Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs) are strategies developed in collaboration with your GP, tailored to the unique requirements of those experiencing mental health issues. The ultimate aim of the MHCP is to provide a clear and actionable path towards achieving and maintaining optimal mental health.
It’s important to note that Medicare updated the rebates and eligibility criteria for MHCPs in 2022, further enhancing the accessibility and affordability of mental health services.
For your convenience, here are the current Medicare rebate item numbers for mental health consultations: 92112, 92113, 92118, 92123.
Wondering if you’re eligible? Here’s a snapshot:
MHCPs recognise these conditions (among others):
Remember, mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Issues like post-natal depression and other conditions might not fit neatly into a category. So, if you’re feeling off and it’s been dragging on for over two weeks, it’s crucial to reach out.
Always start with a chat with our GP. They’ll gauge whether Medicare can assist with your treatment costs. And if there’s any confusion or grey areas about your situation, trust in our doctors. They’ll guide you, maybe even toward a specialist, to ensure you get the care you need.
Opting for an MHCP offers significant financial advantages when compared with the cost of private mental health consultations. This approach allows access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions and 10 group therapy sessions annually. These can be undertaken with registered professionals, including:
One of the notable benefits of a MHCP is that it is custom to you and your mental health needs. It addresses your specific conditions and objectives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care.
For example, let’s say that you suffer from a social anxiety disorder. Our healthcare professionals can develop a MHCP that is tailored to your bouts of anxiety, equipping you with coping strategies that are specific to your triggers. They can also refer you to a bulk-billed online psychologist who specialises in anxiety. Ultimately, resulting in enhanced mental well-being.
An MHCP enhances collaboration between various healthcare professionals, streamlining the process and ensuring that you receive coordinated care. This can help boost your satisfaction with the care that you receive, because all of your healthcare professionals are on the same page and working towards the same goals. Plus, at ClinicALL our healthcare professionals provide their services online, meaning that you don’t have to deal with the stress of a long commute or wait times.
An MHCP represents a commitment to your mental health. There is an annual fee of $55 to cover the administrative aspects of ensuring seamless communication between your psychologist and other healthcare professionals.
Notably, for those with an eligible Medicare card and DVA card holders, the MHCP is then bulk-billed. Most of our services operate on a Bulk Billing basis, which greatly minimises your out-of-pocket costs. With a MHCP, you can even access up to 10 bulk-billed psychology sessions per year.
For individuals who are interested in a detailed breakdown of Medicare consultation fees and item numbers, this resource provides a comprehensive overview.
For any additional inquiries regarding costs or services, we encourage you to contact our team at 1300 419 830 or utilise the inquiry form available on our ‘Contact Us’ page.
Thinking about a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)? Here’s what you need to know in a nutshell:
When a General Practitioner (GP) sees a genuine mental health issue, you’ll be considered for a MHCP. The key is: Do you have a mental health condition that’s affecting your life?
Enter our team at ClinicALL. With a wealth of experience, our GPs and nurses are primed to give you the guidance you deserve. They’ll carefully review your situation and might point you in a few directions. You could find yourself:
Seeing a psychiatrist: This might require a special note or referral.
Engaging with a psychologist: With an MHCP, Medicare can make this option more wallet-friendly.
Meeting a counsellor: Sometimes, it’s about getting the right advice to navigate your feelings.
It’s essential to remember the breadth of mental health issues out there. They can be everyday challenges like battling anxiety or deeper, more complex issues that might be harder to pinpoint. But if these feelings are getting in the way of your daily life, it’s time to take action.
In the end, it’s up to the GP. They’re the ones who give the thumbs up for an MHCP, ensuring it aligns with what you truly need.
At ClinicALL, we approach MHCP consultations comprehensively, and with care. During your first consultation, one of our professional nurses will spend about 20 minutes gathering your medical history. This can be done with a designated carer or family member if you wish. With this detailed history, our GP will be better equipped to create a MHCP that meets your needs.
Following the appointment with the nurse, you will meet with a GP, dedicating at least 20 minutes to discuss your unique situation in depth. These sessions are designed to flow seamlessly, and as such, will be scheduled consecutively, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive care.
Our clients have commended this two-step approach, saying that it allows a thorough understanding of their challenges, leading to a tailored MHCP that is better suited to their needs and gets results.
Navigating the healthcare landscape can sometimes be complex. To provide clarity on the Medicare rebate system: our qualified healthcare professionals, each equipped with designated provider numbers, determine the Medicare rebate’s value based on the duration of your consultation.
An MHCP, as structured in Australia, facilitates up to 10 individual therapy sessions and an additional 10 group therapy sessions annually. It’s essential to recognise that this allowance restarts every calendar year, and unused sessions from a given year cannot be carried over.
Should there be any queries or if clarity is needed regarding your plan, a telehealth consultation can be arranged swiftly. This digital consultation system ensures timely appointments, especially if your designated GP is available.
The MHCP operates on the 6-4-6 consultation rule, mandating visits to your GP at specific intervals during your therapy:
The terms “Mental Health Treatment Plan” and “Mental Health Care Plan” are often used interchangeably, leading to some confusion. In essence, both refer to a strategic approach, devised by your General Practitioner (GP), to manage and improve your mental well-being.
