How to get a mental health care plan
If you would like to access Medicare rebates for your sessions, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan allows you to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
Step 1: Book a Longer Appointment with Your GP
When making your appointment, ask for a long consultation to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
This gives your GP enough time to talk through your concerns and complete the required paperwork.
Step 2: Discuss Your Mental Health
During the appointment, your GP will:
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Ask about your current concerns (such as anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, etc.)
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Discuss your mental health history
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May ask you to complete a short questionnaire
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Determine whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan
If appropriate, they will prepare the plan and provide you with a referral.
You can request a referral to an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, and you may nominate Emma Fenton if you wish.
Step 3: Book Your Therapy Sessions
Once you have your referral:
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Book your appointment
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Bring or email your referral before your first session
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Pay the full session fee at the time of your appointment
After your session, you can claim your Medicare rebate.
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Under Medicare, you can access:
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An initial 6 sessions
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A further 4 sessions after a GP review
This allows up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.
Your GP will request a progress update report from me and for you to attend an appointment after the 6th session before approving additional sessions.
Do I Have to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
No.
You can see a Mental Health Social Worker privately without a referral. However, without a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will not be eligible for Medicare rebates.
Some clients choose to self-fund sessions for greater flexibility or privacy.
Telehealth and Medicare
Medicare rebates apply to telehealth sessions with an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, provided you have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.
All sessions are delivered via secure online telehealth, so you can access support from anywhere in Australia.