How to get a mental health care plan in Australia

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

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

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

Its official Medicare name is the Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Many people still call it a “mental health care plan” or a “GP mental health referral”.

Who can get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Any Australian resident with a Medicare card who is experiencing mental health concerns can request an MHTP from their GP. Your GP needs to assess that you have a diagnosable mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. If Better Access is not the right fit, your GP can suggest other options. If you feel you would benefit from speaking with a psychologist, your GP can prepare a plan for you.

Common reasons people get an MHTP 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 Treatment 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 Treatment Plan. Ask for a longer appointment (a standard appointment may not be long enough). Some practices call this a “long consultation” or “double appointment.”

Since 1 November 2025, Medicare generally pays for the plan, and for your psychology sessions, only when the plan is prepared at the practice where you are registered for MyMedicare or by your usual GP (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing). If you are not sure whether you are registered, ask the practice when you book.

If you would rather start with free, low-intensity support that needs no referral, see our guide to Medicare Mental Health Check In.

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 MHTP

Based on your conversation, your GP will prepare the Mental Health Treatment 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 Treatment Plan document.

Step 4: Book your first psychology appointment

With your MHTP 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 MHTP. 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 MHTP, 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 a few days).

The Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute session is set by the MBS and is higher with a clinical psychologist than with a registered psychologist; current amounts are at Services Australia. Our current session fees, the out-of-pocket gap after the Medicare rebate, and the concession rates for pension, Health Care Card and student-ID holders are on our fees and rebates page for the current schedule and concession details.

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

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 Treatment 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.