Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. Yet many people wait years before seeking help, often because they don’t know where to start or assume support will be too costly to access.
If you’ve been feeling anxious, low, or just not quite yourself lately, your GP is often the best first step. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a GP Mental Health Care Plan?
A GP Mental Health Care Plan is a personalised plan prepared by your GP to support you in accessing mental health treatment. It is available to people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other concerns affecting their daily life.
Once your GP prepares a plan, it gives you access to Medicare rebates for sessions with an eligible mental health professional, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Treatment 1: Psychological Therapy with a Registered Psychologist
The most common referral through a GP Mental Health Care Plan is to a registered psychologist. Psychologists help people work through a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and stress using evidence-based strategies tailored to your individual needs.
Through the Better Access initiative, eligible individuals can access up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with a Medicare rebate applied to each session. Your GP will discuss referral options and expected costs at your appointment.
Treatment 2: Support from a Mental Health Social Worker or Occupational Therapist
Psychological therapy is not the only pathway available. Accredited mental health social workers and occupational therapists are also eligible providers under the Better Access initiative.
Mental health social workers provide counselling and practical support, taking into account the social and environmental factors affecting your wellbeing. Occupational therapists with a mental health focus help people build the practical skills and daily routines needed when mental health challenges are making life harder to manage.
Medicare rebates apply to sessions with these professionals under a GP Mental Health Care Plan, making them a more affordable option for many families in the Botanic Ridge community.
Treatment 3: Focused Psychological Strategies from Your GP
Not everyone is ready to see a specialist straight away, and that’s completely okay. GPs with additional mental health training can provide Focused Psychological Strategies directly within a consultation. This can include cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, psychoeducation, relaxation strategies, and practical problem-solving approaches.
This is an accessible starting point, particularly for people who feel more comfortable in a familiar GP setting or who are in the early stages of seeking support.
How Do You Access a GP Mental Health Care Plan?
The process is straightforward.
Book a longer appointment at Botanic Ridge Doctors and let us know you’d like to discuss a mental health care plan. Your GP will have a confidential conversation with you about what you’ve been experiencing, prepare your plan if appropriate, and provide referrals to suitable professionals in the area.
You can review and update your plan with your GP over time as your needs change.
A note on costs: At Botanic Ridge Doctors, we are a 100% bulk billing clinic. This means there are no out-of-pocket costs for any of our patients.
Call us (03) 5902 8223 for more details.
Taking the First Step Is the Hardest Part
You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support. If something in this blog has resonated with you, the team at Botanic Ridge Doctors is here to listen without judgement and help you find the right pathway forward.
This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss your individual mental health needs. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a diagnosis before speaking to my GP about mental health?
No. If you’ve been feeling unlike yourself, struggling to cope, or not quite right, that is enough reason to have a conversation.
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan for my child?
Yes. GPs can prepare plans for children and young people. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, booking an appointment is a great first step.
What if I need more than 10 sessions in a year? Your GP can review your plan and, if clinically appropriate, provide a further referral for additional sessions at your review appointment.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative
- Australian Psychological Society. What is a Mental Health Care Plan? Available at: https://www.psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Medicare-rebates-for-psychology-services
- Beyond Blue. Anxiety and depression — signs, symptoms and treatment options. Available at: https://www.beyondblue.org.au
- Head to Health. Finding the right mental health support. Available at: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au
- Better Health Channel, Victoria. Mental health care plans. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/mental-health-care-plans
- Healthdirect Australia. Mental health care plan. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Mental health services in Australia 2025. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia