💜 Support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the Butterfly Foundation provides free, confidential support: 1800 33 4673 (Mon–Fri 8am–midnight, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm AEST) or online at butterfly.org.au. This page explains how Medicare supports access to treatment — talk to your GP or call Butterfly for personalised guidance.
Not sure where to start?
You do not need a formal diagnosis before talking to your GP. If you are concerned about your relationship with food, eating, or your body — whether for yourself or someone you care about — a conversation with your GP is the right first step. You do not need to have all the answers before going.
Your GP can listen without judgment, assess what support might help, and refer you to the right people. If you are not sure how to bring it up, you can simply say: "I've been struggling with eating and I'd like to talk about it." That is enough to start.
While you are waiting to see your GP, the Butterfly Foundation can also help: 1800 33 4673 or butterfly.org.au. Their counsellors are trained in eating disorders and can help you prepare for a GP conversation if that would help.
Medicare has a dedicated program for eating disorder treatment — separate from the standard Mental Health Care Plan and significantly more generous. Here is how it works.
Sources & citations
1. Australian Government. Medicare Benefits Schedule Book — July 2026. Group A36, Eating Disorder Services. Items 90250–90278, 90264–90267. Explanatory notes AN.36.1, AN.36.2, AN.36.3. Available at mbsonline.gov.au
2. Butterfly Foundation. Helpline and support services. Available at butterfly.org.au. Helpline: 1800 33 4673.
3. Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Eating Disorders — Medicare items and stepped model of care. Available at health.gov.au/our-work/eating-disorders
This page provides factual information about the Medicare EDTMP program only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions — please speak with your GP or contact the Butterfly Foundation for personalised support. This site is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Health or Medicare Australia.
40
Psychology sessions per year
20
Dietitian sessions per year
10
Sessions per course before review
12 mo
Plan duration before renewal
Source: MBS Group A36, MBS Book July 2026.
What is the EDTMP?
The Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan (EDTMP) is a structured Medicare plan that your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician prepares if you have a diagnosed eating disorder. It outlines your diagnosis, treatment goals, referral plan, and a crisis/relapse prevention strategy where appropriate.
Having an EDTMP unlocks access to a much larger package of subsidised treatment than a standard Mental Health Care Plan — up to 40 individual psychology or treatment sessions and up to 20 dietitian appointments in a 12-month period.
Key difference from the Mental Health Care Plan (MHTP): A standard MHTP gives you up to 10 psychology sessions per year for any mental health condition. The EDTMP is specifically for eating disorders and provides up to 40 psychology sessions and 20 dietitian sessions — completely separate from any MHTP sessions you may already have.
EDTMP vs Mental Health Care Plan — comparison
Feature
Mental Health Care Plan
Eating Disorder Plan (EDTMP)
For
Any mental health condition
Diagnosed eating disorders only
Psychology sessions
Up to 10 per year
Up to 40 per year
Dietitian sessions
Covered under CDM plan only
Up to 20 per year
How sessions are delivered
All 10 at once
10 at a time — GP review before next course
Who prepares it
GP
GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician
Plan duration
Until review (typically 6–12 months)
12 months
Can you have both?
Yes — EDTMP and MHTP sessions are counted separately
Who is eligible?
The EDTMP is available to community patients (not admitted to hospital) with a diagnosed eating disorder. Eligible diagnoses include:
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge-eating disorder
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
Your GP or treating doctor assesses your eligibility — it is not a self-referral process. If you think you may have an eating disorder and want to know whether a plan might help, talking to your GP is the right first step.
Note on diagnosis: Only a medical practitioner can diagnose an eating disorder for the purpose of the EDTMP. The plan must include an opinion on diagnosis as part of its preparation. This page is for information only — please speak with your GP.
How the stepped model works
Unlike the standard Mental Health Care Plan, EDTMP sessions are not accessed all at once. They follow a stepped model of care:
GP prepares your EDTMP
Your GP assesses your situation, confirms the diagnosis, discusses treatment options and goals, and prepares the plan. This appointment is bulk-billable.
First course of 10 sessions begins
You access your first 10 eating disorder psychological treatment sessions. Providers may include psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, or dietitians depending on your needs and the type of session.
GP review before next course
Before you can access the next 10 sessions, your GP reviews your progress against the EDTMP. This is not just a formality — it allows the plan to be updated to improve outcomes.
Continue up to 40 sessions
You can access up to 40 psychology sessions and 20 dietitian sessions over the 12-month plan period, with a review between each course of 10.
Plan renewal after 12 months
The EDTMP expires after 12 months. If you need ongoing treatment, your GP prepares a new plan. Your entitlement to sessions resets.
What do the sessions cost?
Preparing the EDTMP is fully covered by Medicare — your GP should bulk bill this appointment with no gap fee to you. The psychology and dietitian sessions are subsidised by Medicare. Most providers charge above the Medicare rebate, so there is usually a gap fee per session.
Some providers do bulk bill eating disorder plan patients. Always ask about gap fees when booking your first appointment. If cost is a barrier, ask your GP to refer you to a bulk-billing provider or a community health centre.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The two programs are separate and sessions are counted independently. If you have an EDTMP, any psychology sessions accessed under a Mental Health Care Plan count separately and do not reduce your 40 EDTMP sessions. However, some psychology sessions can count towards both programs depending on how they are claimed — your treating team can clarify this.
Yes. In addition to individual sessions, up to 10 group therapy sessions are also available under the eating disorder program. These are separate from the 40 individual sessions. Ask your GP or treating provider whether group therapy is appropriate and available for you.
Yes, in some circumstances your GP can provide eating disorder psychological treatment sessions directly — but only if they have completed recognised mental health skills training. Most GPs will refer you to a psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker for the treatment sessions. Your GP prepares the plan; the treating team delivers the sessions.
No. The EDTMP covers community-based treatment only — it does not apply to admitted hospital patients. If you require hospital admission, that is funded through a different part of the health system. When you are discharged, your GP can prepare or continue an EDTMP for ongoing community treatment. Talk to your GP about the right pathway for your situation.
If you are in crisis, please contact the Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673 (Mon–Fri 8am–midnight, Sat–Sun 8am–8pm AEST). For medical emergencies, call 000. For general mental health crisis support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14. The Medicare plan process is not urgent — getting immediate support is.