registered GP can conduct the assessment. That said, continuity of care is generally easier with a practitioner you already see.
Step 2: Talk through your mental health assessment
The GP will ask about your symptoms. They’ll ask how long you’ve had them, and how they’re affecting your daily life. There’s no pass or fail here. Give accurate, complete information, even the details that feel uncomfortable to share. This results in a plan that actually fits your needs.
Step 3: Get a diagnosis (if applicable)
Based on the conversation and any screening tools used, your GP may diagnose a condition. This could be depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition. This diagnosis is what makes you eligible for the Medicare rebate.
Step 4: Receive your care plan
Your GP prepares a written plan. It typically includes your treatment goals, a summary of your needs, and the recommended type of support. Most often, this means a referral to a psychologist.
Step 5: Get your referral
Your GP writes a separate referral letter. This specifies how many sessions you’re referred for initially. It’s generally up to six.
Step 6: Book your psychologist
You choose which psychologist to see. Your GP might recommend someone. But the choice is yours.
Step 7: Return for a review
Once you’ve used your initial sessions, Medicare requires a review. You go back to your GP before claiming rebates on any further sessions. Your psychologist usually sends a short progress report to help with this.
Can You Get a Mental Health Care Plan Online?
Yes. A growing number of Australians complete this entire process through a telehealth GP appointment. No in-person visit is required.
Who it suits
- People living in the country or region without easy access to a bulk-billed doctor
- People suffering from anxiety where appointments in person may be difficult
- Anyone who prefers the convenience of a video consultation from home
- People with mobility issues
What to expect
The appointment works much the same as an in-person one. Your GP still needs enough time to properly assess you. Book a standard mental health consultation length, not a quick 5-minute slot.
Limitations
The availability of telehealth GPs, the duration of appointments, and Medicare requirements for video calls can differ from one practice to another. This information is also subject to change.
What Goes on at Your Appointment?
General practitioners normally ask similar things. The sequence and detail may differ. The GP is likely to ask you about:
- The way you are feeling and how long for
- Physical symptoms such as your appetite, energy levels and sleep habits
- Previous experience with mental illness, diagnosis or treatment
- Current medications
- What you’re hoping to get out of treatment
- Lifestyle factors, including work, relationships, and substance use
- A brief risk assessment, to check on your safety
The risk assessment is a standard part of the process. It’s asked of every patient, as routine practice. It isn’t a response to a specific concern about you.
What Questions Will Your GP Ask?
Here are some things that usually come up:
- “How long have you felt this way?”
- “How does this problem affect your job, studies, or interactions with people?”
- “Are there any changes in your eating or sleeping habits?”
- “Have you ever had suicidal thoughts?”
- “Have you tried any kind of therapy or treatment for this issue?”
- “What do you hope to achieve by consulting a psychologist?”
No preparation is required. Clear, honest answers are enough.
What Does a Mental Health Care Plan Include?
A typical plan runs a few pages. It generally covers:
- Your diagnosis or presenting problem
- Your treatment goals
- The recommended type of treatment
- Any medication considerations
- The referral to a psychologist or other allied health professional
- A plan for review
Mental Health Care Plan vs Mental Health Treatment Plan
These terms are often confused. There is no difference between them. “Mental Health Care Plan” is the everyday term. “Mental Health Treatment Plan” is the formal name used by Medicare and the government.
GPs use both terms interchangeably. Both refer to the same document under the Better Access initiative.
Mental Health Care Plan vs Psychologist Referral
These two documents are related. But they aren’t identical.
- The care plan is the assessment document. It records your diagnosis, goals, and recommended treatment.
- The referral is the letter that directs you to a specific psychologist, or lets you choose one. It states how many sessions you’re initially approved for.
You need both to access your Medicare rebate. Your GP typically prepares them in the same appointment.
Who Can Write a Mental Health Care Plan?
GPs write the vast majority of these plans. Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also assess a patient and refer them under the Better Access initiative. This is less common as a first step, since most people see their GP first.
