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Doctor and Patient

Mental Health Care Plan

Everything you need to know about to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan and Access Medicare Rebates for your Walking Sessions

What is a Mental Health Care Plan and How Does It Work?

A Mental Health Care Plan is a document created by your GP that outlines your mental health needs and treatment goals. This plan allows you to access Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, typically covering a set number of sessions per year.

Here’s how it works:

  1. GP Referral: Your GP will assess your mental health and provide a referral to a psychologist.

  2. Plan and Referral: Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan and referral, you can book sessions with a psychologist.

  3. Claiming Rebates: After each eligible session, you can claim Medicare rebates, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

This plan provides an affordable way to access professional mental health support. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak with your GP or psychologist for more details.

Obtaining Your Mental Health Care Plan

To access lower-cost therapy, you’ll need to create a Mental Health Care Plan with your GP or by booking a same-day, bulk-billed appointment with an online doctor. This plan will enable you to claim Medicare rebates for your psychology sessions, making therapy more affordable.

We’re here to guide 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 Care Plan here.

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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.

During the appointment, your GP will:

  • Ask questions about your mental health history, lifestyle, challenges, family background, and coping strategies.

  • Possibly use a questionnaire, such as the K10 or DASS, to assess your emotional well-being.

After evaluating your needs, your doctor may provide a diagnosis and suggest treatments like counseling or medication. You’ll need a valid Medicare card to be eligible for this plan.

Take your time during the appointment, and be patient with yourself as you discuss these important topics. This is the first step in accessing the support you need.

Benefits of your Walking Session

Nature
Spending time outdoors has been shown to significantly boost psychosocial well-being. Walking amidst nature during your therapy session creates a calming, peaceful environment that enhances the therapeutic experience. Research shows that being in nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Therapy 
In your Walking Session, you’ll explore your thoughts, moods, and behaviors in a safe and supportive space. Your psychologist will guide you every step of the way, helping you navigate your emotions while you benefit from the soothing effects of walking outdoors.

Movement
The science is clear: movement is strongly linked to improved mood. Gentle walking during your session helps release endorphins, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental clarity. By combining movement with therapy, you’re tapping into both physical and emotional benefits.

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 GP for a mental health care assessment, consider requesting a long or double session. This allows enough time for a thorough discussion of your mental health without feeling rushed.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Confirm your GP handles mental health care: Not all doctors specialize in this area, so it’s important to ask when booking.

  • Mention counseling if needed: If you’re seeking counseling, let your doctor know so it can be included in your Mental Health Care Plan.

Your active involvement in the creation of your treatment plan is key to ensuring it addresses your specific needs and supports your overall mental well-being.

You can obtain a Mental Health Care 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 like an in-person visit.

Many online Mental Health Plan assessments can be bulk-billed, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs.

Learn more about online Mental Health Care Plans here.

While it may require a few steps, having a Mental Health Care Plan grants access to up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year at a reduced cost for Australian residents with a valid Medicare card. As of 2024, eligible individuals can receive Medicare rebates, significantly lowering the out-of-pocket cost for psychological services.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Walking Session Out-of-Pocket Cost with a Mental Health Care Plan: $77.65 per session with a Registered or Clinical Psychologist.

  • Walking Session Out-of-Pocket Cost without a Mental Health Care Plan: $199 per session with a Registered or Clinical Psychologist.

Having a Mental Health Care Plan makes essential mental health care more affordable and accessible for those who need it.

Medicare does not typically cover the full cost of your psychology sessions. Instead, it provides rebates to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Here's how it works:

  • If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a Medicare rebate.

  • The out-of-pocket cost after the Medicare rebate is $77.65 per session with a Registered or Clinical Psychologist.

  • Without a Mental Health Care Plan, the out-of-pocket cost is $199 per session.

In most cases, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference between your psychologist’s fee and the amount covered by Medicare.

Bulk Billing:
Some psychologists offer bulk billing, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses. However, this depends on specific eligibility criteria, and not all psychologists offer this option. To learn more about our bulk billing process and eligibility, click here.

  1. Initial Referral
    When your GP creates your Mental Health Care Plan, they will typically refer you for an initial 6 sessions with a psychologist. This allows for a comprehensive start to your therapy, giving you time to work on your mental health goals.

  2. Progress Assessment After 6 Sessions
    After you’ve completed the six sessions, your psychologist will send a progress report to your GP. This report will outline your progress and recommend whether additional sessions are necessary to continue your treatment.

  3. Additional Sessions
    If further sessions are needed, you’ll meet with your GP again to review your progress and discuss the next steps. Your GP may adjust your treatment plan and provide a referral letter authorizing up to 4 more sessions.

By using your Mental Health Care Plan in this way, you can access a total of 10 psychology sessions per calendar year at a reduced cost, ensuring you receive the support you need while tracking your progress along the way.

When discussing your referral with your GP, you can either ask for their recommendations or select a psychologist on your own. Your GP will then write a referral to your chosen psychologist or service.

If you’d like to obtain a referral for a Walking Session Psychologist, please provide your GP with the following details:

  • Walking Session

  • Psychologist Name (if you’ve selected one)

  • Address: PO Box 407, FIGTREE NSW 2525

  • Ph: (02) 4214 8728

  • Email: admin@walkingsession.com.au

  • Fax: (02) 4216 9438

This ensures that your referral is directed correctly, so you can start your sessions without delay.

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. This plan allows you to access Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions with a psychologist.

Regardless of the term used, the plan provides the same benefits and helps make therapy more affordable and accessible.

Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and book your first session with Walking Session, the process is simple:

  1. Full Fee Billing: After each session, you will be billed the full session fee.

  2. Medicare Rebate Processing: Your Medicare rebate will be processed after each session, and you should receive the rebate directly into your nominated bank account within 24 hours.

  3. Out-of-Pocket Expense: After the rebate is applied, your out-of-pocket cost for each walking session will be $77.54.

This streamlined process ensures that you receive the Medicare rebate quickly, reducing your overall cost for therapy.

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