Getting a Mental Health Care Plan in Australia: Your Guide
Mental health matters—and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down, a mental health care plan can help. But what is it, and how do you get one? Whether you’re after a mental health plan online or curious about costs, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Medicare mental health care plan process in Australia.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A mental health care plan is a personalised roadmap created by your GP to support your mental well-being. It outlines your mental health challenges, treatment goals, and steps to feel better—like seeing a psychologist or therapist. It’s your ticket to affordable care, unlocking Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with a mental health professional.
Why Get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Why bother? For starters, it makes mental health support more accessible. With a GP mental health care plan, you can claim rebates, cutting the mental health care plan cost. Plus, it helps you and your doctor track progress—crucial when stress or finances are already weighing you down.
How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan
Good news: getting a mental health care plan online or in-person is simple. Here’s how:
- Book a GP appointment – For in-person visits, request a longer slot. With Qoctor’s mental health care plan telehealth service, pick a dedicated online consult.
- Share your concerns – Be open about what’s going on. Your GP might use tools like the K10 or DASS to assess you.
- Create the plan – Together, you’ll set goals and get referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists.
- Review it – Plans can be updated twice yearly to unlock more sessions.
What Does a Mental Health Care Plan Cover?
A mental health care plan 10 free sessions isn’t quite accurate—they’re not free, but Medicare rebates slash the cost. You get:
- Up to 6 initial sessions.
- 4 more after a GP review (4 weeks after starting, then 3 months later).
Need more? Talk to your GP about extra support options.
Online Mental Health Care Plans: A Convenient Option
Can’t make it to a clinic? An online mental health care plan through Qoctor is a game-changer. Book a video consult, chat with a GP, and get your plan sorted—all from home. It’s perfect if you’re rural, busy, or just prefer telehealth.
How Long Do Mental Health Care Plans Last?
Wondering how long does a mental health care plan last? Typically, 12 months. But do mental health care plans expire? Yes—so schedule a review before the year’s up to keep those rebates flowing. Your GP can tweak it anytime your needs shift.
Mental Health Care Plan Cost: What to Expect
The plan itself? Often bulk-billed via Medicare—no out-of-pocket cost. Qoctor’s mental health care plan telehealth consults are 100% bulk-billed, with no gap fees or cancellation charges. Therapy sessions vary—psychologists charge different rates, but rebates (e.g., $93.35 for a 50-minute session) cut the sting. Some bulk-bill fully—check sites like mymirror.com.au.
Why Choose Qoctor for Your Mental Health Plan?
With Qoctor, getting a mental health care plan online is fast and fuss-free. Our GPs understand mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Book a video consult today, and start your journey to feeling better—minus the clinic wait times.
Article written by Dr. Aifric Boylan, medically reviewed by Dr. Davinder Nagah. Last updated: March 04, 2025.
Ready to take the next step? Book a mental health care plan consult with Qoctor now.
Tags: mental health, mental health care plan, telehealth Australia, online GP, Medicare rebates
