Mental health Treatment Plan via your GP CAN HELP

For new clients - Book your intake phone appointment with our clinic host or call 08 9409 6709 to ask for assistance.

Our client care hosts are trained professionals with a caring and helpful attitude that will take you through the process and ask questions that may be hard for you but are essential for finding the ‘right fit’ with our clinicians.

Woman smiling while talking on the phone, sitting at a desk with a laptop, promoting booking an intake call with a "Book Now" button

Initiating the path to seek assistance can pose challenges, yet we are dedicated to facilitating this process for you. If you are grappling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health obstacles, we are here to assist you effectively.

It’s the willingness to “go there” that unlocks the power of change and understanding.

We acknowledge your decision to prioritize self-care and appreciate the opportunity to participate in your journey.

THESE 5 STEPS BELOW CAN HELP

  • Recognise you’re off course & talk to friends or family about what’s been going on. If you feel like you need more help reach out to your GP/Doctor to talk more.

  • Start by discussing your mental health concerns with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), sharing issues like sleep, diet, or stress. This will help the GP understand the type of help you need.

    Commence by engaging in an open dialogue with your GP to request a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Share your struggles, encompassing issues like sleep, diet, exercise, work or home-related stress, or significant life changes that may affect your mental well-being. Transparent communication with your GP forms a sturdy groundwork for the upcoming support you will receive.

  • Your GP will create and send the MHTP referral to our clinic; keep a copy for your records too. Make sure the referral is made out to Masters Psychology.

    Upon discussion, your GP will draft a Mental Health Treatment Plan and forward a copy to our clinic. Ensure you retain a duplicate for your own records. This referral is pivotal in ensuring the provision of optimal support.

  • Contact our clinic or use the ‘Call-Back Appointment’ feature on our website to get assistance from our client care staff, who will ask essential questions to match you with the right clinician.

    Reach out to us by contacting our clinic directly or accessing our website to opt for the ‘Call-Back Appointment’ feature. Our compassionate and competent client care staff will reach out to assist you through the process. They may pose some inquiries, some of which may seem personal, yet they are essential for matching you with a clinician that meets your requirements.

  • Schedule your appointment, knowing our team will support you.

    Proceed to schedule your appointment when you feel prepared and fully commit to the journey ahead. Although therapy and progress may present challenges, our team's support will accompany you every step of the way. You deserve the care and therapy you need.

Download referral fact sheet
ON THE WAITLIST? MORE INFO

What is a GP referral FOR A Mental Health Treatment Plan?

This means that with a GP mental health treatment plan, the Government will give you back some of the cost of your session.  If you have not already obtained a GP Mental Health Care treatment Plan, attend your GP for a long consult to discuss the issues you are facing.  Your GP will then determine if you qualify for a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.  This involves the GP in:  assessment, identifying needs, setting and agreeing on management goals, identifying any action to be taken, selecting appropriate treatment options, and arranging ongoing management and documentation of this plan. 

Your doctor will lodge the GP Mental Health Treatment Plan with Medicare. This lodgement opens your account with Medicare for 10 individual sessions & 10 group sessions.  A review of a GP Mental Health Care Plan will take place after 6 sessions or when treatment is finished.

About Medicare Rebates

Since 1 November, 2006 the Australian Government introduced new Medicare items to cover psychological treatment by psychologists and clinical psychologists.  This means that with a GP mental health care plan the Government will give you back some of the cost of your session and the scope of services that fall under this scheme is vast.  No matter what you are facing, ask your GP or clinician if you qualify for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to resource and assist you in meeting your needs. 

FEES

The standard fees are as follows:  

Provisional Psychologist $130/session

Mental Health Social Worker $190/session

Psychologist $200/session

Senior Registered Psychologist $230/session

Clinical Psychologist Registrar $220/session 

Clinical Psychologist $280/session  

Senior Clinical Psychologist $300/session  

If a Mental Health Care Plan & Referral is in place Medicare will currently rebate up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. The out of pocket expense per session is between $100-$140.

ACCESSING MEDICARE REBATE

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate per consultation. To receive this rebate you must be referred by a General Practitioner under Mental Health Care Plan or referred directly from a Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician.

PRIVATE HEALTH FUND

Many private health funds offer rebates for psychological and counselling services. Please check rebate details with your health fund.  You cannot claim from both Medicare and Private Health Fund for the same consultation session. We do not use the HICAPS for claiming and instead we provide an invoice for your claiming.

Further Information

Click on the website for Department of Health and Ageing:  Better Access to Mental Health or Australian Psychologist Society:  Medicare Rebates - Information for Clients. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicare/about/costs