This plan not only details your mental health objectives but also provides a list of treatments and services available to you. The abbreviation “MHCP” is commonly used to reference this plan in many governmental and clinical publications, and by providers.
Book a MHCP appointment with our specialists here.
Online access: Getting the help you need is just a click away. ClinicALL provides seamless online access to top-tier mental health professionals, ensuring you can reach out from the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world.
Unparalleled convenience: Say goodbye to long commutes, waiting rooms, and adjusting to someone else’s timetable. With ClinicALL, you can schedule sessions tailored to fit your busy lifestyle, ensuring your mental health never takes a back seat.
Affordability without compromise: Quality healthcare shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. ClinicALL bridges the gap between premium services and affordability. With our Medicare-rebated sessions and transparent pricing, you can be confident that you’re getting the best value for your investment in your well-being.
Specialists trained in mental health: Our professional’s comprehensive understanding ensures that you are in capable and knowledgeable hands. Each member of our team is deeply committed to staying updated with the latest in mental health research and practices.
Genuine care: At ClinicALL, every patient isn’t just a number. We believe in an empathetic approach where our professionals genuinely care about your well-being. Our team’s dedication goes beyond the sessions, as they strive to empower you with tools and insights to navigate life’s challenges.
Start by booking an online consultation with ClinicALL here. This leads to a virtual meeting with our nurses, who will gather medical and family backgrounds.
Subsequently, a GP will talk with you in-depth about your mental health. Following this, your MHCP will be directed to your psychologist. For recommendations, we trust ‘Talked‘ for their online psychology services, but our GPs will discuss that more with you at your appointment. All your details are kept confidential, ensuring the utmost respect for your privacy.
Certainly! We can guide you to psychologists well-versed in children’s mental health. Parents can join in for 2 out of the 10 covered sessions, with your child being there for the rest.
The frequency of sessions is flexible to your child’s needs, but always keep your MHCP updated to get the Medicare rebate. And don’t forget: post the 6th and 10th sessions, a visit to the GP is necessary.
If Medicare doesn’t cover a session, you can still book one, but it’ll be privately billed.
Yes! ClinicALL offers online MHCPs via telephone or video, ensuring it’s hassle-free for you. If your GP feels an in-person session would be better, they can guide you to a local GP. Always verify if this service is available at a medical practice. The care quality remains consistent, be it online or offline.
Getting your MHCP is a two-step journey. The first step involves sharing your medical history and figuring out if you’re eligible for a Medicare rebate with a psychologist. Sometimes, this could be done on the same day.
Next, there’s a chat with our GP lasting at least 20 minutes, or longer based on your needs. Our GPs, who are trained in mental health, will delve into your condition, recommend treatments, and match you with the best-suited mental health professionals. It’s best to discuss appointment times during your initial chat with the nurse.
Definitely! While our GPs will have recommendations, it’s up to you. Your GP will make sure to recommend a psychologist after considering their specialisation, and their treatment approach.
If you’d like, you can always research your preferences after the appointment and share your pick with your GP, who will facilitate the referral.
Do remember, MHCP consultations cost more due to their comprehensive nature. Make sure to clarify costs beforehand.
We’ll point you towards the psychologists, but their charges are individual. We can recommend psychologists who offer bulk billing, but others might have an out-of-pocket ‘Gap fee’ because Medicare’s rebate doesn’t cover the cost of their services. Professionals charge based on their experience and specialisation, so always check with the referred website about costs before locking in an appointment.
For instance, if a service costs $200 and Medicare’s rebate is $91.25, you’ll need to bridge the $108.75 gap. You pay the total, and the clinic processes Medicare to reimburse you with the rebate. If this is confusing, the administration will happily explain further. Remember to confirm any gap fees before making appointments.
Referrals typically last for 12 months. You can receive Medicare rebates for ten individual and group sessions each year. If you’ve used up your sessions or if they’re about to expire, a review with your GP can help access the rest or discuss alternate financing options.
If a year’s gone by and you’ve exhausted your Medicare rebates but still need help, get your psychologist to chat with the GP about continued MHCP consultations. Remember, another session with the GP is mandatory for a new plan. Your well-being will always be at the forefront during these chats.
Be open about your feelings. It’s okay to be anxious initially, but remember the GP is here to help. Make sure to share any severe symptoms or thoughts, so the GP can take immediate action. If discussing everything with the GP feels overwhelming, it’s okay to wait until meeting with a psychologist.
In your MHCP appointment, the GP might discuss various topics from your health, medications, past help, family history, environment, life aspirations, to work and academic pressures.
You should also be prepared with your own questions to understand your condition and potential treatments better. Some potential questions are:
Ready to take the next step on your mental health journey? Click the link below to begin the process.
Check out the links below to find out more information or resources:
Our partners in Online Psychologists ‘Talked’ https://www.talked.com.au/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/navigating-the-healthcare-system/mental-health-care-plans-explained
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative?utm_source=health.gov.au&utm_medium=callout-auto-custom&utm_campaign=digital_transformation
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/search?q=mental%20health%20care%20plans#page=3
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