Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. If you have been experiencing anxiety, depression, ongoing stress or other emotional challenges, a Mental Health Care Plan may help you access professional support through Medicare.
Your GP can assess your needs, discuss suitable treatment options and refer you to an eligible mental health professional. At Botanic Ridge Doctors, the aim is to help you understand your options and take a manageable first step towards better mental wellbeing.
Key Takeaways
- A GP can assess your mental health and determine whether a Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate.
- Eligible patients may receive Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
- Treatment may include psychological therapy, support from eligible mental health professionals and focused psychological strategies.
- Medicare rebates do not necessarily cover the full cost of every appointment.
- Your GP can review your progress and discuss whether further support is needed.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a structured approach to managing a diagnosed mental health condition. It helps your GP understand your concerns, establish treatment goals and arrange suitable support.
During your appointment, your GP may discuss your symptoms, medical history, sleep, relationships, work or study pressures and how your mental health affects daily life. They can then recommend appropriate treatment and provide a referral if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
A plan may be appropriate for people experiencing conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression and other clinically assessed mental health concerns.
Under Australia’s Better Access initiative, eligible patients can claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year. The number and type of services recommended depend on your clinical needs and eligibility.
3 Mental Health Treatments Available Through a GP Care Plan
A Mental Health Care Plan can help eligible patients access different forms of treatment. The most appropriate option depends on your symptoms, personal circumstances and the recommendations of your GP.
1. Psychological Therapy With a Registered Psychologist
Psychological therapy is a common treatment option for people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief or other emotional difficulties.
A psychologist works with you to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and develop strategies for managing challenges. Treatment is tailored to your needs and may involve discussing current concerns, identifying patterns and practising new coping skills.
Depending on your circumstances, therapy may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop more constructive responses.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supports psychological flexibility and actions guided by personal values.
- Problem-solving strategies: Helps you break down difficult situations and identify practical next steps.
- Stress-management techniques: Supports healthier ways to respond to everyday pressures.
Your GP may refer you to an eligible psychologist through the Better Access initiative. Medicare rebates may reduce your out-of-pocket costs, although the amount you pay depends on the provider’s fees and your eligibility.
Progress can take time, and the number of sessions required varies from person to person. You and your treating professional can review your goals and adjust your approach as needed.
2. Support From Eligible Mental Health Social Workers or Occupational Therapists
Psychologists are not the only professionals who can provide mental health treatment through Medicare-supported pathways.
Eligible mental health social workers can provide counselling and practical support that considers the social, family, financial and environmental factors affecting your wellbeing. They may help you develop coping strategies, manage difficult life changes and connect with relevant support services.
Occupational therapists with appropriate mental health qualifications can help you manage everyday activities when mental health difficulties affect your routines, independence or participation in work, study and family life.
Depending on your needs, support may focus on:
- Establishing healthier daily routines.
- Managing stress and emotional challenges.
- Improving participation in everyday activities.
- Developing practical coping skills.
- Navigating social and environmental pressures.
Your GP can assess whether a referral to an eligible professional is suitable. Medicare benefits apply only when the relevant eligibility and referral requirements are met, and provider fees can vary.
3. Focused Psychological Strategies With an Eligible GP
You may also be able to receive focused psychological strategies from a GP or another eligible professional with the required qualifications and training.
These strategies use structured psychological techniques to address specific concerns. Depending on your circumstances, they may include psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioural strategies and practical problem-solving.
This approach can be helpful when you want to discuss your concerns with a GP you already know and trust. Your GP can assess your needs, explain available options and determine whether focused psychological strategies are appropriate or whether a referral to another professional would be more suitable.
Not every GP provides these services, and eligibility requirements apply. Your GP can explain the available options and any relevant costs before treatment begins.
How Do You Access a Mental Health Care Plan?
If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing, you do not need to wait until your symptoms become overwhelming before speaking with a GP.
Here is how the process generally works:
Step 1: Book an appointment
Arrange a suitable consultation with your GP. Let the clinic know that you would like to discuss your mental health so enough time can be allocated.
Step 2: Discuss your concerns
Your GP will ask about your symptoms, medical history and how you have been feeling. You can also discuss any previous treatment and what you hope to achieve.
Step 3: Explore your treatment options
If appropriate, your GP will discuss a Mental Health Care Plan, treatment goals and suitable support options. They will assess whether you meet the relevant clinical and Medicare requirements.
Step 4: Receive a referral if appropriate
Your GP may refer you to an eligible psychologist or another mental health professional. Ask about appointment availability, Medicare rebates and any potential gap fees before booking.
Step 5: Review your progress
Your GP can review your progress and discuss whether additional sessions or a different approach may be beneficial. Under Better Access, an initial course of individual treatment can include up to six sessions, with a GP review before further sessions are referred.
Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Treatment?
Medicare can provide rebates for eligible mental health treatment services under the Better Access initiative. Eligible patients may claim benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group treatment sessions per calendar year, subject to current rules and referral requirements.
However, a Medicare rebate does not automatically mean every appointment is free. Some psychologists and other providers charge more than the Medicare rebate, leaving a gap payment.
At Botanic Ridge Doctors, standard GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients. Psychology and other allied health appointments may have different fees, so confirm the costs with reception or the relevant provider before attending.
If cost is a concern, tell your GP. They may be able to discuss alternative services, eligible support pathways or other options suited to your circumstances.
When Should You Seek Mental Health Support?
Consider speaking with a GP if you have been experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood, difficulty sleeping, ongoing stress, reduced motivation or changes that affect your relationships, work or everyday activities.
You do not need to have all the answers before making an appointment. Explaining what you have noticed and how long it has been happening can help your GP understand your needs.
A Mental Health Care Plan is one possible pathway, but it is not the only form of support available. Your GP can help you explore treatment options based on your circumstances and preferences.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, call Triple Zero (000). For crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day.
FAQs
1. Do I need a diagnosis before speaking to my GP?
No. You can book an appointment to discuss changes in your mood, anxiety, stress or general wellbeing without knowing what is causing them. Your GP can assess your concerns and determine whether further assessment or treatment is appropriate.
2. Can children and teenagers access mental health support?
Yes. Children and teenagers can receive mental health support, although the appropriate assessment, treatment and Medicare eligibility depend on their individual circumstances. A GP can discuss suitable options with the young person and their family where appropriate.
3. How many sessions can Medicare cover?
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible patients may claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment services per calendar year. Your GP determines the appropriate referral based on clinical needs, and the applicable Medicare requirements must be met.
4. Will I need to pay for psychology appointments?
Possibly. Medicare provides rebates for eligible services, but some providers charge a gap fee. Ask the provider about their fees and the expected rebate before beginning treatment.
5. Can my GP review my treatment?
Yes. Your GP can review your progress, discuss whether your current approach is helping and consider further referrals when clinically appropriate. Regular communication between you and your treating professionals can help keep your care aligned with your needs.
Take the First Step With Botanic Ridge Doctors
You do not need to manage mental health concerns alone. If you have been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, persistently low or unlike yourself, the team at Botanic Ridge Doctors can discuss your concerns and help you understand the available support options.
Book an appointment to speak with a GP about your mental wellbeing and whether a Mental Health Care Plan may be suitable for you.
This article provides general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Treatment options and eligibility vary between individuals. Please consult your GP about your circumstances.
References
- Australian Government – Better Access initiative
- Healthdirect Australia – Mental health treatment plan
- Botanic Ridge Doctors – Mental Health and Psychology