How a Mental Health Treatment Plan Works in Australia

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a plan created by a GP to support people experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, or other psychological concerns. In Australia, an MHTP allows eligible individuals to access Medicare rebates for psychological therapy sessions.

The process usually begins by booking a longer appointment with your GP. During this appointment, the GP will discuss your mental health, current concerns, symptoms, medical history, and how your wellbeing may be affecting daily functioning. They may also ask you to complete questionnaires to better understand your experiences.

If appropriate, the GP can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan and provide a referral to a psychologist.

Under Medicare, eligible individuals can access rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. Initially, a GP will generally refer you for up to 6 sessions. After these sessions, a review appointment with the GP is usually required to discuss progress and determine whether additional sessions are appropriate. The medicare rebate per session is $98.97.

It is important to know that:

• You do not need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to see a psychologist

• A treatment plan simply helps reduce the out-of-pocket cost through Medicare rebates

• You can choose your preferred psychologist if they are Medicare registered

Psychologists use evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual’s goals and needs. Therapy may focus on emotional wellbeing, coping skills, behavioural change, stress management, relationships, trauma, or performance-related concerns.

At Psychology with Taneil, we provide evidence-based psychological support for adults navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, ADHD-related challenges, performance pressure, and emotional wellbeing. The cost per session is $225 with a medicare rebate of $98.97 with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.