A mental health treatment plan is a structured document created between you and your general practitioner (GP) in Australia. Its primary purpose is to outline your mental health needs, set achievable goals, and connect you with the right support services.
These plans are part of Australia’s public healthcare system and are available to individuals experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Working collaboratively with your GP, the plan serves as a roadmap to recovery and better wellbeing, making access to subsidised therapy sessions through Medicare easier and more affordable.
Why Mental Health Treatment Plans Are Important
Mental health treatment plans play a crucial role in:
- Improving access to psychological services.
- Providing structure and accountability for mental health goals.
- Allowing early intervention before conditions worsen.
- Enabling subsidised sessions with mental health professionals through Medicare.
Who is Eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Anyone experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition can access a treatment plan in Australia. There are no age restrictions. Whether you’re a first-time worker struggling with workplace stress or a long-time sufferer of chronic anxiety, you can request support.
Common Conditions Covered
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, or hopelessness.
- Anxiety Disorders: Includes generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorders.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional and psychological response to trauma.
- Eating Disorders: Conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive behaviours and intrusive thoughts.
- Bipolar Disorder: Alternating periods of depression and elevated mood.
- Adjustment Disorders and Grief: Struggles with major life transitions or loss.
How to Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Accessing a treatment plan in Australia involves a consultation with your GP. Here’s how the process works:
Booking an Appointment with Your GP
When scheduling, request a long consultation. This allows your GP sufficient time to:
- Understand your current mental state.
- Take a detailed history of your symptoms.
- Conduct any required mental health assessments.
What to Expect During the Consultation
During the appointment, your GP will:
- Discuss your current concerns and mental health history.
- Use tools such as the K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale).
- Diagnose or confirm your mental health condition.
- Collaboratively develop a plan outlining goals and treatment referrals.
What Does a Mental Health Treatment Plan Include?
Your mental health treatment plan will typically contain:
- Your diagnosis: Based on symptoms and assessments.
- Treatment goals: Clear, measurable objectives for your mental health.
- Referral pathways: Links to psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists.
- Recommended services or therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
- Review timeframes: Usually after 6 sessions or 3 months.
Setting Mental Health Goals
Goals are tailored to your needs and agreed upon with your GP. Examples:
- Reduce anxiety symptoms from daily to weekly occurrences.
- Improve sleep by using relaxation strategies.
- Increase social participation or work engagement.
Referrals and Therapy Options
Your GP may refer you to:
- A psychologist for ongoing counselling or CBT.
- An occupational therapist for mental wellness planning.
- A psychiatrist can determine if medication or specialised treatment is needed.
Medicare Rebates and Costs Explained
How Many Sessions Are Covered?
Under Medicare, you’re typically entitled to:
- Up to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year.
- These may be split into two blocks (usually 6 + 4).
- An additional 10 sessions may be temporarily offered during health crises (e.g., COVID-19 responses).
Managing Gap Fees
Not all mental health professionals bulk bill. To manage costs:
- Ask your GP to refer you to bulk-billing psychologists.
- Use online directories to find local practitioners with no or low out-of-pocket fees.
- Some services (e.g., Headspace) offer free support for eligible groups.
How Often Should Mental Health Treatment Plans Be Reviewed?
A mental health plan is not a one-time document. Reviews help ensure the plan remains effective.
- Initial review: Usually after 6 sessions or 3 months.
- Ongoing reviews: As needed, particularly if your condition changes.
Updating Goals and Progress
In follow-up appointments, your GP will:
- Assess whether your mental health has improved.
- Modify goals if needed.
- Decide whether additional sessions or new referrals are appropriate.
Benefits of Having a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Structured and Affordable Care
You’ll receive tailored care from a team of professionals, often at reduced cost. The plan also:
- Encourages regular monitoring of progress.
- Helps coordinate care across GPs, therapists, and other providers.
Empowering Individuals in Their Recovery
Having a treatment plan gives individuals more control by:
- Clarifying expectations and treatment options.
- Tracking progress toward personal mental health goals.
- Promoting accountability and active participation in recovery.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Prepare beforehand: Write down symptoms, triggers, and questions.
- Be honest: Share openly with your GP about how you’re feeling.
- Track your mood or symptoms: Use apps or journals.
- Attend all sessions: Commit to your recovery.
- Communicate regularly: With your therapist and GP if goals need adjusting.
Additional Mental Health Services Available in Australia
Outside your GP’s care, other services are available:
- Beyond Blue: Information, 24/7 helpline, and webchat support.
- Lifeline (13 11 14): Crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Headspace: Youth-focused mental health services (ages 12–25).
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Free counselling offered by many workplaces.
- Private psychologists: May offer faster access for those who can pay out-of-pocket.
FAQ
What is included in a mental health treatment plan?
A GP-created plan includes your diagnosis, treatment goals, referrals, therapy types, and review dates.
How much does a mental health care plan cost in Australia?
The plan is bulk-billed under Medicare, though referred therapy sessions may have gap fees.
Can I choose my psychologist with a mental health treatment plan?
Yes. You can ask your GP for a specific referral or choose a registered psychologist yourself.
How often can I get a new mental health treatment plan?
Generally, one per calendar year, with reviews as needed.
What happens if I run out of Medicare-subsidised sessions?
You can continue therapy as a private client or discuss review options with your GP for potential additional referrals.
Can I get a mental health care plan without a diagnosis?
Your GP needs to identify and document a mental health condition to create a plan, but it does not have to be a severe or long-term diagnosis.
How do I find a bulk-billing psychologist?
Ask your GP or search via the Healthdirect or Services Australia directories.
Can you get a mental health care plan for anxiety?
Yes, anxiety is one of the most common conditions supported by a treatment plan.
Do I need a referral every year for mental health?
Yes, new referrals are typically required each calendar year to continue accessing Medicare-subsidised sessions.
What is the difference between a mental health care plan and a mental health treatment plan?
They refer to the same process—both terms are used interchangeably in Australia.
Final Thoughts
A mental health treatment plan is one of the most accessible and effective ways for Australians to get structured, affordable mental health care. Whether dealing with new challenges or managing a long-term condition, this plan offers the guidance, support, and financial relief needed to prioritise your wellbeing.
Early access to mental health support changes lives—speak to your GP today if you’re struggling. If you’d like learn more about common mental health conditions such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety among others, take the Mental Health Level 1 Foundations course. Apart from these conditions, participants also learn understand how to respond to these crises, and how to lessen mental health stigma in certain environments.