A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is prepared when you see your General Practitioner (GP). It helps you access Medicare rebates for up to 10 therapy sessions per calendar year with a psychologist. Lets get better access, symptom reduction, and work towards sustained wellbeing.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is one of the most beneficial ways to access subsidized mental health services in Australia. It is developed with your regular General Practitioner (GP) and as a result you can make a referral to see a psychologist, where you work through the proposed issues on the MHTP.
Generally, a MHTP and referral letter allows you to access up to 10 subsidized therapy sessions per calendar year, in 6 session and then after a review 4 more sessions. Some illnesses get more sessions such as, chronic illness, pain, and eating disorders. The process of obtaining an MHTP is straightforward. See how to get a MHTP and referral below.
To be eligible for a MHTP, you must:
Different states in Australia have specific funding programs, however the main program is the 'Better Access to Mental Health' initiative
1- Book a long appointment with your GP (make sure it's a long or double apt)
2- Tell your GP you are here for a mental health Treatment Plan and referral to see a psychologist: Discuss your mental health concerns.
3- Plan Creation: If eligible, the GP will create a MHTP and referral letter. He may ask you if you have found a psychologist (for this part you can use fast track or match me)
4- Choose a Psychologist: It's the referral letter that is needed by the psychologist, the MHTP is also important information-wise. The referral letter can just have: to 'the psychologist' on it so that it taken to any psychologist if none have been found yet.
5- You can find one on this platform, or you can fill out the fast-track form and let a matching psychologist call you. This can save hours of work searching. See more details are the bottom of the page.
The following conditions may be covered under an MHTP:
While you are waiting to see a GP jump on fast track (found on the top of the front page). Enter your details and let a psychologist that matches your needs call you. Its easy and saves a lot of time searching and calling. Then by the time you get to see a GP you have your psychologist details, and they may have already supported you regarding your first appointment.
It's important to note that not all therapy types are covered under Medicare and not all psychologists may do the therapy you want, such as EMDR. Also, the rebate for a clinical psychologist in 2026 is $145.25, and for all other types of psychologists in 2026 it's $101.55. Note that often the gap is the same as clinical psychologists often charge more as they are rebated more. The price of a consultation on FindaPsychologistAustralia.com.au is pre rebate.
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