In short: A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan — often called a mental health care plan — lets eligible people claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a mental health professional such as a psychologist. Under the Better Access initiative, you can access up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions each calendar year. It starts with a conversation with your GP.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan your GP creates with you if you are experiencing a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. It sets out your situation, your goals, and the support that may help — and, importantly, it gives you access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals through the Australian Government's Better Access initiative.
The plan is a practical tool: it helps coordinate your care and makes psychological support more affordable. You do not need to have everything "figured out" before you see your GP — that is exactly what the appointment is for.
How Many Sessions Does It Cover?
Through Better Access, eligible patients can claim a Medicare benefit for up to 10 individual and up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year with a registered mental health professional.
Your GP usually refers you for an initial course of sessions — commonly up to 6 — and then reviews how you are going. If you would benefit from more support, they can refer you for further sessions, up to the yearly limit. This step-by-step approach means your care is reviewed and adjusted as you go.
Who Is Eligible?
A Mental Health Care Plan is for people with a diagnosed mental health condition that would benefit from structured psychological support — for example depression, anxiety, or other conditions with at least moderate impact on daily life. Your GP will assess whether a plan is appropriate for you during your appointment.
If your needs are better met another way, your GP will talk you through the alternatives, which may include other treatments, support services, or referral to a different type of care.
How Do I Get a Mental Health Care Plan?
The process is straightforward:
- Book a longer appointment with your GP and let reception know you would like to discuss your mental health, so enough time is set aside
- Talk with your GP, who will ask about how you have been feeling, your history and your circumstances
- Create the plan together, including your goals and the support that may help
- Get a referral to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist
- Attend a review with your GP after your initial sessions, so your progress and next steps can be discussed
You can revisit and update the plan with your GP over time as your needs change.
What Will It Cost?
A Mental Health Care Plan helps make psychological care more affordable by providing a Medicare rebate for each eligible session. Whether you have any out-of-pocket cost depends on the fees set by the individual mental health professional — some bulk bill, while others charge a fee and you receive the Medicare rebate back. Many sessions can also be provided by telehealth, which can make access easier. Our reception team and your GP can explain the likely costs before you start.
Support at Our Truganina Clinic
At Reliance Medical Centre, our GPs can assess your mental health, prepare a Mental Health Care Plan, and refer you to our on-site psychology team or to digital mental health support where appropriate. Having GPs and psychologists working together under one roof can make care more coordinated and convenient.
Learn more about mental health care plans at our clinic. If you are struggling, you do not have to manage alone — book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9958 6699.
If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, call **000**, or contact **Lifeline on 13 11 14** at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, often called a mental health care plan, is a plan your GP creates with you if you have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. It sets out your goals and support, and gives you access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals through the Better Access initiative.
How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people with a Mental Health Care Plan can claim a Medicare benefit for up to 10 individual and up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year. Your GP usually refers you for an initial course of sessions and then reviews your progress before referring for more, up to the yearly limit.
How do I get a mental health care plan?
Book a longer appointment with your GP and let reception know you would like to discuss your mental health. Your GP will talk with you about how you have been feeling, create the plan with you, and refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist. You then return for a review after your initial sessions.
Do I have to pay for a mental health care plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan provides a Medicare rebate for each eligible session, which lowers the cost of psychological care. Whether you have an out-of-pocket cost depends on the mental health professional's fees — some bulk bill, while others charge a fee and you claim the rebate back. Your GP and reception can explain likely costs before you start.
Who is eligible for a mental health care plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is for people with a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, that would benefit from structured psychological support. Your GP assesses whether a plan is appropriate during your appointment. If another approach would suit you better, your GP will discuss the options with you.
Can I have mental health sessions by telehealth?
Yes, many mental health sessions can be provided by telehealth, which can make support easier to access. Your GP and the mental health professional will let you know what is available and suitable for you. Some appointments may still be recommended in person, depending on your needs.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- Healthdirect Australia — Mental health treatment plan
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Better Access initiative
- Services Australia — Mental health care and Medicare
This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak with your GP. If you are in crisis, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
