What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (previously known as a ‘mental health care plan’) is a plan for people with a mental health disorder. If you have mental health issues, your doctor can write a plan for you.

The plan identifies what type of health care you need and spells out what you and your doctor have agreed you are aiming to achieve. It may also refer you to local mental health services.

Who is eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is available to you if you have a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor.

Print or download this mental health helplines infographic.

How do I get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Visit your doctor who will assess whether you have a mental health disorder and will benefit from a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Your doctor will ask a few questions, fill in the plan and you will set goals together. When you make the booking, ask if a long appointment — 20 minutes or more — is needed.

What does a Mental Health Treatment Plan cover?

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychological appointments and up to 10 group allied mental health services each year. Group therapy does not include family and couples therapy.

This gives you access — subsidised by Medicare — to certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

You can’t get Medicare rebates for all the sessions in one go. After your first 6 appointments, you need to see your doctor again for a mental health plan review. They can then decide if you need a referral for further sessions.

The Mental Health Treatment Plan is part of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder.