How a Medicare Mental Health Care Plan Actually Works (And How to Get One)

What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a Medicare program (technically called “Better Access to Mental
Health Care”) that lets your GP refer you to a registered psychologist or other mental health
professional, with Medicare covering the consultation fee. At Cranbourne West Medical Centre, those
sessions are fully bulk-billed — meaning $0 out of pocket.

What conditions qualify?

Most common mental health conditions qualify, including: anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, panic
disorder, postnatal depression, eating disorders, ADHD, alcohol/substance use, OCD, phobias, trauma,
grief, and major life adjustments. Your GP will assess using a standardised tool (called a K10 or
similar) at your appointment.

Step 1: Book a long GP visit

When you book online via HotDoc, choose a 30-minute appointment slot and mention “mental health plan”
so reception books appropriately. You don’t need to specify what’s wrong — just that you’d like to
discuss your mental health.

Step 2: The conversation

Your GP will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how they’re affecting your life. They’ll check
for any physical causes (thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies can mimic depression), discuss what
you’ve already tried, and screen for any safety concerns. This is also when you’d discuss medication
options if relevant.

Step 3: The plan itself

Your GP fills out the Mental Health Care Plan form together with you. It outlines: your goals, the
proposed treatment (typically psychology sessions), and the team involved. You walk away with a referral
letter to a psychologist of your choice — or one we recommend (we have on-site psychologist Maida
Kanwal).

Step 4: Up to 10 psychology sessions

From the date of your plan, you can attend up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. The Medicare
year resets in January, so even if you start in November, you can have a fresh allocation in January.
Some psychologists charge a gap fee — at Cranbourne West, our on-site psychologist sessions are
bulk-billed.

Step 5: Review with your GP

After 6 sessions, you return to your GP for a review. This is a check-in: how is therapy going? Do you
need more or fewer sessions? Should the plan be adjusted? This review is bulk-billed too. If you need to
continue beyond 10 sessions in a calendar year, your GP can sometimes arrange additional support.

Common questions answered

“Will my employer find out?” — No. Medicare records are private. Mental health
information is never shared with employers without your explicit written consent. “Does it
affect insurance?” — Existing insurance policies are unaffected. New insurance applications
may ask about mental health history (like any other health condition). “Will I have to take
medication?” — Never if you don’t want to. Many people manage well with therapy alone.
“Can I see a male/female psychologist?” — Yes, just request your preference.

Resources if you’re in crisis right now

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 crisis support:
Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Suicide Call Back
Service 1300 659 467, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (5–25 yrs). At Cranbourne
West we keep urgent slots for mental health concerns — call (03) 7017 5932.