Tap one to see your typical next step. Your GP knows your situation best — this is information, not advice.
The short version
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) — commonly called a mental health care plan — is a document your GP prepares after assessing your mental health. It unlocks up to 10 subsidised therapy sessions per year under Medicare's Better Access initiative.
You can use the sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist. Medicare pays a rebate on each session — you may have a gap to pay depending on the provider's fees.
How many sessions per year?
Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. They come in two rounds.
Tap each session you've used this calendar year:
R
Tap any number above to start counting.
First 6 sessions (initial referral)GP review requiredUp to 4 more sessions
Your GP initially refers you for up to 6 sessions. After those are used, you return to your GP for a brief review — then they can refer you for up to 4 more in the same calendar year (total: 10). The count resets on 1 January each year.
What does it cost?
Quick estimate — your typical out-of-pocket per session
1. Provider type
2. Does the provider bulk-bill, or do they charge a gap?
3. What does the provider charge per session?
AUD
There are two costs: the GP appointment to prepare the plan, and then the therapy sessions themselves.
GP appointment to prepare the plan
If your GP bulk bills$0 out of pocket
If your GP charges a gap (typical)$20–$60 gap
The appointment needs to be longer — book 30–40 mintell reception why
Tip: Always ask about fees before booking. Ask: "Do you bulk bill with a mental health care plan?" or "What is your out-of-pocket gap per session?" Some psychologists bulk bill concession card holders, Health Care Card holders, or children.
Who can you see with a mental health care plan?
Your GP will refer you to one or more of these provider types.
Clinical psychologist
Medicare rebate: $175.30/session MBS 80010
Doctoral or masters trained. Higher rebate. Best for complex presentations, trauma, personality, eating disorders.
Registered psychologist
Medicare rebate: $119.45/session MBS 80110
Providing focussed psychological strategies (FPS). Evidence-based CBT, ACT, and other structured therapies.
Social worker (mental health)
Medicare rebate: $119.45/session MBS 80110
Accredited mental health social worker. Particularly useful for social, family, and environmental factors.
Occupational therapist (mental health)
Medicare rebate: $119.45/session MBS 80110
Accredited mental health OT. Focus on daily function, activity, and participation. Good for anxiety, depression affecting daily life.
How to get a mental health care plan from your GP
1
Book a longer appointment
Tell reception you need a mental health treatment plan or a longer appointment for a mental health concern. A standard 6-minute appointment is not enough — ask for 20–40 minutes.
2
Tell your GP what you're experiencing
You don't need to have a formal diagnosis. You can say: "I've been struggling with anxiety / low mood / stress and I'd like to talk about getting a mental health treatment plan." Your GP will do a brief assessment.
3
GP prepares the plan
Your GP will document your current symptoms, diagnosis, treatment goals, and what therapy they're referring you for. This is the Mental Health Treatment Plan.
4
Get your referral
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is not a referral by itself — your GP will also give you a separate written referral to the psychologist or other provider, specifying the number of sessions (usually 6).
5
Book your therapy
Contact a psychologist or other eligible provider. Give them the referral at your first appointment. Medicare processes the rebate automatically when you claim after each session.
Common questions
Can I get one without a mental illness diagnosis?
Yes. You need to have an assessed mental health condition — this doesn't have to be a formal psychiatric diagnosis. Common reasons include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, or grief. Your GP makes the assessment at the appointment.
Can I use telehealth to get a mental health care plan? Do I need to register with MyMedicare?
Yes, your GP can prepare the plan by video — but since 1 November 2025 they can only do this if one of two things applies: (1) you've seen that GP, or another GP at the same practice, face-to-face within the last 12 months, or (2) you're registered with that practice through MyMedicare. MyMedicare registration is the one that matters if you haven't had a recent in-person visit — it's free, voluntary, and works even without a recent face-to-face appointment. If neither applies, you'll usually need one initial in-person visit before your GP can do the plan by video in future. This rule is separate from a GP delivering focussed psychological strategies themselves, which remains exempt from the telehealth relationship rule. Source: Dept of Health MBS Telehealth Services factsheets, updated to Feb 2026.
Does my mental health care plan expire?
No. A Mental Health Treatment Plan does not expire. You don't need a new plan each year — your GP reviews it and provides new referrals as needed. A new plan should only be created in exceptional circumstances.
What if I run out of sessions mid-year?
Once you've used your 10 subsidised sessions for the calendar year, Medicare won't pay a rebate for further sessions until 1 January. You can continue to see your psychologist privately (full fee, no rebate), or your GP may be able to discuss alternatives including group therapy or other services.
Can I change psychologist mid-way through?
Yes. Return to your GP and ask for a new referral to a different provider. The sessions already used count toward your 10 for the year regardless of which provider you saw.
If you need support now
A mental health care plan takes time to set up. If you’re struggling right now, these free services are available 24/7 — no referral needed.
Information only. This page explains how the Medicare Better Access initiative and Mental Health Treatment Plans work in general terms. Eligibility, fees, and provider availability vary. For advice about your specific situation, speak to your GP. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Medicare rebate amounts as per MBS July 2026 — verify at mbsonline.gov.au.