By Eytan Woolfson, Clinical Psychologist
Cost is one of the most common reasons people put off seeing a psychologist. A Mental Health Care Plan can make a real difference, yet many people are unsure what it is, how to get one or what it actually covers. Here is a plain-English guide for individuals and families.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (officially called a Mental Health Treatment Plan) is a plan your GP prepares with you when you are experiencing a mental health difficulty such as anxiety, depression, stress or trauma. It sets out what you are dealing with and what support may help.
Together with a referral, the plan lets you claim a Medicare rebate on sessions with a psychologist under the Australian Government's Better Access initiative.
Is it really "10 free sessions"?
This is the most common misunderstanding. A Mental Health Care Plan does not make sessions free. It gives you a Medicare rebate on up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year. Medicare pays a set amount per session, and you pay the difference between that rebate and your psychologist's fee (the gap).
At Family First Psychology, for example:
Individual therapy: $250 session fee, $149.05 Medicare rebate, $100.95 out of pocket
Group therapy: $60 session fee, $51.60 Medicare rebate, $8.40 out of pocket
Rebates for group therapy are counted separately, so joining a group does not use up your individual sessions. Current fees are on our Fees & Rebates page.
Who can get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Anyone with a Medicare card whose GP assesses that they have a mental health condition that would benefit from treatment. That includes children and teenagers. For younger children, a parent or carer attends the GP appointment and helps describe what has been happening at home and school.
How to get a GP Mental Health Care Plan
Book a longer appointment with your GP. When you call, say it is for a Mental Health Care Plan so enough time is set aside. Since November 2025 the plan needs to be prepared by your usual GP, or a GP at the practice where you are registered with MyMedicare.
Talk through what has been going on. Your GP will ask about your mood, sleep, stress and daily life, and may use a short questionnaire.
Ask for a referral. If you have a psychologist in mind, you can ask your GP to address the referral to them.
Book your first session. Bring your plan and referral with you, or ask your GP to send them to the clinic.
How many sessions can I claim?
You can claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Your GP will usually refer you for an initial block of sessions (up to six), then review how you are going before referring you for the remainder. The count resets on 1 January each year.
Does it cover telehealth?
Yes. Medicare rebates apply to eligible telehealth sessions as well as in-person appointments, which helps if getting to the clinic is difficult.
Do I need a plan to see a psychologist?
No. You can book directly without a referral. You only need the plan and referral if you want to claim the Medicare rebate.
Other ways to fund psychology sessions
NDIS. We accept self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.
Private health insurance. Extras cover may contribute to the cost of sessions, depending on your fund and level of cover. You cannot claim Medicare and private health for the same session.
Frequently asked questions
Can a teenager get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Yes. Teenagers can have their own plan. Many families attend the GP appointment together.
What if I need more than 10 sessions?
You can continue as a private client, and it is worth checking your private health cover. We will always talk with you about options before you run out of rebated sessions.
Does my plan expire?
The plan itself does not expire at the end of the year, but your GP needs to provide a new referral once your referred sessions are used.
Take the first step
If you are not sure where to start, we are happy to talk it through. Family First Psychology offers a free 15-minute consultation for new clients.
Book your free 15-minute chat today. Send us an enquiry or call 0406 002 269. We see clients at our Murrumbeena clinic and via telehealth.
This article is general information only. Medicare rules change from time to time, so please check with your GP or Services Australia. Family First Psychology is not a crisis service. In an emergency call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.