Mental Health Care Plan Guide

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) was developed in 2006 as a part of the Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme. It allows Australians to claim money back on their psychology sessions through Medicare. Australians are entitled to 10-sessions per calendar year. As of 2023 you are able to claim back a rebate of $136.35 for a Clinical Psychologist or $92.90 for a Registered Psychologist for a 50+ minute session provided you have a Mental Health Care Plan. This means that unless you find a bulk billing psychologist, you’ll pay a gap. At My Kind Mind, you will received the greater amount of $136.35 rebated to your account.

This post will contain step-by-step information on how to access the rebate.

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with Your General Practitioner (GP)

Contact your regular doctor to schedule an appointment. During this appointment, discuss your mental health concerns openly and honestly with your GP. They will assess your condition and determine if you qualify for a Mental Health Care Plan.

Step 2: Consultation and Assessment

During your appointment, your GP will conduct an assessment of your mental health. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms, challenges, and how they impact your daily life. The GP will also consider any previous treatments or therapies you've tried.

Step 3: MHCP Eligibility Assessment

Based on your assessment, if your GP believes you would benefit from psychological support, they will prepare a Mental Health Care Plan. This plan outlines the number of sessions you are eligible for (usually up to 10 per calendar year) and any applicable rebates. Those presenting with disordered eating concerns are able to access additional funding. Please be open with your GP if this is your primary concern.

Step 4: Discuss Referral Options

During your appointment, let your GP know that you have a preference for a specific clinical psychologist (mention the practitioner's name) or that you intend to choose a practitioner yourself. Your GP will note this information on your Mental Health Care Plan referral.

Step 5: Schedule an Appointment with the Clinical Psychologist

Contact the clinical psychologist of your choice and inform them that you have a Mental Health Care Plan. Provide them with the details of your plan, including the referral and your eligibility for sessions.

Step 6: Attend Sessions

Attend your scheduled sessions with the clinical psychologist. These sessions are designed to provide you with therapeutic support and help you manage your mental health concerns effectively.

Step 7: Claiming Rebates through Medicare

After each session, the clinical psychologist will process the rebate through Medicare. Once the total amount of the sessions is paid, the practitioner will be able to process the rebate, significantly reducing the overall cost. The rebate amount will be credited to your bank account with 24-48 hours.

Step 8: Continuing Your Therapeutic Journey

After completing the initial six sessions outlined in your MHCP, your GP will conduct a review of your progress. Following this assessment, your GP may grant approval for an additional four sessions, covered by Medicare. These additional sessions are intended to maintain the continuity of your care and guarantee you receive the highest standard of support tailored to your needs. Your GP's commitment to ongoing reviews demonstrates their dedication to your well-being and ensures you continue to receive the exceptional care you deserve.

Additional Tips:

Follow the Plan: Attend the number of sessions specified in your Mental Health Care Plan. If you need additional sessions, consult your GP for a review. This can be further discussed with your therapist when treatment planning.

Open Communication: Be open and honest with your psychologist about your feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Effective communication enhances the therapeutic process.

Regular Reviews: Periodically review your progress with both your GP and psychologist. They can assess your improvement and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Remember, seeking help is a positive step toward better mental health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice concerns, and actively participate in your therapy sessions. Your well-being is a priority.