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.
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Why get a MHCP?
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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 $89.65 on up to 10 individual sessions or group appointments with a general psychologist in a calendar year (January – December).
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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