Mental Health Matters
If you’ve been feeling on edge, overwhelmed with anxiety, or dealing with sadness or anger, you’re not alone—and it can really help to talk about it.
Looking after your social and emotional wellbeing matters, and reaching out is a good first step. A GP is a great place to start—they can listen, help you make sense of what’s going on, and guide you to the right support.
Your GP can assess your mental health and, if appropriate, create a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This allows you to access Medicare rebates for therapy and referrals to mental health services.
Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan – Getting Started
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?
Your GP will decide if a plan is right for you. Best to talk to your GP to see if a MHTP is right for you.
A MHTP is a written set of goals and actions to help you manage your mental health condition(s). A MHTP may list all the people looking after you and say what everyone is doing for you. You and your GP will decide who these people are. If you do not want a part included, let your GP know.
MHTP can help fund up to 10 individual and 10 group support sessions per calendar year with an eligible mental health professional. To start with, your GP will refer you for up to 6 sessions at a time. If you need more, your GP will decide if they can refer you for further sessions. Health professionals set their own fees, so Medicare may only cover some of the cost.
Who can have a MHTP?
Anyone who has a diagnosed mental health condition is eligible for a MHTP. Completing a MHTP is likely to take more time than a usual GP visit. At Whitehorse Medical Centre, you will need to see your GP to setup the MHTP. MHTP is meant to be done by your usual GP or practice.
Your GP will offer you a copy of your MHTP. A copy will also be kept in your medical file. For more info: Mental Health Treatment Plan
How often should MHTP be done?
You and your GP should regularly review your MHTP to make sure your goals are being met and if any changes are needed. Your GP will decide how often a MHTP should be completed but is about every 3-6 months.
How much does a MHTP cost?
GPs set their own fees, so Medicare may only cover some of the cost. If your GP charges no gap fees, there will be no charge for these services. If not, you can claim a rebate back from Medicare.
MyMedicare
Your GP will also discuss registering in MyMedicare on your behalf. From 1 July 2025 MHTP may only be available if you are registered with your GP or your GP’s practice. For more info: MyMedicare
Privacy
All personal information recorded in MyMedicare, including your chosen health care providers, will be kept secure and your privacy will be maintained. More privacy info: MyMedicare Privacy
How to Register
It is voluntary and free to register in MyMedicare, and registration is open to Australians with a Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Veteran Card. Talk to your regular GP about registering in MyMedicare, or go to: Register for MyMedicare
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Address:
Whitehorse Medical Centre
505-507 Whitehorse Rd
Mitcham VIC 3132.
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Telephone: (03) 9874 7399
Fax: (03) 9872 6175
