If you’re considering seeing a psychologist, a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP is the most common way to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. This guide explains what an MHCP is, how to get one, and what to expect.

What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan is a document prepared by your GP that outlines your mental health concerns and a plan for treatment. Having an MHCP entitles you to Medicare rebates on up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year (January to December).

An MHCP is sometimes called a “Mental Health Treatment Plan” or referred to informally as a “GP mental health referral.” 

Who Can Get a Mental Health Care Plan?

Any Australian resident with a Medicare card who is experiencing mental health concerns can request an MHCP from their GP. There is no minimum level of distress required – if you feel you would benefit from speaking with a psychologist, your GP can prepare a plan for you.

Common reasons people get an MHCP include experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, workplace issues, trauma, or adjustment to major life changes.

→ For more info on Medicare-rebate eligible services: mindhealth.com.au/medicare

How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan: Step by Step

Step 1: Book a longer appointment with your GP

When booking, let the receptionist know you’d like to discuss your mental health and request a Mental Health Care Plan. Ask for a longer appointment (a standard appointment may not be long enough). Some practices call this a “long consultation” or “double appointment.”

Step 2: Talk to your GP about how you’ve been feeling

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask you to complete a brief questionnaire (such as the K10 or DASS-21) to help assess your current mental health. Be as open as you feel comfortable being – this information helps your GP prepare an appropriate plan.

Step 3: Your GP prepares the MHCP

Based on your conversation, your GP will prepare the Mental Health Care Plan. This includes a summary of your concerns, your goals for treatment, and a referral to a psychologist. Your GP will then give you the referral letter and a Mental Health Care Plan document.

Step 4: Book your first psychology appointment

With your MHCP and referral letter in hand, you can now book with the psychologist named on your referral (or any psychologist if the referral is open). At Mind Health, you can call us on 1300 084 200 or book online at mindhealth.com.au/appointment.

Step 5: Attend your sessions

Your first 6 sessions are covered under the initial MHCP. After 6 sessions, you will need to return to your GP for a brief review. Your GP can then re-refer you for the remaining 4 sessions (up to 10 total per calendar year).

How Much Does It Cost With Medicare?

With an MHCP, Medicare provides a rebate for each psychology session. You pay the full fee on the day and receive the rebate back into your bank account (usually within 24 hours if processed electronically).

As of 2025, the Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute session is approximately $96.65 for a Registered Psychologist and $141.85 for a Clinical Psychologist. At Mind Health, our standard fees range from $260 to $285, meaning the out-of-pocket gap after the Medicare rebate is approximately $118 to $188 per session. Concession rates are available.

→ For a full breakdown, see our fees page: mindhealth.com.au/fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own psychologist?

Yes. If your GP provides an open referral (not naming a specific psychologist), you can choose any psychologist you wish. Even with a named referral, you can ask your GP to change it.

Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan via telehealth?

Yes. GPs can prepare MHCPs via telehealth appointments. Psychology sessions can also be conducted via telehealth with a valid MHCP.

What happens after I use all 10 sessions?

If you need further sessions within the same calendar year, you can either pay privately or check if your private health insurance covers psychology. A new set of 10 Medicare-rebated sessions becomes available from 1 January each year.

Can I use my MHCP for couples therapy?

No. Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative only apply to individual sessions. Couples therapy must be paid privately.

Do I need to tell my GP what I talk about in therapy?

No. Your psychology sessions are confidential. Your GP will only receive a brief summary letter from your psychologist (with your consent) as required for the MHCP, and this does not include the details of your sessions.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to access psychology services with a Medicare rebate, the first step is booking that appointment with your GP. Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan and referral, you can contact Mind Health on 1300 084 200 or book online to get started.

We offer in-person sessions at our Mind Health Parramatta clinic and secure video telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in Australia.