How a Mental Health Treatment Plan Works: Your GP Guide
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, your GP is often the best first point of contact. Through a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), your GP can connect you with affordable psychological services covered by Medicare.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a structured plan prepared by your GP that outlines your mental health goals, the support services you need, and the steps to help you recover. It gives you access to Medicare rebates for sessions with mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.
Who Qualifies for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Any Australian with a Medicare card experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition can receive a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Common conditions include:
- Depression (mild, moderate, or severe)
- Anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety, panic, phobias, social anxiety)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Adjustment disorders (stress related to life events)
- Bereavement
- Sleep problems connected to mental health
What Does Medicare Cover?
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare covers rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year with an approved mental health professional.
The Medicare rebate covers a significant portion of the session cost. Some providers bulk bill mental health services entirely, meaning no out-of-pocket expense for eligible patients. Others charge a gap fee — ask your GP or the mental health provider before booking.
How to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Step 1: Book a GP Appointment
Book a longer appointment with your GP — at least 20 minutes — to discuss your mental health concerns. Be specific when booking: let reception know you’d like to talk about your mental health so they can book enough time.
Step 2: Your GP Assessment
During the appointment, your GP will:
- Ask about your symptoms and how they affect daily life
- Use validated screening tools (e.g., K10, DASS-21) to assess severity
- Discuss your history, life circumstances, and support network
- Identify any physical health issues that might contribute
- Work with you to set goals for treatment
Step 3: Prepare the Plan
Your GP will prepare a written plan documenting your goals, agreed services, and providers. You’ll receive a copy. The plan includes a referral to a mental health professional.
Step 4: Access Services
Take your plan to the referred psychologist or mental health professional. You’ll be eligible for the Medicare rebate for your sessions.
Step 5: Review with Your GP
After your first 6 sessions, return to your GP for a review. They’ll discuss progress and decide whether additional sessions (up to 10 total per calendar year) are appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own psychologist?
Yes. Your GP will suggest options, but you can choose any registered psychologist or accredited mental health social worker. If you have a preferred provider, tell your GP so they can write the referral accordingly.
Is the plan confidential?
Yes. Mental Health Treatment Plans are part of your confidential medical record. Your employer, family, or insurer don’t have access without your explicit consent.
Can children and teens get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Yes. Children and adolescents can access the same Medicare rebates. Young people under 18 may also access additional services through headspace.
What if I need crisis support?
If you’re in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or in emergencies dial 000. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is for ongoing care, not immediate crisis.
Book a Mental Health Appointment with Family Doctor
All Family Doctor GPs can prepare Mental Health Treatment Plans. Many of our clinics also have in-house psychologists and mental health services, making referrals seamless.
Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic and book a longer appointment to discuss your mental health today.