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A Mental Health Treatment Plan, often called a Mental Health Care Plan, is a plan you make with a GP that sets out your mental health needs and goals and the support that may help. It lets you claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions a year with a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional. Since November 2025, plans must be prepared by your usual GP or the practice where you’re registered in MyMedicare.
Here’s what a plan involves, who it’s for and how to get one.
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is part of Medicare’s Better Access initiative. Your GP assesses how you’ve been feeling and how it’s affecting your life, then works with you to write a plan. It usually includes:
- what you’ve been experiencing and, where relevant, a diagnosis
- your goals, in your own words
- treatment options, such as psychological therapy, and whether medicine might help
- self-care strategies and other support services
- a referral to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional
- a plan for crisis support, if needed
A plan isn’t a fixed script. It should be reviewed as your needs change.
Who can a plan help?
A plan may suit you if you’re living with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder or post-traumatic stress, and it’s affecting your daily life. Your GP will talk with you about whether a plan and psychological therapy are the right next step. You can read more about common conditions in our guides to depression and anxiety.
What does a plan give you access to?
- Individual sessions: Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with an eligible psychologist, social worker or occupational therapist.
- Group sessions: up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year.
- Family or carer sessions: in some situations, up to two sessions a year for a family member or carer.
Your referral says how many sessions you’re referred for, and your GP reviews how you’re going along the way. Many psychologists charge more than the Medicare rebate, so ask about out-of-pocket costs when you book. See healthdirect’s guide to mental health treatment plans for more.
How to get a plan
- Book with your usual GP or MyMedicare practice. Since 1 November 2025, only a GP at your MyMedicare practice or your usual medical practitioner can prepare a plan and write the referral. Your usual GP is the doctor or practice who has given you most of your care in the past 12 months, or who is likely to over the next 12 months.
- Ask for a longer appointment. Let the clinic know you’d like a mental health plan so enough time is set aside.
- Prepare a little. It helps to jot down what you’ve noticed, how long it’s been going on and what you’d like to change.
- Find a psychologist. Your GP may suggest someone, or you can search for a provider who suits you.
- Go back for a review. Your GP will check how therapy is going and whether you need more sessions.
If you’d like to do the plan by video and you’re not registered for MyMedicare, you’ll need to have had at least one face-to-face visit with that practice in the past 12 months. Our article on the November 2025 MBS changes explains this in more detail.
If you don’t have a regular GP
Choosing a local clinic you can keep going back to is the most reliable way to get a plan. In the meantime, the free government Medicare Mental Health service (1800 595 212, 8:30 am to 5 pm weekdays) can help you find support, and Medicare Mental Health Centres accept walk-ins without a referral.
When to get urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. For support now:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days)
How Teldoc can help
Teldoc doesn’t provide Mental Health Treatment Plans. Please see your usual GP or MyMedicare practice for a plan.
Our AHPRA-registered GPs can still support your mental health by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time). A mental health consultation can help you talk through what’s happening, start or review treatment if clinically appropriate and get a referral to a psychiatrist or other specialist. Consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. Teldoc doesn’t provide psychology services. See our fees page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Mental Health Care Plan the same as a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Yes. Mental Health Treatment Plan is the official Medicare name, but many people call it a Mental Health Care Plan.
How many psychology sessions does a plan cover?
With a valid referral, you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year. Your referral states how many sessions you’re referred for.
Do I need a plan to see a psychologist?
No. You can see a psychologist without a plan, but you won’t get a Medicare rebate for the sessions. Some private health insurance policies cover psychology, so check your policy.
Who can write my Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Since 1 November 2025, a plan must be prepared by a GP at your MyMedicare practice or by your usual GP. Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also refer you for treatment under Better Access.
Can Teldoc write my plan?
No. Teldoc doesn’t provide Mental Health Treatment Plans. Please see your usual GP or MyMedicare practice.
This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026
