Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a referral prepared by your GP to cover specific mental health concerns. Your GP will assess you to see whether they believe you meet the diagnostic criteria for a MHCP. It is important to note that you must meet the clinical diagnostic requirements to be accepted under the Medicare Scheme. This assessment can also be done by a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Under the MHCP and letter of referral, you are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions with a psychologist in a calendar year (January – December).
What are the Benefits of Medicare Scheme?
Mental health is a vital component of overall wellbeing, yet many Australians face challenges accessing affordable care. The Medicare Scheme addresses this by providing subsidised mental health services, ensuring support is within reach for those who need it most.
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Through initiatives like the Better Access program, eligible individuals can claim rebates for consultations with GPs, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. This includes up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year, helping reduce financial barriers to treatment.
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By promoting early intervention and continuity of care, Medicare aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and encourage Australians to seek help before conditions worsen. These benefits extend beyond cost savings—they foster resilience, recovery, and better quality of life.
What mental health issues are covered under a Mental Health Care Plan?
You are eligible to see a psychologist under the Medicare scheme for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Adjustment disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Bereavement disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Co-occurring anxiety and depression • Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual disorders
- Sleep problems
How It Works
Your initial referral will be for 6 sessions. After completing 6 sessions, your psychologist will ask you to complete two questionnaires:
- Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21)
- Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10+)
Along with these questionnaires, your psychologist will write a brief report, updating the GP about your progress. You will then be required to return to your GP for a MHCP progress review. If your GP agrees that you will benefit from further sessions, they can provide another referral letter for the final 4 sessions in the calendar year.
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This totals ten rebated sessions per calendar year.
What is the cost per session with a MHCP?
Appointment fees range from $220.00 – $240.00 per session.
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If you are seeing us under the MHCP Medicare Scheme, you can then claim between $98.95 to $145.25 per session back from Medicare for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. The amount you are rebated tends to slightly change each year.
How do I claim my Medicare rebate?
We can electronically claim on your behalf once the full amount of the consultation is paid. Medicare will process the claim and deposit the rebated amount into your linked bank account. This can take up to 2 business days.
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Please note if there is no linked bank account, you will be required to claim in person at a Medicare service centre. We will provide you with all necessary receipts.
Do I need a referral if I do not want to claim under Medicare?
You do not need a referral if you want to pay privately and do not wish to claim through Medicare.
Can I claim using my private health fund?
Yes! However, this depends on your individual health fund coverage. You will need to check with your health fund. We can provide you with a receipt that is suitable to claim via all the main health funds:
- BUPA
- NIB
- Medibank Private
- AHM
- Teachers Health Fund
- HCF
- Australian Unity Health
- Others
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.