_edited.png)
What is a Mental Health Care Plan and How Does It Work?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document created by your GP outlining your mental health needs and treatment goals. It allows you to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, typically covering a set number of sessions per year. To use it, you’ll need a referral from your GP to a psychologist. Once you have your plan and referral, you can book your sessions and claim Medicare rebates for eligible services.
Obtaining Your Mental Health Care Plan
To access lower-cost therapy, you'll need to create a Mental Health Plan with your GP or book a same-day bulk-billed appointment with an online doctor. This plan will enable you to claim Medicare rebates for your sessions.
We're here to help you through the process so you can start receiving the support you need to improve your mental health.
Learn more about obtaining an online Mental Health Plan.
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?
To get a Mental Health Care Plan, book an appointment with your GP for a mental health assessment.
Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health history, lifestyle, life challenges, family background, and coping strategies. They may also use a questionnaire, such as the K10 or DASS, to gauge your emotional state.
After evaluating your needs, your doctor may provide a diagnosis and suggest treatments like counseling or medication. You’ll need a valid Medicare card for this plan.
Please take your time during the appointment, and be patient with yourself as you discuss these topics.
Benefits of your Walking Session
Nature
Research shows that outdoor recreation is associated with significant improvements in psychosocial wellbeing.
Therapy
People in talk therapy explore their moods, emotions and behaviours in a safe way. We're here to guide you every step of the journey.
Movement
The science is in: myriad studies have identified a link between movement and mood. Tap into the benefits with a gentle walk.
How do I book a mental health care assessment with my GP?
How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan online?
What are the advantages of having a Mental Health Care Plan?
Will Medicare cover the full cost of my psychology sessions?
How do I use my Mental Health Care Plan?
How do I choose the right psychologist for my referral?
What’s the difference between a Mental Health Care Plan and a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
How do I claim Medicare rebates for my psychology sessions?
When booking an appointment with your doctor, consider requesting a long or double session to allow time for a thorough discussion about your mental health without feeling rushed. It's important to confirm if your GP handles mental health care, as not all do. If you want counseling, make sure to mention it so your doctor can include it in your Mental Health Plan. Your active involvement in creating the treatment plan ensures it addresses your specific needs for better mental well-being.
You can also obtain a Mental Health Plan by booking an online appointment with a GP HERE. This allows you to receive your plan and referral letter from the comfort of your home, just as you would in an in-person visit. Online Mental Health Plan assessments can often be bulk-billed, meaning no out-of-pocket costs.
While it may take a few steps, having a Mental Health Plan grants access to up to 10 sessions per calendar year at a reduced cost for Australian residents with a valid Medicare card. As of 2024, eligible individuals can receive rebates to lower the out of pocket cost of psychological services:
WALKING SESSION OUT OF POCKET COST WITH MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN:
-
$77.65 per session with a Registered or Clinical Psychologist
WALKING SESSION OUT OF POCKET COST WITHOUT MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN:
-
$199 per session with a Registered or Clinical Psychologist
Medicare Rebates make essential mental health care more affordable and accessible.
Typically, you'll be responsible for paying the difference between your psychologist's fee and the amount covered by Medicare. Some of our psychologists do offer bulk billing, which means no out-of-pocket expenses, but this usually depends on meeting specific criteria. Each psychologist may have different eligibility requirements for bulk billing feel free to CLICK HERE to learn more about our bulk billing process.
Initially, your doctor will refer you for 6 sessions, reserving the remaining 4 to assess your progress. After the sixth session, your psychologist will send a progress report to your doctor, outlining whether additional sessions are needed. If further sessions are recommended, you’ll need to meet with your doctor again to review your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Once approved, your doctor will send a referral letter authorizing up to 4 more sessions for continued care.
During your appointment, you can ask your doctor for recommendations for a psychologist, or you can choose one yourself. Your doctor will write a referral to your selected psychologist or service. To obtain a referral for a Walking Session Psychologist you will require the following information:
Walking Session
Psychologist Name (if you have chosen one)
PO Box 407
FIGTREE NSW 2525
Ph: (02) 4214 8728
Email: admin@walkingsession.com.au
Both terms refer to the same document. A Mental Health Care Plan, also known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan, is created by your GP to outline your mental health needs and treatment options. It allows you to access Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions with a psychologist.
Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and book your first session with Walking Session, your sessions will be billed at the full fee post session. After each session, your Medicare rebate will also be processed, and you should receive the rebate directly into your nominated bank account within 24 hours. This will leave you with an out-of-pocket expense of $77.54 per walking session.