How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Book a longer appointment with your GP and tell them you'd like to discuss your mental health. If appropriate, the GP will assess you, prepare a plan with you, and refer you to a psychologist. You can then claim a Medicare rebate after each session.

How many psychology sessions does Medicare cover?

Under the Better Access initiative you can currently access up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year with a valid plan and referral. Your GP usually refers for an initial course of sessions and reviews your progress before referring for more.

Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to see a psychologist?

No. You can see a psychologist privately without a plan or referral. A Mental Health Treatment Plan is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate on your sessions.

Can I use a Mental Health Treatment Plan for telehealth?

Yes. Medicare rebates under Better Access are available for eligible telehealth (video or phone) psychology sessions, so you can usually access rebated support from home. Check current eligibility with your GP or psychologist.

Guide

How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan in Australia

Q: What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a plan a GP prepares with you that identifies your mental health needs and goals. It may allow eligible clients to claim Medicare rebates for a set number of psychology sessions each calendar year under the Better Access initiative.

A plain-language guide to getting a plan from your GP and claiming Medicare rebates on psychology sessions.

By Riya Jose, Psychologist (Clinical Registrar)

If you've been told to "ask your GP for a mental health plan" and weren't quite sure what that meant, you're not alone. A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is one of the most common ways Australians make therapy more affordable — but the process can feel a little mysterious the first time.

Here's what a plan is, who it's for, and exactly how to get one — step by step.

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan your GP prepares with you. It identifies what you're struggling with, the goals you'd like to work towards, and the supports around you. Crucially, it may allow eligible clients to claim a Medicare rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each calendar year under the Australian Government's Better Access initiative.

You don't need a plan to see a psychologist — you can always book privately. The plan is simply the pathway to Medicare-rebated sessions.

The steps, start to finish

Book a longer GP appointment

When booking, mention you'd like to discuss your mental health and may need a Mental Health Treatment Plan — these take more time than a standard consult, so a long appointment helps.

Have a chat and assessment

Your GP will ask about how you've been feeling and may use a short questionnaire. If a plan is appropriate, you'll work through your needs, goals and supports together.

Get your plan and referral

The GP prepares the plan with you and writes a referral to a psychologist of your choice. Ask for a copy, and pass the referral to your psychologist before your first session.

Attend and claim your rebate

You pay the session fee and claim the Medicare rebate back — often processed automatically. Your GP reviews your progress before referring for any further sessions.

How the rebate and costs work

With a valid plan and referral, Medicare pays a set rebate towards each eligible session. Many psychologists charge above the rebate amount, so there's often an out-of-pocket "gap" — the difference between the fee and the rebate. Because the rebate is set by Medicare and changes from time to time, it's always worth checking the current amount and asking your psychologist about their fee and any gap before you start.

You can read how payment and rebates work in this practice on the fees page.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?

It's a plan a GP prepares with you that sets out your mental health needs and goals. Having one may allow eligible clients to claim Medicare rebates for a set number of psychology sessions each calendar year under the Better Access initiative.

Who is eligible for a plan?

Your GP decides this based on a clinical assessment. Plans are generally for people experiencing a mental health condition that's likely to benefit from structured psychological support. The best way to find out is simply to ask your GP.

How much is the Medicare rebate?

Medicare pays a set rebate per session, and many psychologists charge above that, leaving an out-of-pocket 'gap'. The exact rebate is set by Medicare and updates periodically, so check the current amount and ask your psychologist about their fee and any gap.

How many sessions can I claim?

Currently up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year under Better Access. GPs typically refer for an initial block of sessions, then review your progress before referring for more.

Does the plan cover telehealth sessions?

Yes — eligible video and phone psychology sessions can attract a Medicare rebate, so you can often access rebated support from home. Confirm current eligibility with your GP or psychologist.

Do I have to use the psychologist my GP suggests?

No. You can choose your own psychologist. Just let your GP know who you'd like to see so the referral can be addressed to them.

General information only. Medicare rules, rebate amounts and session limits are set by the Australian Government and can change. Eligibility is decided by your GP. Please confirm current details with your GP, your psychologist, or Services Australia (Medicare).

Have your plan, ready to begin?

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral — or just want to start privately — I offer telehealth sessions across Australia. Book a time or send a question first.

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