How To Obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan

✅ What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a support plan developed by a GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician. It outlines a person’s mental health issues and the goals for treatment, and it provides access to up to 10 subsidised therapy sessions per calendar year under Medicare.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan

🔹 Step 1: Book a Long Appointment with Your GP

• Ask for a “long consultation for a Mental Health Treatment Plan”

• You can also tell reception it’s for mental health support or psychology referral

• Bring any relevant information or a list of concerns

🔹 Step 2: GP Assessment

• Your GP will:

  • Ask questions about your mental health symptoms, history, and functioning

  • Possibly administer screening tools (e.g. K10, DASS-21)

  • Discuss treatment options (therapy, medication, lifestyle)

  • Complete the plan and set goals

🔹 Step 3: Referral to a Psychologist

• The GP can:

  • Refer directly to a psychologist by name (you can request someone)

  • Or provide a general referral, which you can use with any provider

• You’ll receive a referral letter or your psychologist will be sent one directly

📅 How Many Sessions Are Covered?

• Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year

  • Initially 6 sessions

  • After those, you return to your GP for a review and potential 4 extra sessions