Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. However, knowing where to start or who to speak to can sometimes be difficult.
If you have been experiencing ongoing anxiety, low mood, emotional distress, or other mental health concerns, speaking with a general practitioner (GP) can be a useful first step.
In Australia, a GP can assess your mental health and, where appropriate, prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This plan can help eligible patients access Medicare rebates for selected psychological treatment services through the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative.
Here is what you need to know about eligibility, GP referrals, Medicare rebates, and finding the right mental health support.
What Is a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a plan prepared by a GP or eligible prescribed medical practitioner to help manage a person’s diagnosed mental health condition.
It provides a structured approach to care by identifying your mental health needs, discussing suitable treatment options, and setting goals for your ongoing wellbeing.
Depending on your circumstances, your plan may include a referral to an eligible psychologist or another mental health professional.
A plan can help people experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other clinically diagnosed mental health disorders that require an appropriate level of support.
The purpose is not simply to provide a referral. It is to help you and your doctor understand your needs and work towards a suitable approach to treatment.
Who Is Eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is not automatically available to everyone experiencing stress or occasional emotional difficulties.
Under Australia’s Better Access initiative, eligibility depends on a clinical assessment.
Generally, you must:
- Have a clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
- Require at least a moderate level of support.
- Be likely to benefit from a structured approach to managing your mental health.
- Meet the relevant GP, referral, and Medicare requirements.
Your GP will discuss your symptoms, health history, and individual circumstances before deciding whether a treatment plan is appropriate.
Conditions such as anxiety and depression may be considered during this assessment, but eligibility is determined by your individual health needs rather than the condition’s name alone.
How Do You Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Getting started is usually straightforward. Your first step is to arrange an appointment with a GP.
1. Book an appointment with your GP
When making your booking, mention that you would like to discuss your mental health. It is worth requesting a longer appointment so there is enough time for a proper discussion and assessment.
2. Discuss your concerns
Talk openly about how you have been feeling, how long you have experienced the concerns, and whether they are affecting your everyday life.
Your GP may ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and previous treatment. They may also use a questionnaire as part of the assessment.
3. Discuss suitable treatment options
If your GP determines that you meet the requirements, they can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This includes discussing your treatment goals and the type of support that may be appropriate.
4. Receive a referral if eligible
Your GP may refer you to an eligible psychologist or another mental health professional for suitable treatment under the Better Access initiative.
5. Attend your appointments and review your progress
Follow your recommended treatment approach and discuss your progress with your GP. Further reviews or referrals may be arranged if additional support is appropriate.
Do You Need a GP Referral to See a Psychologist?
You do not generally need a GP referral to arrange a private appointment with a psychologist.
However, there is an important difference between booking a private psychology appointment and receiving Medicare rebates.
To claim Medicare benefits for eligible psychology treatment under the Better Access initiative, you generally need an appropriate referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan or another recognised referral pathway.
Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also directly refer eligible patients under the relevant arrangements.
Since 1 November 2025, Mental Health Treatment Plans, related referrals and reviews must be completed by either:
- A GP or prescribed medical practitioner at your MyMedicare-registered practice; or
- Your usual medical practitioner, who is generally the practitioner who has provided most of your medical care over the previous 12 months or is expected to do so over the next 12 months.
This means you do not necessarily have to register with MyMedicare to receive a Mental Health Treatment Plan through your usual GP.
You can read more about these arrangements on the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative page.
How Many Psychology Sessions Does Medicare Cover?
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible patients can receive Medicare benefits for:
- Up to 10 individual mental health treatment services per calendar year.
- Up to 10 separate group therapy mental health treatment services per calendar year.
The individual and group service limits are separate.
For individual treatment, the initial course of treatment can include up to six services. Following an appropriate review, a subsequent referral may allow access to the remaining services, up to the annual limit of ten.
These benefits are available only when the patient meets the eligibility requirements, has a valid referral, and attends an eligible provider.
It is also important to remember that the annual allowance is not automatically granted to everyone who requests a treatment plan. Your GP will assess your individual circumstances and determine appropriate care.
Does Medicare Cover the Full Cost of Psychology Sessions?
Not always.
Medicare provides a rebate for eligible psychology services, but the psychologist or practice can set its own consultation fees.
For example, if a psychologist charges more than the applicable Medicare benefit, you may need to pay the difference. This is commonly called an out-of-pocket gap.
Some providers may choose to bulk bill eligible appointments, meaning they accept the Medicare benefit as full payment. Others charge a separate gap fee.
Before booking, ask the provider:
- What is the full consultation fee?
- How much is the Medicare rebate?
- Will there be an out-of-pocket gap?
- Do you accept Mental Health Treatment Plan referrals?
This will help you understand the expected cost before starting treatment.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: What Is the Difference?
Both psychologists and psychiatrists support people with mental health concerns, but they have different qualifications and roles.
Psychologist: A psychologist provides psychological assessment and therapy to help people understand and manage emotional, behavioural, and mental health concerns. They may use approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide other forms of treatment.
Depending on your circumstances, your GP can help determine which type of professional may be appropriate.
Mental Health Consultations and Psychology at Group One Medical, Epping
Getting appropriate mental health support starts with speaking to a healthcare professional who understands your concerns.
Group One Medical in Epping, Melbourne, lists both mental health consultations and psychology among its healthcare services.
Its mental health consultations provide an opportunity to discuss concerns such as stress, anxiety, low mood, and other mental health needs in a supportive and confidential environment.
The clinic also lists psychology services for people seeking professional support with emotional and psychological concerns.
If you are considering a Mental Health Treatment Plan, contact the clinic to ask about arranging a GP appointment, eligibility assessment, and referral options.
You should also confirm whether psychology appointments are currently available, whether the practitioner accepts Better Access referrals, and what Medicare rebates or out-of-pocket fees may apply.
Group One Medical
878 Edgars Road, Epping, VIC 3076
Phone: 03 9086 8956