Seeking help for mental health is one of the most important steps a person can take. In Australia, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan) is one of the most practical and widely used pathways to access professional psychological support through Medicare.
If you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health concern, understanding how this plan works can help you take that first step. Your GP in Melbourne is your starting point — not a last resort.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document prepared by your GP that outlines your mental health concerns and the treatment you need. It forms the basis for a referral to a psychologist or other allied mental health professional, and it allows you to access Medicare rebates on the cost of those sessions.
Under Medicare, eligible patients with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan can claim rebates for up to ten individual sessions with a psychologist, clinical psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist per calendar year. This significantly reduces the out-of-pocket cost of psychological treatment, making mental health care more accessible for more Australians. For full details, see the Australian Government’s Better Access Initiative.
Up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP is all you need to access them. Book a longer appointment to get started.
Who Is Eligible for a Mental Health Plan?
Any person who has a diagnosable mental health condition and would benefit from psychological treatment may be eligible. Common conditions that qualify include:
| Condition | Examples / Notes |
|---|---|
| Depression | Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, postnatal depression |
| Anxiety disorders | Generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias |
| PTSD | Post-traumatic stress disorder from any type of trauma |
| OCD | Obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Eating disorders | Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder |
| Bipolar / psychosis (ongoing) | For long-term management and psychological support alongside medication |
Your GP will carry out an assessment to determine whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is appropriate. You do not need to be in crisis to be eligible — many people seek support through this pathway as a proactive step for managing ongoing stress or low mood. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five Australians experience a mental health condition each year — and most do not access treatment.
How to Get a Mental Health Plan From Your GP in Melbourne
The process begins with a standard GP consultation, though a longer appointment is typically required to allow time for a thorough assessment. When booking, let the receptionist know you would like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan so they can allocate enough time.
During this appointment, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, their duration and severity, how they are affecting your daily life, and any previous mental health treatment you may have had. Your GP will also consider any physical health factors that might be contributing — such as thyroid conditions, sleep disorders, or vitamin deficiencies. It is worth checking with your doctor whether a general health check would also be useful at this visit.
Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional
Your GP can discuss the types of mental health professionals available and help match you with the most appropriate provider for your needs. A psychologist focuses on psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. A clinical psychologist has additional training for more complex conditions. A social worker or occupational therapist may focus on practical strategies and social functioning. If you have a preference for a particular approach, language, or location, mention this at your appointment.
What Happens in Your Psychology Sessions?
Most sessions run for approximately 50 minutes. In the early sessions, your psychologist will focus on understanding your history, identifying your specific concerns, and agreeing on goals for treatment. Over subsequent sessions, you will work together on strategies to manage symptoms, change unhelpful thought patterns, and build coping skills. Progress is not always linear.
Reviewing Your Mental Health Plan
After six sessions, your GP will conduct a review of your Mental Health Treatment Plan. This review checks on your progress and determines whether further sessions are needed and appropriate. If additional sessions are recommended, up to four more can be authorised, bringing the total to ten sessions within a calendar year. It is important to see your GP for this review even if you feel you are making progress — it is a Medicare requirement for continuing to access rebates.
What Else Can Your GP Do for Your Mental Health?
Your GP plays a central role in your mental health care beyond simply writing a referral. They can:
- Monitor your overall health and wellbeing at each visit
- Prescribe medication where clinically appropriate and review it regularly
- Coordinate care between specialists and allied health providers
- Manage physical health conditions that may be affecting your mental health
- Provide a consistent, non-judgmental point of contact throughout your recovery
Supporting Young People and Adolescents
Young people face unique mental health challenges, and accessing the right support early can make a significant difference. Our doctors are experienced in supporting adolescents and young adults through anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and relationship difficulties. If you are a parent concerned about your child’s mental health, a GP consultation is a good starting point. You can also access information from headspace, Australia’s national youth mental health foundation.
Ready to Start Your Mental Health Journey?
Book a longer consultation with a GP. Let reception know you would like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan when you call.
Make an Appointment