How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan from Your GP
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or just not quite yourself, you’re not alone — and help is available. One of the most accessible ways to get professional support in Australia is through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).
But what exactly is a Mental Health Care Plan, and how do you get one?
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document your GP creates to help you access subsidised sessions with a registered psychologist or other mental health professional under Medicare. It outlines your mental health needs and the support services recommended to help you manage your wellbeing.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
1. Book a longer GP appointment
Let your GP clinic know you’d like to talk about your mental health and request a longer consultation. This gives your doctor enough time to understand what you’re experiencing and determine if a MHCP is appropriate.
2. Be honest and open
During your appointment, talk about how you’ve been feeling — emotionally, mentally, and physically. GPs are trained to support mental health and can’t help if they don’t know the full picture.
3. Mental health assessment
Your GP may ask you a few structured questions or use a short questionnaire to assess your mental health and understand your symptoms.
4. Development of your plan
If eligible, your GP will complete a Mental Health Care Plan with you. For the plan to be valid under Medicare, it must include:
- A formal diagnosis (e.g. anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.)
- Your personal goals for treatment
- The details of the treating mental health professional (name, provider number, and address)
- A referral letter or note linking to the plan
5. Get your referral and start sessions
Your GP will give you a referral letter and may send it directly to your chosen provider. You can then contact the psychologist to book your first appointment.
Tip: You can request a specific psychologist or clinic — like those listed here on seekhelp.com.au — or ask your GP for recommendations.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Medicare currently provides up to 10 subsidised individual sessions per calendar year:
- 6 sessions available initially
- 4 more available after a brief review with your GP
These sessions are either bulk billed or partially covered, depending on the fees set by the psychologist.
Important Reminders
- A Mental Health Care Plan must be in place before your first session to claim rebates.
- Your psychologist will usually need a copy of the plan and referral before or during your first appointment.
- After your first 6 sessions, you’ll need to return to your GP for a review and recommendation for the final 4.
Need help finding the right psychologist?
At Seek Help, we make it easy to connect with qualified professionals who understand what you’re going through. If you have your plan ready, we’ll help you take the next step.