Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
What is a MHCP?
A MHCP is a plan your doctor writes with you about treating a mental health condition. It helps you to access eligible allied health professionals like psychologists, who can provide ongoing specialised support to help you get better and live well.
A MHCP can be useful for people with minor mental health conditions or very serious conditions, short-term concerns or long-term illnesses. You don’t already have to be diagnosed with a mental health condition to talk to your doctor about making a mental health treatment plan.
Why get a MHCP?
Having a mental health treatment plan makes appointments with eligible allied health professionals more affordable. If you have a mental health treatment plan, you are entitled to a Medicare Rebate of $98.95 on up to 10 individual sessions or group appointments with a general psychologist in a calendar year (January – December). Appointments do not have to be used within that calendar year however, for example, if you have seven appointments in one calendar year, the remaining three appointments on your MHCP can be accessed in the following year.
How to obtain a MHCP
Step 1
Book an appointment with your GP. When making the appointment inform the receptionist that it is for a mental health care plan, this will allow them to set aside enough time for your appointment
Step 3
If your GP decides that a MHCP is right for you, they may recommend a psychologist , however, you are welcome to suggest a psychologist of your choice. Even if your MHCP has someone else’s name on it, you can still take that referral to a psychologist of your choice
Step 5
You will then be entitled to 6 rebatable sessions with a psychologist of your choice. After your 6th session, if you and your psychologist believe you require more sessions, proceed to the next step
Step 2
Tell your GP you are wishing to obtain a mental health care plan. You will discuss your symptoms, how you have been feeling, and what has been concerning you
Step 4
Ask the Medical Centre to send us the MCHP via email, or,ask for a copy of your MHCP that you can provide to our practice
Step 6
Revisit your GP for a mental health review. If your GP agrees you need more sessions, you will be entitled to 4 more Medicare-subsidised psychological sessions