If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, low, or anxious and you’re not sure where to start, your GP is often the best first port of call. One of the most useful tools a GP can offer is a Mental Health Treatment Plan — sometimes called a Mental Health Care Plan. It’s a structured way to access subsidised mental health support, and for many Australians, it’s the gateway to affordable, ongoing care. Here’s what a plan involves, how to get one, and how it fits into the broader picture of seeing a psychiatrist.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document your GP prepares with you during a longer consultation. It’s designed for people experiencing a mental health condition that would benefit from structured, multi-session treatment — most commonly psychological therapy with a registered psychologist. The plan summarises your mental health concerns, outlines a treatment approach, and records the referrals your GP recommends.
Importantly, a Mental Health Treatment Plan is not a diagnosis in itself. It’s a clinical tool that helps you and your care team stay coordinated. It also unlocks access to Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions with eligible allied mental health professionals each calendar year, which can significantly reduce the cost of seeing a psychologist.
How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
The process is straightforward, but it does require a dedicated appointment. When you book with your GP, let the reception staff know you’d like to discuss your mental health — this ensures the doctor allocates enough time, usually 30 to 40 minutes, rather than a standard short consultation.
- Book a longer appointment. A Mental Health Treatment Plan can’t be done in a 10-minute slot. Ask for a double or mental health appointment.
- Be open about what you’re experiencing. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, their impact on your daily life, your history, and any past treatment.
- Work together on a plan. Your GP will document your concerns, goals, and the treatment they recommend, which may include a referral to a psychologist.
- Receive your plan and referral. You’ll get a copy of the plan along with a referral letter to an allied mental health professional of your choice, or one your GP recommends.
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before you go. GPs are experienced in having these conversations, and you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. If you’re unsure how to start, simply saying “I’ve been struggling and I’d like to talk about my mental health” is enough.
What Does a Mental Health Care Plan Cover?
The plan primarily provides access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with eligible psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists who provide focused psychological strategies. Each calendar year, you can access a set number of subsidised individual sessions (and a small number of group sessions), with the option for your GP to review and extend your plan if ongoing treatment is needed.
It’s worth understanding that a Mental Health Treatment Plan is geared toward psychological therapy rather than specialist psychiatric assessment. If your GP believes you would benefit from seeing a psychiatrist — for example, for a more complex assessment, a second opinion, or a discussion about medication — they will arrange a separate referral. You can learn more about how this works on our online psychiatry page.
Medicare Rebates and What You Pay
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan in place, Medicare provides a rebate for each session with an eligible mental health professional. Many psychologists charge a fee above the rebate, so there is often a gap payment — the amount varies between providers. Some bulk-bill, which means no out-of-pocket cost to you.
For psychiatrist appointments, a separate GP referral is required (a Mental Health Treatment Plan alone is not sufficient). Medicare rebates also apply to psychiatrist consultations when you have a valid referral. You can read a full breakdown of fees and rebates on our fees and Medicare rebates page.
How a Mental Health Care Plan Connects to Seeing a Psychiatrist
There’s a common misconception that a Mental Health Treatment Plan is the referral you need to see a psychiatrist. In practice, they serve different purposes:
- Mental Health Treatment Plan — for subsidised psychological therapy with a psychologist or allied mental health professional.
- Specialist referral to a psychiatrist — a separate referral (often a letter) from your GP that allows you to access Medicare-rebated psychiatric consultations.
Sometimes your GP will prepare both at the same visit, particularly if they think you’d benefit from psychological therapy now and a psychiatric assessment to clarify diagnosis or discuss broader treatment options. The two pathways are complementary, not mutually exclusive, and many people benefit from both.
Reviewing and Renewing Your Plan
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is reviewed by your GP after an initial set of sessions. At this review, your GP will check how treatment is progressing, whether your goals are being met, and whether additional sessions or a different approach are needed. Plans can be renewed each calendar year if ongoing treatment is warranted, so you’re not left without support after the first round of sessions.
Taking the Next Step
If you think a Mental Health Treatment Plan could help, the best first step is to book a longer appointment with your GP. If you already know you’d like to see a psychiatrist — whether for a comprehensive assessment, a diagnostic clarification, or ongoing management — ask your GP for a referral and then get in touch. You can book an appointment or send a referral through our contact page, and our team will be in touch within one business day.