Mental Health Care Plan: A Guide if You Have Received One.
Mental Health Care Plans: An Introduction:
A Mental Health Care Plan can help eligible patients access Medicare rebates for mental health treatment services provided by eligible health professionals. (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026).
Feel free to skip ahead to the section below.
Mental Health Care Plan – What information does a Mental Health Care Plan contain?
This document is created by your GP in consultation with you, containing your mental health history and a suggested plan for treatment. It should also describe the recommended mental health care services that you need (Services Australia, 2025). A Mental Health Care Plan and appropriate referral may allow eligible patients to claim Medicare rebates for psychology services under the Better Access initiative (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026).
What are the Benefits of Getting One?
Obtaining this document is the first step towards receiving personalised and effective therapy from a psychologist. Eligible patients may access Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual mental health treatment services per calendar year under the Better Access initiative, subject to Medicare eligibility and referral requirements (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026).
How to Obtain a Mental Health Care Plan through Your GP:
To obtain a mental health care plan, make an appointment with your GP clinic (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026). Your GP will conduct a mental status examination and determine if a mental health care plan is required. If required, your GP will work with you and your preferred mental health professional in the delivery of your mental health services (Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026).
Conclusion:
A Mental Health Care Plan may help eligible patients access Medicare rebates for psychology services while they work with a psychologist to understand their mental health concerns and consider treatment options.
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References:
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Better Access initiative. Last updated 6 February 2026.
- Services Australia. Requirements of a mental health treatment plan. Last updated 17 November 2025.
- Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Online. Better Access changes from 1 November 2025.