What is a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (also known as GP Mental Health care Plan) is a plan written up by a GP for people with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorders. With a Mental Health Treatment plan, people can access Medicare-rebated treatment for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
How Mental Health Treatment Plans work.
- If you are concerned that you have a mental health condition, consult with your GP and they will determine if you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
- Initially you will be allocated six Medicare-rebated sessions with a mental health practitioner (e.g. a psychologist).
- Following the initial six sessions, your mental health practitioner will write a letter to your GP summarizing treatment outcomes and requesting another four Medicare-rebated sessions if necessary.
- You consult again with your GP once the letter from the mental health practitioner has been received.
- If further sessions are deemed necessary by your mental health professional and your GP, you receive a further four Medicare-rebated sessions for that calendar year.
- At the conclusion of the 10 sessions, your mental health practitioner will write another summary letter to your GP. They can then request an additional six Medicare rebated sessions. Depending on how many sessions you have had for the year will depend on whether you can use these sessions immediately or need to wait until the next calendar year.
- You consult again with your GP once the letter from the mental health practitioner has been received.
Things you may not know.
- Mental health treatment plans can be made for adults and for children.
- Mental Health Treatment Plans do not expire.
- After you have used all your Medicare-rebated sessions for the calendar year you can choose to continue to see your mental health practitioner if you wish, but you will have to pay the full amount or use private health insurance, if applicable.
- You cannot claim both Medicare rebates and private health insurance rebates for the same session.
- Up to two sessions on a child’s Mental health treatment plan can be used for parent consultation about the child.
- Once your GP determines that you require a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can choose the mental health professional that you would like to see and ask your GP to refer you to them.
- Check with your mental health professional to ensure they are registered to provide Medicare-rebated services before you book an appointment.
- The Medicare rebate amount differs between practitioners as does the cost of treatment. Ensure that you are aware of the out-of-pocket expenses you will incur before you book the first appointment.
All of the psychologists at Lifeworks Psychology have Medicare provider numbers and you can access Medicare rebates for their services. If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan or think you, or your child, would benefit from the support of a psychologist call or email Lifeworks Psychology today – (08) 9382 3645 admin@lifeworkspsych.com.au