You’ve been struggling for a while. Maybe it’s anxiety that won’t quit, a heaviness that follows you around, or a feeling that things just aren’t right — and you’re not sure what to do about it. You know you probably need to talk to someone, but you have no idea how to access mental health support, how much it’ll cost, or where to even start.
Here’s the good news: Australia has a solid system designed to help you get support, and a lot of it is subsidised through Medicare. The key is knowing what’s available and how to access it. That’s what this guide is for.
What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a structured document created by your GP that outlines your mental health needs and what kind of support you’ll receive. It’s your gateway to Medicare-subsidised psychology and other mental health services.
Think of it as a referral with extra steps — your GP assesses your situation, writes up the plan, and then you’re eligible for a set number of subsidised sessions with a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist, or other approved mental health professional.
You don’t need to be in crisis to get one. A Mental Health Care Plan is for anyone experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental health difficulties that are affecting their day-to-day life.
Who Can Create a Mental Health Care Plan?
Your GP is the most common starting point. But other doctors can also create them, including:
- General practitioners (GPs)
- Psychiatrists (for people already under specialist care)
- Paediatricians (for children and adolescents)
You’ll need a longer appointment than a standard GP visit — typically 20 to 40 minutes — so when you book, let the receptionist know you’d like to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan. This ensures your doctor has enough time to do a proper assessment.
How Many Sessions Does Medicare Cover?
Under a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare subsidises up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year with an eligible mental health professional.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Your GP initially refers you for 6 sessions
- After those 6 sessions, your treating psychologist reviews your progress and can recommend an additional 4 sessions (bringing the total to 10)
- Each calendar year, the count resets on 1 January
The Medicare rebate for each session varies depending on whether you see a clinical psychologist (higher rebate) or a registered psychologist (lower rebate). As of 2026, rebates sit around $92–$131 per session for a registered psychologist and up to $137 for a clinical psychologist. Out-of-pocket costs depend on what your practitioner charges above the rebate — some bulk bill, others charge a gap fee.
How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan: Step by Step
Step 1: Book a long appointment with your GP
Tell the receptionist you want to discuss your mental health and need a longer appointment. Don’t rush this — give yourself time in the room.
Step 2: Be honest with your GP
Your GP will ask you questions about how you’ve been feeling, how long it’s been going on, and how it’s affecting your life. The more honest you are, the better they can support you. They may use a short questionnaire called the K10 to assess your stress levels.
Step 3: Receive your Mental Health Care Plan
If your GP thinks you’d benefit from psychological support, they’ll write up the plan. You’ll get a copy, and they’ll refer you to a psychologist.
Step 4: Find a psychologist and book
You can choose your own psychologist. Ask your GP if they have recommendations, or search services like Healthdirect’s Find a Health Service tool. Check whether they bulk bill or charge a gap.
Step 5: Review after 6 sessions
Go back to your GP after your 6th session for a review. If more sessions are recommended, your GP extends the plan.
What If I Don’t Have a Regular GP?
No regular doctor? You still have options. Any GP can create a Mental Health Care Plan — you don’t need an ongoing relationship with them. Community health centres also offer mental health support, often at low or no cost.
If cost is a barrier, look for bulk billing GPs in your area. Services like Healthdirect (1800 022 222) can help you find a bulk billing doctor near you.
Other Pathways to Mental Health Support
A Mental Health Care Plan isn’t the only option in Australia. Depending on your situation, you might also explore:
- headspace — free or low-cost support for people aged 12 to 25
- Beyond Blue — phone and online counselling, free of charge
- Lifeline (13 11 14) — 24/7 crisis support
- MindSpot — free online therapy programs for adults
- Medicare-covered telehealth psychology — you can access psychology sessions over video call if you can’t get to a clinic
For a deeper look at accessing free mental health support, including crisis services and online programs, see our guide: How to Access Free Mental Health Support in Australia.
Helping Yourself Between Sessions
Therapy is valuable, but your wellbeing doesn’t pause between appointments. Many Australians are using health apps to track how they’re feeling day to day — monitoring symptoms, noting what’s improved and what hasn’t, and building a picture of their health over time.
Apps like NORMA allow you to record your symptoms and understand whether what you’re experiencing is within the expected range for your situation. This kind of self-monitoring can be genuinely helpful when you’re working through mental health challenges — it gives you something concrete to discuss with your GP or psychologist, and helps you notice patterns you might otherwise miss.
Technology can’t replace professional support, but used alongside it, it can help you feel more in control of your own health journey.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been putting off getting help, a Mental Health Care Plan is one of the best first moves you can make. The system exists to support you — you just need to know how to use it.
Start by booking that GP appointment. Be open about what you’re experiencing. And remember — asking for help is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness.