Home > Services >
Mental health care plan
Mental health care plan by telehealth
A mental health care plan is a GP consultation to talk through how you've been feeling, assess your mental health, agree on goals, and, where appropriate, refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
Medically reviewed by Dr Damien Ford
General Practitioner MBBS FRACGP
WHO IT'S FOR
Anyone wanting support with their mental health
Here when you need us
What is a mental health care plan
A mental health care plan is a GP consultation to talk through how you've been feeling, assess your mental health, agree on goals, and, where appropriate, refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional. Medicare calls it a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Most people call it a mental health care plan or MHCP.
At bulkbill.doctor, mental health care plan consults are by video with an Australian-registered GP, from wherever you are in Australia.
What happens in your consult
Your GP will:
 | talk with you about your symptoms, history and what's going on in your life |
 | use a short questionnaire to understand how you're going |
 | work with you on goals and practical next steps |
 | put together a plan for what to do if things get harder |
 | discuss referral options, such as a psychologist, and other support services |
 | talk about medication where it's clinically appropriate |
You'll be offered a copy of your plan. Book the Mental Health Plan appointment type so your GP has the extra time this takes.
Medicare and your plan
Medicare eligibility rules apply. We'll confirm at booking or during your consult whether your plan can be bulk billed.
If your plan and referral meet Medicare requirements, Medicare can pay benefits towards a set number of psychology or other mental health sessions each calendar year. Your psychologist sets their own fees, so ask them about any gap.
How to book
 | Book online and choose the Mental Health Plan appointment type |
 | Join your video consult with an Australian registered GP |
 | Agree on your plan and any referral, and you'll be offered a copy |
What you need
| Your Medicare card details, so your eligibility can be checked |
| A private, quiet space and a phone, tablet or computer with a camera |
| A list of any medicines you take |
| The name of a psychologist you'd like to see, if you have one in mind |
FAQ
What is a mental health care plan?
It's a plan your GP prepares with you after assessing your mental health. It sets out your goals, treatment options, any referrals (such as to a psychologist) and what to do if things get harder. Medicare's official name is a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
How do I get a mental health care plan?
Book a mental health care plan consult with a GP. At bulkbill.doctor, choose the Mental Health Plan appointment type when you book. The consult is by video.
Can I get a mental health care plan online?
Yes. bulkbill.doctor GPs prepare mental health care plans online by video telehealth. Medicare eligibility rules apply, and we'll confirm at booking or during your consult whether your plan can be bulk billed.
How many psychology sessions does a mental health care plan cover?
If you're eligible, Medicare can pay benefits for up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each calendar year. Your GP's referral sets how many sessions it covers, and you'll have a review with your GP before being referred for more.
How long does a mental health care plan last?
There's no fixed expiry date. Your GP keeps your plan up to date and reviews it with you over time.
Is a mental health care plan bulk billed?
Anyone can book. Medicare bulk billed if eligible. Medicare eligibility rules apply, and we'll confirm at booking or during your consult whether your plan can be bulk billed. If you're not eligible, a private fee applies.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. When you book, you can choose the doctor you'd like to see.
How long is a mental health care plan appointment?
It's a 40-minute video consult, so your GP has time to go through everything with you.
Have a long-term physical condition too? See our chronic condition management plan.
APPOINTMENT
Mental Health Plan
Longer consult, so your GP has time
CONSULT
Video Only
From anywhere in Australia
Need help now?
This is not an emergency service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Call 000
Lifeline - 24/7 crisis support
MEDICARE
Medicare bulk billed if eligible
Eligibility checked when you book
Related services
More ways an Australian GP can help
Standard
Standard
Chronic Condition Plan