Mental Health Care Plan, Online
A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan can give you access to Medicare‑rebated sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional. Speak with an AHPRA‑registered doctor by phone or video to discuss whether a plan is right for you.
If you need urgent support now: Lifeline 13 11 14 • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Plans are clinical decisions. A Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare rebates under Better Access are only available where clinically appropriate and where you meet current eligibility rules. Your doctor will explain what applies during your consult.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a mental health care plan) is prepared by a doctor when it's clinically appropriate. Under the Australian Government's Better Access initiative, it can help eligible people access Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions each calendar year with a registered psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.
The plan also sets out goals and supports for your care — so you leave with a clearer pathway, not just a referral letter.
What a Plan Typically Includes
- A summary of your current mental health concerns and relevant history
- Goals and a treatment approach tailored to your situation
- A pathway to Medicare‑rebated sessions under Better Access, where you are eligible
- A written referral to an eligible psychologist or mental health professional (where appropriate)
- Advice on reviews, follow‑up, and other supports if a plan isn’t the right fit
How It Works
Step 1
Book a Consultation
Choose a time to speak with an AHPRA‑registered Australian doctor by phone or video. Allow a little extra time — mental health plan consults are usually longer than a standard appointment.
Step 2
Talk It Through
In a real‑time, confidential consultation, the doctor listens to what’s going on, assesses how you’re managing, and discusses options that may help — including whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is suitable.
Step 3
Get Your Plan & Referral
Where clinically appropriate, the doctor prepares your plan, sets out goals and supports, and can refer you to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.
What Happens After Your Plan
Book with a mental health professional
Use your referral to book with a registered psychologist, or another eligible professional your doctor recommends.
Claim Medicare rebates where eligible
Under current Better Access arrangements, eligible patients can usually access Medicare benefits for a set number of individual sessions each calendar year. Your doctor or psychologist can explain what applies to you.
Review your progress
Many people check in with their doctor after a course of sessions so the plan can be reviewed and further support arranged if needed.
What We Can Help With
Common reasons people book a mental health care plan consult. If your situation needs urgent or specialist care, the doctor will help you find the right support.
Anxiety & worry
Persistent worry, panic symptoms, social anxiety, or health‑related anxiety that is affecting daily life.
Low mood & depression
Ongoing low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, or difficulty coping that may benefit from structured support.
Stress & burnout
Work or study pressure, carer load, or burnout when you’re struggling to keep up and need a clear next step.
Sleep & life changes
Sleep difficulties linked to stress or mood, adjustment after major life changes, and general mental wellbeing.
Why Book a Plan Online
Speak with a doctor from home
Discuss your mental health privately by phone or video — without needing to wait for an in‑clinic appointment when telehealth is suitable.
A clear path to support
A Mental Health Treatment Plan can organise your goals and connect you with rebated psychological care under Medicare’s Better Access initiative, where eligibility requirements are met.
Confidential & clinically led
Your consult is with an AHPRA‑registered doctor. Plans and referrals are only prepared where clinically appropriate — never guaranteed upfront.
Support beyond the plan
If a plan isn’t right, or you need a different level of care, the doctor can help you understand other options and crisis supports.
How to Prepare for Your Consult
A little preparation helps you get the most from a longer mental health appointment.
- Your Medicare card (if eligible) and any concession card details
- A quiet, private place with a stable phone or internet connection
- Notes on how you’ve been feeling, sleep, stress, and what’s been hardest lately
- A list of current medications and any past mental health support you’ve had
- Questions about psychologists, fees, rebates, or what you’d like help with
Related Services
Telehealth consultation
Book a general online appointment with an Australian doctor.
After hours doctor
Evening and weekend telehealth where appointments are available.
Fees & billing
See consultation fees and Medicare rebate information.
Health resources
Guides and trusted Australian health links for everyday wellbeing.
Mental Health Care Plan FAQs
What is a mental health care plan?+
It’s commonly called a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. A doctor prepares it when clinically appropriate under Medicare’s Better Access initiative. It documents your concerns and goals, and can support access to Medicare‑rebated sessions with an eligible psychologist or mental health professional.
Can I get a mental health care plan via telehealth?+
Yes, where it’s clinically appropriate and Medicare eligibility rules are met. The doctor will assess this during your consultation and explain whether a plan and referral can be prepared for you.
How many psychology sessions does it cover?+
Under current Better Access arrangements, eligible patients can usually claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual mental health treatment services per calendar year (and separately, group therapy services where applicable). Your doctor and psychologist will confirm what applies to your situation.
Will I definitely get a plan?+
No. A plan is only prepared where the doctor decides it is clinically appropriate after assessing you. If another pathway is safer or more suitable, they’ll discuss that with you.
Do I need a Medicare card?+
A valid Medicare card is needed to claim Medicare rebates under Better Access. You can still book a consultation without one to discuss your mental health and options; rebate eligibility will depend on your circumstances.
Am I eligible for Medicare rebates?+
Eligibility depends on clinical need and current Medicare Better Access rules — including requirements that can relate to your usual medical practitioner or MyMedicare‑registered practice for some plan and referral services. Your doctor will explain what applies during the consult.
Is it confidential?+
Yes. Your consultation and records are protected under Australian privacy law. Information is shared with other providers only as needed for your care and with appropriate consent, except where disclosure is required by law.
How long is the appointment?+
Mental health plan appointments are usually longer than a standard consult so there’s enough time to talk things through properly. Check available appointment types when you book.
How much does it cost?+
See Fees & Billing. Bulk billing may be available for eligible patients. Any Medicare rebate depends on eligibility and the item billed.
What if I need urgent help now?+
MyDocX telehealth is not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health support call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Urgent Support
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14. For mental health support, call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Book an AppointmentReady to talk about a mental health care plan?
Book a longer consult with an AHPRA‑registered Australian doctor to discuss whether a plan is right for you.
Book an Appointment