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How to get a mental health care plan
Mental Health Month in October is all about awareness, connection, and action. If you’re struggling or just feel like something isn’t quite right, you don’t have to go through it alone. This year, the theme for Mental Health Month is “taking steps on your wellbeing journey.”
Getting a mental health care plan is a simple, confidential, and supportive way to take the first step on your wellbeing journey.
What is a mental health care plan (MHCP)?
A mental health care plan, sometimes called a mental health treatment plan, is a document your General Practitioner (GP) creates with you. It will outline your mental health concerns and will cover treatment options, including referrals to mental health care professionals such as psychologists. It might include strategies for maintaining mental health, as well as goals agreed by you and your doctor.
Your mental health information and treatment plan will be private. Doctors can’t share your information unless you agree to it.
A mental health care plan lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions on Medicare with an eligible mental health professional each calendar year. This means your out of pocket costs will be lower, or free, if the service bulk bills. If you have private health insurance, you might be able to get some money back, so be sure to check with your insurer.
Find more information on mental health professionals including those who bulk bill, on the Health Direct or Your Health in Mind websites.
Step-by step: how to get a mental health care plan
1. Book a longer appointment with your GP
When you book, tell them you’d like a mental health care plan. This way, your doctor will know in advance and can ensure there’s enough time for the appointment. If you don’t have a regular GP, any doctor will be able to complete a plan with you. You can search for a GP (including those who bulk bill) on the Health Direct website.
2. Have an honest conversation with your GP
Your GP will ask questions about how you’ve been feeling emotionally, physically and mentally. They might ask about your sleep, mood, relationships, work or school, and they may ask you to complete a questionnaire. This helps them understand what support might be the most helpful for you.
Before your appointment, it can be handy to write down a list of things you’d like to discuss.
3. Your GP prepares the plan
If your doctor thinks a plan will help, they’ll create one with you. This could include:
- Your mental health symptoms or diagnosis
- Your treatment goals (e.g. reducing anxiety, improving sleep)
- The type of support you’ll access (e.g. counselling or psychology)
- Referrals to mental health professionals
4. Receive your plan and get referred to a mental health professional
Your GP will ask questions about how you’ve been feeling emotionally, physically and mentally. They might ask about your sleep, mood, relationships, work or school, and they may ask you to complete a questionnaire. This helps them understand what support might be the most helpful for you.
Before your appointment, it can be handy to write down a list of things you’d like to discuss.
5. Keep your plan up-to-date
As your needs change, your mental health care plan can change too. You can go back to your GP if you’d like to review your plan, update your goals, or get a referral for a different provider.
Click below to learn more about mental health services at New Horizons.
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