A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is one of the most under-used mental health resources in Australia. It gives you access to Medicare rebates on up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year. Many people don't know they qualify, don't know how to ask their GP for one, or find the language of it intimidating. This post is a plain walkthrough so you can get one without over-thinking it.
What a Mental Health Care Plan actually is
It's a formal document your GP prepares that identifies you as someone with a mental health condition (broadly defined) who would benefit from psychological support. Once it exists, Medicare will subsidise a portion of the fee for each session with a registered psychologist, up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
The rebate doesn't cover the full fee, but it reduces the out-of-pocket significantly. Rebate amounts are set by Medicare and change occasionally — the current rate is on the Services Australia website.
Do you qualify?
Almost certainly yes, if you have concerns that are affecting your daily life. GPs can prepare an MHCP for anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, grief, trauma-related concerns, stress-related concerns, sleep problems tied to mental health, relationship distress that's affecting mental health, and many others. You do not need to have a diagnosis to get one. You do not need to be in crisis. You do not need to have been struggling for years.
How to book the GP appointment
When you book, mention you'd like to discuss your mental health and possibly a Mental Health Care Plan. This matters because MHCP consultations take longer than standard GP appointments (usually 30–45 minutes rather than 15) and need to be booked as such. Some clinics use "long consultation" as the booking category. If in doubt, tell reception you'd like a longer appointment for a mental health discussion.
What to say to your GP
You don't need a rehearsed script. But if you're anxious, having a few sentences ready can help. Something like:
"I've been struggling with [anxiety / low mood / sleep / stress / etc.] for the last few [weeks/months]. It's starting to affect [work / relationships / how I function day to day]. I'd like to talk about a Mental Health Care Plan so I can see a psychologist."
You can also print or email this post to them if you like — GPs are used to being asked for MHCPs directly, and the more specific you are, the smoother it goes.
What happens in the appointment
The GP will do a short assessment. They may use a standardised questionnaire (K10 is common). They'll discuss what's going on with you, current symptoms, and treatment options. They'll then complete the MHCP paperwork, which becomes a document identifying you, your goals for treatment, and a referral to the psychologist of your choice.
If you already know which psychologist you want to see, name them. If you don't, the GP can help suggest someone (though you're always free to choose someone else — the plan works with any registered psychologist accepting Medicare-referred clients).
After the appointment
The GP usually emails the plan directly to the psychologist, and gives you a copy. You bring the copy to your first session (or email it in advance). The psychologist processes the Medicare rebate at each session — you pay the full fee at the time, and the rebate lands in your account within 1–2 business days.
The 10-session structure
The plan typically initially covers 6 sessions. After you've used those, the GP reviews with you (a shorter appointment, no repeat assessment needed) and can extend to an additional 4 sessions in the same calendar year, for a total of 10.
Things that trip people up
- The 10 sessions reset each calendar year (not from your first session)
- You do need a review appointment with your GP after the first 6 sessions
- Bulk-billed psychologists are rare — most charge above the rebate; check with the practice
- Not all clinicians are eligible under Medicare — check they're a registered psychologist
Once you have the plan
If you'd like to book with me, you can email the plan through and book directly via the booking page, or start with a free 15-minute intro call to see if we're a good fit before you commit.