How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
- Book a long appointment with your GP — tell them when booking that you want to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Book a long (double) appointment so there's enough time.
- Your GP assesses you — they'll ask about your symptoms, history, and goals. This is a supportive conversation, not an exam.
- Your GP creates the plan — this includes a referral to a psychologist, clinical psychologist, or other eligible mental health professional.
- Book with a psychologist — use the referral to book sessions. Ask about fees upfront — many charge a gap above the Medicare rebate.
- Review with your GP — after 6 sessions, go back to your GP for a review. They can authorise up to 4 more sessions (10 total per calendar year).
What You Pay
| Provider | Medicare Rebate | Typical Fee | Typical Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist | ~$96 | $150–250 | $50–150 |
| Clinical psychologist | ~$141 | $200–300 | $60–160 |
| Bulk billing psychologist | $0 gap | Medicare rebate only | $0 |
Bulk billing psychologists exist but have long wait times (often 3–6 months). You can search for bulk billing providers or consider a psychology registrar or provisional psychologist, who charge lower fees.
What's Covered
The plan covers sessions with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers (mental health accredited), and occupational therapists (mental health accredited). It does not cover psychiatrists (they're covered separately under Medicare specialist referrals) or counsellors without AHPRA registration.
Calendar Year Reset
Your 10 sessions reset on 1 January each year — not from when you start the plan. If you start in October, you get up to 10 sessions for the remainder of that year, then a fresh 10 from January. Unused sessions don't carry over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask my GP for a mental health care plan?
Just tell them you'd like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You don't need to justify it — if you're struggling, that's enough. Book a long appointment so there's enough time for the conversation.
Is it free?
The GP appointment can be bulk billed (free) or may have a gap. The psychology sessions have a Medicare rebate but many psychologists charge above it. Ask about fees before your first appointment.
Can I choose my own psychologist?
Yes. Your GP gives you a referral, and you choose which psychologist to see. You don't have to use whoever the GP suggests.
What if I need more than 10 sessions?
After 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per year, you'd pay full price for additional sessions. Some psychologists offer reduced fees for ongoing clients. You can also explore community mental health services, university psychology clinics (lower fees), or online services.