Clinically reviewed general information · Reviewed 2026-05-19
Medicare Mental Health Care Plans, explained without jargon
The Mental Health Care Plan in plain language — what it is, what it isn’t, and how to use one. No jargon.
This article is general information for adults and families. It does not replace advice from your GP, psychologist or other treating clinician.
The Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is the most important entry point into Medicare-rebated psychology in Australia. It’s also slightly mysterious to people seeing the system for the first time. This is the plain-language guide.
What it actually is
An MHCP is a clinical document your GP fills out after a longer-than-usual appointment with you. It says: this person has been assessed and meets criteria for a referral to psychology, with these goals, for up to this many sessions.
Once you have one, you’re entitled to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year. The rebate currently sits around $96.65 per 50-minute session, processed at the time of the session, deposited to your bank account in 1–2 business days.
What it doesn’t do
It doesn’t choose the psychologist for you (you do). It doesn’t pay your full session fee — it rebates a portion; you pay the gap. It doesn’t expire as long as you start within 6 months of issue.
The actual process
Step 1. Book a longer GP appointment specifically for the MHCP (mention this when booking — it changes the GP fee structure). Most GPs charge their standard long-appointment fee, partly Medicare-rebated.
Step 2. Spend about 20 minutes with the GP. They’ll usually ask about symptoms, daily functioning, and goals. They may use the K10 questionnaire. Tell them honestly what’s been happening.
Step 3. You leave with three documents: the MHCP itself, a referral letter, and an MBS item plan. Email these to your psychologist or bring them to the first session.
Step 4. Book psychology. You can use the MHCP with any registered psychologist anywhere in Australia. We process the rebate at the end of each session.
Step 5. After 6 sessions, return to your GP for a review. They authorise the next 4 sessions if needed.
Common misunderstandings
‘Medicare won’t cover me if I just have stress.’ Not quite. Medicare covers psychological treatment of diagnosed mental health conditions — anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorder, etc. ‘Just stress’ that’s significantly impacting daily life usually meets criteria; your GP makes the assessment.
‘I’ll lose my privacy.’ Your psychology sessions are confidential. Your GP receives a brief summary letter at session 6 (so they can support you alongside therapy) — and only that. You can decline this letter.
‘I have to use a referred psychologist.’ The GP can name a psychologist or write ‘to a registered psychologist’. Either way, you’re free to choose. Mind Health works with referrals from any GP in Australia.
Clinical note
If symptoms are persistent, escalating or affecting safety, daily functioning or relationships, consider speaking with a GP or psychologist. If there is immediate danger, call 000.