You may be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan which is a formal referral written by a GP,
paediatrician or psychiatrist for either you or your child. Your doctor will determine your
eligibility for a mental health treatment plan based on your symptoms. Symptoms which meet
criteria for a mental health care plan include depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues,
among others.
Medicare rebates vary from $93.35 for a registered psychologist to $137.05 for a clinical
psychologist.
When making the appointment with your doctor, please mention that you would like to initiate
a Mental Health Care Plan with a psychologist, and ask for a longer consultation.
The Mental Health Care Plan must be brought with you to your first appointment. A Medicare
rebate is not available unless you have a Mental Health Care Plan. The Plan will enable you to
claim a Medicare rebate for a maximum of 10 appointments per year.
After 6 sessions, the psychologist will send a brief letter to the referring medical professional
to inform them about your progress. Your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist will need to see you
or your child (if applicable) before they will renew the Mental Health Care Plan for further
sessions.
The mental health care plan is only valid for 12 months from the date of referral.