Medicare Mental Health Care Plans Explained
A Mental Health Care Plan, now formally called a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), lets you claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist under the government's Better Access initiative. Your GP prepares the plan and refers you to a psychologist. You can then claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions (and up to 10 group sessions) per calendar year: an initial block of up to six, then more after your GP reviews your progress. From 1 November 2025, the plan and referral generally need to come from a GP at the practice where you're enrolled in MyMedicare, or from your usual doctor.
This article explains how to get a plan, how the sessions work, what rebates you can expect, and what changed recently.
"Care plan" or "treatment plan"?
Most people still say "Mental Health Care Plan", and you'll see both terms used. The Medicare Benefits Schedule uses the term Mental Health Treatment Plan. They refer to the same thing.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if a GP assesses that you have a mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, an eating disorder or an adjustment difficulty, that would benefit from structured psychological treatment. You don't need to be in crisis.
How to get a plan: step by step
1. Book a GP appointment
Tell the clinic you'd like to discuss a mental health treatment plan, so they can book enough time. A longer appointment is often needed.
2. See the right GP
Since 1 November 2025, to claim Medicare rebates:
if you're enrolled in MyMedicare, the plan and referral must come from a GP (or prescribed medical practitioner) at the practice you're enrolled with
if you're not enrolled, they can come from your usual medical practitioner, the GP or practice you've been seeing regularly
MyMedicare is a free voluntary enrolment scheme that links you with your regular practice. Your GP clinic can tell you whether you're enrolled and how to register.
Referrals written before 1 November 2025 stay valid until the sessions they cover have been used.
3. The assessment
Your GP will talk with you about your symptoms and history and may use a questionnaire such as the K10. They'll work with you to develop the plan, including your goals and the treatment you'll receive.
4. The referral
Your GP writes a referral to a psychologist. You can ask for it to be addressed to a specific psychologist, or left general. The referral states the number of sessions, up to six in the first instance.
If you'd like to use Walk and Talk therapy with a registered psychologist, ask your GP to note that sessions outside a consulting room are appropriate for you. For example: "The client is suitable for and would benefit from therapy delivered outside a traditional consult room environment."
5. Book with your psychologist
Send the referral to your psychologist before your first session.
6. Review after your first block
After your initial sessions, your psychologist sends a report to your GP. You then see your GP again for a review, and if more sessions are appropriate, they can refer you for the remainder of your annual allowance. Since 1 November 2025, these reviews use standard GP appointment items, which means your GP can also address physical health in the same visit.
How many sessions?
Individual sessions per calendar year — Sessions: Up to 10
Group therapy sessions per calendar year — Sessions: Up to 10
Initial referral — Sessions: Up to 6 individual sessions
After GP review — Sessions: Remaining sessions, up to the annual cap
The allowance runs per calendar year (1 January to 31 December), not 12 months from your plan. If you start in November, you may use a few sessions before the count resets in January. You'll still need a valid referral for the new year's sessions.
Psychiatrists and paediatricians can also refer directly to a psychologist under Better Access, and those referrals aren't affected by the MyMedicare changes.
How much is the rebate?
The rebate depends on the type of practitioner and the length of the session. From 1 July 2026, the Medicare Benefits Schedule lists:
Registered psychologist (item 80110) — Medicare rebate: $101.55
Clinical psychologist (item 80010) — Medicare rebate: $149.05
Rebates are generally indexed each 1 July. Telehealth sessions and sessions outside consulting rooms have their own item numbers, with rebates listed on MBS Online.
Most psychologists charge more than the rebate, so there's usually an out-of-pocket "gap". For example, if a session costs $240 and the rebate is $101.55, your out-of-pocket cost is $138.45. Once you've paid enough gap fees in a calendar year, the Medicare Safety Net may increase your rebates.
For our current fees and out-of-pocket costs, see our services page.
What Better Access doesn't cover
Couples therapy. Medicare rebates apply to individual and group sessions. Couples sessions aren't covered.
Sessions with provisional psychologists or counsellors. At Satya Psychology, these sessions don't need a referral and aren't limited in number, but no Medicare rebate applies.
Comprehensive assessments, such as adult ADHD assessments, generally aren't covered.
Other Medicare mental health options
Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan: for eligible people with an eating disorder diagnosis, this can provide up to 40 psychological sessions and 20 dietetic sessions over 12 months.
Medicare Mental Health: a free national service on 1800 595 212 (weekdays 8:30am to 5pm) that can help you find the right support, including free services.
Private health insurance extras cover may contribute toward psychology sessions, although you can't generally claim both Medicare and your health fund for the same session. See Private Health Insurance and Psychology Rebates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new plan every year?
Not necessarily a new plan, but you do need a valid referral for sessions. Talk to your GP about what you need at the start of a new calendar year.
Can I switch psychologists?
Yes. Ask your GP for a new referral to the psychologist you'd like to see.
Is telehealth covered?
Yes. Better Access includes Medicare-rebated telehealth sessions with psychologists.
Will my employer or insurer find out?
No. Your plan and sessions are part of your confidential health record. See Is What I Say in Therapy Confidential?
Ready to start?
Once you have your plan and referral, book a session with our registered psychologist. If you'd rather start without a referral, our provisional psychologists are available without a plan or session limit.
Medicare rules and rebates change over time. This article reflects the rules as at September 2026; check MBS Online or Services Australia for the latest information.