Key Points

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) facilitates access to Medicare rebates for psychological services.
The process begins with scheduling a longer GP appointment and notifying the clinic in advance.
Prepare by listing concerns and symptoms to discuss with your GP.
During the appointment, your GP will assess your mental health, and together you'll create a treatment plan with clear goals and contact details.
Additional resources like questionnaires may be used to assess your symptoms for a tailored approach to support.

A MHTP helps to facilitate a more collaborative and affordable approach to managing mental health concerns, enabling access to Medicare rebates for psychological services under the care of your General Practitioner (GP). Here's a step-by-step guide on how to obtain and use one.

1. Scheduling an Appointment with Your GP

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) generally takes longer to complete than a regular GP appointment allows for. It is recommended that you inform your GP’s clinic (at the time of booking) that the appointment is for a MHTP to ensure adequate time is allocated (note, this may attract a higher fee from your GP due to the additional time involve).

2. Preparing for Your GP Appointment

Before the appointment, it may help to list your concerns, symptoms, and any questions you may have. This preparation can help facilitate a discussion with your GP.

3. During Your GP Appointment

During the Appointment: Whether in person or through telehealth, share what you've been experiencing and what led you to seek help. Doctors are trained to listen and support, so there’s no need to worry about saying the “right” or “wrong” thing -they're there to assist you. Even so, talking about your mental health may be difficult, so share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
Assessment: Your GP will likely assess your mental health, possibly using a questionnaire like the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) or Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) to evaluate your symptoms. Assessment helps determine the most appropriate support for your situation and helps track progress.
Plan Development: Your GP will collaborate with you to create a MHTP that outlines your mental health status, treatment goals, contact details (including emergency contacts), your GP’s details, and a referral to a psychologist.

4. Accessing Your Medicare Rebates

Once you have a MHTP and referral letter, you are able to access Medicare rebates with the Psychologist of your choosing: Simply identify a Psychologist you would like to work with, book an initial appointment, and be sure to provide them with your MHTP and referral paperwork. With a MHTP, you will be eligible for Medicare rebates of $96.65 for up to 10 Psychology sessions per calendar year. Most Psychologists charge above this rate, so you may be out of pocket until your Medicare rebate is processed and paid.

5. Choose Your Psychologist

Select a Psychologist who aligns with your needs and preferences. At Rusanow Psychology, I specialize in providing telehealth psychological services (phone or video) tailored to helping people experiencing a range of different challenges. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

6. Book Your Initial Appointment

Once you have received a MHTP, you can book your first session. Rusanow Psychology’s online booking system makes it easy to select a time that suits you. Intake forms will be provided to gather necessary information and ensure a smooth process from the start.

7. Attend Your Sessions

Sessions are conducted via a secure video platform or phone call. A link will be sent before the session, allowing you to join directly from your browser without additional software. Each session is designed to help you address your specific goals in a supportive and confidential environment.

8. Reviewing Your Progress

You and your Psychologist will ideally review progress before or during your last attended session on your current MHTP referral - an initial referral under a MHTP typically allows for 6 Psychology sessions, with 4 additional sessions being made available (if appropriate) following review. If you and your psychologist determine that additional sessions are needed, your psychologist will provide a review letter for you to take to your GP at your next appointment. If no further sessions are required, a discharge letter will be provided for you to share with your GP instead.

More Information about MHTP

If you’d like to learn more about Mental Health Treatment Plans, the following resources may be helpful:

Healthdirect
Provides comprehensive information on Mental Health Treatment Plans, eligibility, and access to support services. Visit Healthdirect.
Services Australia
Provides information on Mental Health Treatment Plans, eligibility, and Medicare support, including bulk billing options. Visit Services Australia.

Understanding Mental Health Treatment Plans and How to Get One