If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate assistance, please call triple zero (000) for emergency services. Alternatively, you can contact Lifeline at 13 11 14, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Key Facts About Mental Health Care Plans
- A mental health care plan is designed for individuals who have received a mental health condition diagnosis.
- It provides financial support, covering a portion of the costs for up to 10 individual mental health treatment sessions annually.
- Consulting your doctor is the first step to determine if a mental health care plan is appropriate for you.
What Exactly is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A mental health care plan is specifically tailored for individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition.
This plan serves as a roadmap, outlining:
- Various treatment options available to you
- Support services you can access
- Agreed upon goals between you and your healthcare provider
How Can a Mental Health Care Plan Be Beneficial?
For individuals facing mental health challenges, a mental health care plan can significantly alleviate the financial burden of consulting with mental health specialists.
Beyond financial assistance, it can also empower you to:
- Gain a greater sense of control over your mental wellbeing
- Feel more supported throughout your mental health journey
Mental health support helplines infographic. Access 24/7 crisis support and mental health assistance through phone lines and online resources.
Am I Eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan Based on My Diagnosis?
Eligibility for a mental health care plan is contingent upon receiving a diagnosis of a mental health condition. This could include conditions such as anxiety or depression. Seeking a professional Mental Health Care Plan Diagnosis is a necessary step to access this support.
Steps to Obtain a Mental Health Care Plan
If you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, your initial step should be to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner (GP).
When booking your appointment, it’s advisable to request a longer consultation or specifically mention your interest in discussing a mental health care plan. This ensures that you and your doctor have ample time to thoroughly address your mental health concerns and explore the possibility of a mental health care plan diagnosis.
During your appointment, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment to:
- Determine if you meet the criteria for a mental health condition diagnosis
- Evaluate whether a mental health care plan would be beneficial for your specific needs
This assessment often involves completing a questionnaire and engaging in a discussion with your doctor. Your GP will then:
- Ask you relevant questions about your mental health history and current concerns
- Complete the necessary mental health care plan documentation
- Discuss your treatment goals and desired outcomes
- Provide a referral to a qualified mental health professional if a mental health care plan diagnosis is confirmed and a plan is deemed appropriate.
In some instances, arriving at a definitive mental health condition diagnosis and formulating a suitable plan may require multiple consultations with your doctor.
What Services Does a Mental Health Care Plan Cover?
The mental health care plan is an integral part of the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for individuals who have received a clinical mental health care plan diagnosis and are living with mental health conditions.
Under a mental health care plan, you are entitled to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions with a mental health professional within each calendar year. This plan is designed to make these essential services more accessible and affordable. However, it’s important to note that mental health professionals set their own fees, and Medicare rebates may not cover the entire cost of each session.
It’s also important to clarify that group therapy, for the purposes of this plan, does not extend to family or couples therapy.
Initially, your doctor can refer you for up to 6 sessions with a mental health professional. If, after these initial sessions, you and your doctor determine that further support is necessary, your doctor can provide a referral for additional sessions, up to the annual limit.
Does a Mental Health Care Plan Have an Expiry Date?
No, your mental health care plan itself does not have an expiration date. Once it is established following your mental health care plan diagnosis, you can commence using the allocated sessions at any point in time.
If you have utilized all 10 sessions within a calendar year and feel that you require ongoing support, it is recommended to schedule another appointment with your doctor to discuss your needs and explore further options.
Resources and Support
For more comprehensive information about mental health, available mental health services, and mental health care plans, you can explore the following resources:
You can also contact the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse 24/7.
