How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP in Australia

Navigating the Medicare system for the first time can feel more complicated than it probably should, and the Mental Health Treatment Plan is one of those things that sounds more confusing than it actually is. If you've been wondering what you need, who to see first, or what to bring to your psychology appointment, this is a plain-language guide that walks through all of it.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document your GP prepares after assessing your mental health. It outlines your current difficulties, your treatment goals, and a referral to a mental health professional, in this case a psychologist.

Once you have a plan in place, you become eligible for Medicare rebates on psychology sessions through the Better Access initiative. This means a portion of your session fee is covered by Medicare, reducing what you pay out of pocket.

How many sessions does Medicare cover?

Medicare covers up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Your GP referral covers the first 6 sessions. After session 6, you return to your GP for a review, and if more sessions are recommended, they can refer you for the remaining 4.

Sessions reset on 1 January each year, so it's worth knowing where you stand with your allocation before the year rolls over.

How to get one: what to actually do

Step 1: Book a long appointment with your GP

To get a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you need to book a long appointment, not a standard 10-minute slot. When you call or book online, let them know you'd like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This gives your GP enough time to do a proper assessment and tends to make the conversation easier because they know what to expect.

If you don't have a regular GP, any GP can prepare a plan. It doesn't have to be someone you've seen before.

Step 2: Talk to your GP about what you're experiencing

Your GP will ask about your mood, sleep, stress levels, and how things have been affecting your day-to-day life. They may also ask you to complete a short questionnaire called the K10, which measures psychological distress.

If you don't have an existing relationship with your GP, or if you've never talked to a doctor about how you're feeling before, that conversation can feel harder than it sounds. There's something about saying it out loud to someone you don't know well that takes a particular kind of courage, and it's worth acknowledging that. The most useful thing you can do is be as honest as you feel able to be. You don't need to have it perfectly articulated. Some people find it helpful to jot down a few things beforehand, what's been happening, how long it's been going on, and what kind of support they're looking for. Not because the appointment requires preparation, but because putting it in words before you're in the room can make it easier to say out loud.

Step 3: Ask for a referral to a specific psychologist

You can ask your GP to address the referral to a specific psychologist if you already have someone in mind. The referral does not need to name a psychologist, it can be a general referral, but if you're hoping to see someone in particular, it's worth asking.

For example: if you're seeing a psychologist at Ember Psychology Clinic, ask your GP to address the referral to Emma Whiteley at Ember Psychology Clinic.

Step 4: Bring your referral to your first appointment

Bring a copy of your Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral letter to your first psychology session, or upload it via the intake form when you book. Your psychologist will keep a copy on file.

Without a current referral, Medicare rebates won't apply for that session, so it's worth making sure you have it before you come in.

How do Medicare rebates work?

The current Medicare rebate for sessions with a registered psychologist is $98.95 per session under item 80110 (as of July 2025). Check the MBS Online website for the most current rate before your appointment.

How practices handle the claiming process varies. At practices that process Medicare rebates on your behalf, you pay only the gap fee at the time of your appointment. At practices where you pay the full fee upfront, you can claim your rebate through the Medicare app, myGov, or a Medicare service centre. The rebate is typically deposited within 24 hours. It's worth asking your psychologist how they process Medicare claims when you book.

What if my GP doesn't refer me?

GPs can only prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan for people who meet the eligibility criteria under the Better Access initiative, which requires a diagnosable mental health condition. If your GP doesn't think a plan is appropriate, it's okay to ask them to explain why, or to seek a second opinion from another GP.

If you don't meet the criteria for a plan, you can still see a psychologist privately. You'd pay the full fee without a Medicare rebate, but you may be able to claim through private health insurance if you have extras cover.

A note on timing

Psychologists in Sydney can have varying availability. If you have a referral ready, it means you can book as soon as a suitable psychologist has a space, so it's worth getting the plan in place even before you've found someone.

If you'd like to explore support, you're welcome to get in touch with Ember Psychology Clinic. Sessions are available in person in Bondi Junction and via telehealth across Australia.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional psychological advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to your GP or a registered psychologist.