Psychologists themselves can’t write your Medicare-eligible care plan. Their role begins once you’ve been referred to them.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary by clinic. Exact dollar figures aren’t reliable to quote here. But the general shape looks like this:
The GP appointment for your plan
Some clinics bulk bill this, meaning no out-of-pocket cost. Others charge a fee with a Medicare rebate applied, leaving a gap.
Psychology sessions
Medicare provides a rebate per session. But the rebate rarely covers the full fee charged by the psychologist. The difference is your “gap payment.”
Review appointments with your GP
These are usually shorter, and often bulk-billed. This depends on the practice.
Always ask about fees and bulk-billing policy when you book. Check with both your GP and your psychologist, so there are no surprises.
Medicare Rebates Explained
Under the Better Access initiative, once your GP has prepared your plan, you can access a rebate. This covers up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. The year runs 1 January to 31 December. It isn’t a rolling 12 months from your first session.
Access is staged, not provided in full upfront. Your GP typically refers you for an initial batch, often up to six sessions. Once you’ve used those, your psychologist sends a short report back to your GP.
You then attend a review appointment before claiming rebates on the remaining sessions. This step exists so your GP, your psychologist, and you can check that treatment is working. It also allows the approach to be adjusted if it isn’t.
Rebate amounts differ depending on the practitioner you see. This includes registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, and other eligible allied health professionals.
These amounts are reviewed periodically by the government. It’s worth confirming the current rebate with your GP, your psychologist, or Medicare directly.
Can I Choose My Own Psychologist?
Yes. You’re free to choose any registered psychologist. Your GP might suggest someone, especially if they know a good fit for your situation. But this choice rests with you. What to think about: location, availability, telehealth options, and field of expertise.
Can I Get Another Psychologist?
Yes, you can. If you aren’t comfortable with the first one, request your GP to change your referral. A brand-new assessment is not required; only a new referral is enough. Compatibility with your psychologist is what matters most.
How Long Does a Mental Health Care Plan Last?
The plan itself doesn’t expire in the way a prescription does. What resets is your session count, on 1 January each year. Your referral also specifies a set number of sessions before a review is needed.
If your needs continue into a new year, your GP can prepare a new plan. Or they can update your existing one, so you keep accessing rebates.
Mental Health Conditions Commonly Supported
A Mental Health Care Plan can support treatment for a wide range of conditions. This includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and stress-related conditions. You don’t need to know which category fits your situation.
That’s what the GP assessment is for. Further detail on specific conditions is available, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder on HelloDoc’s condition pages.
Mental Health Care Plans for Children and Teenagers
Kids and teens can also be assessed for MHTP. This is usually done through a GP or paediatrician.
For younger children, Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs offer free support. This is for children aged 0 to 12. No referral or diagnosis is needed. It’s a useful option for parents who want to explore support before starting the formal GP pathway.
Teenagers generally follow the same GP process as adults. A parent or guardian is usually involved in the appointment.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception #01
A severe condition is required to qualify for MHTP. Not true. Eligibility is based on having a diagnosable condition with at least moderate care needs. This covers a broad range of presentations, not only crisis-level cases.
Misconception #02
Medication is a requirement. Not true. A Mental Health Care Plan supports psychological treatment. Medication is a separate, optional conversation with your GP or psychiatrist.
Misconception #03
Telehealth appointments don’t count. Not true. Telehealth GP appointments can be used to obtain a plan, subject to standard booking and eligibility requirements.
Misconception #04
Approval is automatic. Not true. This is a genuine clinical assessment, not a formality. Your GP may recommend a different type of support if a formal plan isn’t the right fit.
Misconception #05
The plan is only useful for seeing a psychologist. Not entirely true. Referrals under Better Access can also cover other eligible allied health professionals, such as accredited mental health social workers.
Common Reasons Plans Get Delayed
- Booking too short an appointment. A standard 10-minute slot rarely gives enough time to properly assess and document everything.
- Turning up without Medicare details sorted. Have your Medicare card or number ready.
