How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan (Mental Health Treatment Plan)
A Mental Health Care Plan — officially called a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) — lets you access up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year. "Mental health care plan" and "MHTP" refer to the exact same thing; this guide uses both terms so it's easy to find whichever one you searched. It costs nothing to set up — your GP creates it at your appointment. This guide explains exactly what to do, what to say, and what to expect.
Updated 2026: This guide reflects the MyMedicare rules in effect since November 2025 — including the requirement to see your usual GP or MyMedicare registered practice, and the GPCCMP pathway for additional sessions from July 2025.
What You Get
Step 1 — Book a 20-Minute Long Appointment
When you call to book, say: "I need a long appointment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan." This is important — a standard 6-minute consultation is not enough time for your GP to create the plan. Most GPs will schedule 20 minutes.
MyMedicare rule (since November 2025): Your MHTP must be created by your usual GP, or a GP at the practice you are enrolled in through MyMedicare. If you see different GPs at different clinics, check which practice you are enrolled in at Services Australia before booking.
Step 2 — What to Say at the Appointment
You do not need to have a formal diagnosis. You just need to describe how you have been feeling. Tell your GP:
- "I have been feeling anxious / low / stressed for [weeks/months]" — describe the impact on your daily life, sleep, work, or relationships
- "I would like to see a psychologist" — your GP needs to hear this clearly to start the referral process
- Bring your DASS-21 or K10 results — printing your screening results gives your GP validated clinical data and makes the conversation easier
Step 3 — What Happens at the Appointment
Your GP will ask about your symptoms, history, and goals. They will complete a mental health assessment and create a written plan. The plan includes your diagnosis (or presenting concern), treatment goals, and a referral to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.
You will leave with a referral letter for a psychologist and an initial referral for up to 6 sessions.
Step 4 — Choose a Psychologist
Your GP may recommend someone. You can also find a psychologist at Find a Psychologist (APS) or through healthdirect. Ask whether they bulk-bill or have reduced fees — some do, especially for healthcare card holders.
Step 5 — The GP Review
After your first 6 sessions, you must return to your GP for a review before accessing the remaining 4 sessions. This is a Medicare requirement — not a barrier. The review is usually a short appointment where your GP checks your progress and updates your plan.
Bonus: GPCCMP — Extra Sessions from July 2025
From 1 July 2025, a new plan called the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) replaced the old GPMP/TCA. If you have used all 10 MHTP sessions and still need support, ask your GP about a GPCCMP — it can give you up to 5 additional Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, physiotherapist, dietitian, or other allied health provider. This is a separate plan from the MHTP and runs concurrently.
Your GP creates it under MBS item 965. It is fully bulk-billable. Sessions reset each calendar year.
What Does It Cost?
| Item | Medicare rebate | Typical out-of-pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Creating the MHTP (GP) | Fully covered | $0 at bulk-billing GPs |
| Psychology session (individual) | ~$96–137 per session | $0–$120+ depending on psychologist fees |
| GP review appointment | Covered | $0 at bulk-billing GPs |
| GPCCMP (additional 5 sessions) | Fully covered | $0 at bulk-billing GPs |
Medicare rebate amounts change periodically. Verify current rates at MBS Online.
Questions to Ask Your GP
- "Can you create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for me today?"
- "Do you bulk-bill for the MHTP appointment?"
- "Can you refer me to a psychologist who bulk-bills or has a reduced fee?"
- "Am I registered with this practice on MyMedicare?"
- "Once I finish my 10 MHTP sessions, can I also get a GPCCMP for extra allied health visits?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare Before Your Appointment
Bring validated screening results to your GP — it makes the conversation easier and gives your GP clinical data to work with.
Sources & References
- Services Australia — Mental Health Care and Medicare (updated August 2025)
- Services Australia — MHTP Eligibility and MyMedicare rules (updated November 2025)
- MBS Item 2715 — Mental Health Treatment Plan
- AskMyGP — GPCCMP Guide (from July 2025)
- Healthdirect — Mental Health Treatment Plan
- MBS Online — verify current Medicare rebate amounts
- Content reviewed against current Services Australia guidelines and GP practice. Digital Treasure Pty Ltd.