What is a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)?
The Better Access to Mental Health initiative by the Australian Government
Currently there are 3 different referral plans that are eligible to receive a Medicare rebate.
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDP)
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), which can give you rebates on sessions with a registered or clinical psychologist through Medicare.
An MHCP is usually created with your GP (General Practitioner). It helps you access mental health support, including counselling. If you're eligible, you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per year with a psychologist.
What’s the process to get one?
Book a longer appointment with your GP. Let them know you'd like to talk about your mental health.
Chat with your doctor about how you’ve felt - emotionally, mentally, or physically.
If you meet the criteria, your GP will create a Mental Health Care Plan and refer you to a psychologist.
What’s covered?
With an MHCP, you’ll receive:
Rebates of $96.65 per session with a registered psychologist
Rebates of $141.85 per session with a clinical psychologist
(Please note: these amounts are set by Medicare and may change and often so yearly. The rebates are correct as of 02/07/2025).
You’re eligible for up to 10 rebate sessions per calendar year. Your GP will often refer you for 6 sessions first, and then review your progress for the remaining 4.
A few important things to know
Psychologists don’t always bulk-billing there is sometimes a gap fee. The gap will be the amount of the session minus the rebate. For example, $200 a session - $141.15 = $58.15 of your own money.
You can’t claim a private health fund rebate and a Medicare rebate for the same session.
Medicare rebates are processed by Cetas Psychology for you.
Need help getting started?
If you’re not sure whether an MHCP is right for you, or you’d like help navigating the process, get in touch with us for more information.