- Expecting an instant diagnosis. Some presentations take more than one appointment to properly assess.
- Not mentioning key symptoms. Leaving out details because they feel awkward to share can lead to an incomplete picture.
- Confusing the plan with the referral. Assuming one document covers everything can cause mix-ups when booking your psychologist.
How HelloDoc Supports This Process
Some patients need more than psychology alone. This is especially true for conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma. It’s also true where medication management is a relevant consideration. In these cases, a GP referral to a psychiatrist is the next step.
HelloDoc is a nationwide telepsychiatry service. You can see an AHPRA-registered psychiatrist by video, from anywhere in Australia.
Once your GP sends through your referral, most new patients are seen within a week. It’s a practical next step if your GP’s assessment points toward psychiatric input, alongside or instead of psychology.
Referrals can be submitted via HelloDoc’s referrals page. Further detail on how consultations work is available on the telepsychiatry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mental health care plan online?
Yes. Many GPs offer telehealth appointments for this exact purpose. The appointment follows the same process as an in-person visit.
Can my GP refuse to give me a plan?
Yes. This can happen if they assess that you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, or that a different type of support would suit you better. It isn’t personal. It’s a clinical judgement. You can always seek a second opinion from another GP.
Can I choose my own psychologist?
Yes. It’s entirely your choice. Your GP can suggest someone if you’re not sure where to start.
Do psychiatrists accept mental health care plans?
Psychiatrists work from a GP referral. This is a slightly different pathway to a Better Access psychology referral. If you need psychiatric input, your GP can refer you directly to a psychiatrist.
Can children get a mental health care plan?
Yes, through a GP or paediatrician. Children under 12 can also access free support through Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, with no referral needed.
Can I use telehealth for my psychology sessions too?
In many cases, yes. Ask your chosen psychologist whether they offer telehealth sessions.
How many sessions does Medicare cover?
Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. These are accessed in stages, with a GP review partway through.
Can I renew my plan each year?
Yes. Your session count resets on 1 January. Your GP can prepare a new plan, or update your existing one, to keep your rebate active.
Can I change psychologists partway through treatment?
Yes. Your GP can redirect your referral to a different psychologist. A whole new assessment isn’t needed.
Can I use private health insurance alongside Medicare?
Sometimes. It depends on your policy, and whether you’re already claiming a Medicare rebate on the same session. Check with your insurer directly, since policies vary widely.
Can I see a psychologist without a mental health care plan?
Yes. But you’ll pay the full private fee, with no Medicare rebate.
Can I get a plan for ADHD?
Yes. ADHD is one of the conditions commonly assessed and supported under a mental health care plan.
Can I get a plan for anxiety or depression?
Yes. These are among the most common reasons Australians seek a plan.
Can I get a plan for PTSD?
Yes. Trauma-related conditions are covered. Your GP may also consider a referral to a psychiatrist, depending on complexity.
Can I use an after-hours GP service for this?
Some after-hours services offer mental health consultations. Availability varies. A standard booked appointment usually allows more time to assess your needs properly.
What if my GP says I’m not eligible?
Ask what led to that assessment. Ask whether other supports might help right now. This could include Medicare Mental Health’s free phone line or centres, which don’t require a referral.
Can a psychologist diagnose me instead of a GP?
Psychologists can assess and work with you clinically. But the Medicare-eligible mental health care plan itself needs to come from a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
How long does the GP appointment for a plan usually take?
Typically 20 to 30 minutes. This is longer than a standard consultation, to allow time for a proper assessment.
How long does my referral last before I need a review?
It depends on how many sessions your GP initially refers you for, often up to six. A review is required before accessing further Medicare-rebated sessions.
What if I move interstate partway through treatment?
Your Medicare entitlements move with you. You can continue with a new psychologist in your new state, using your existing referral and session count. Or you can ask your GP to update your plan.
A note on urgent support
This guide is for informational purposes only. It isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Emergency services: 000
For non-urgent, free mental health support with no referral needed, you can also call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212.
