Getting support can be a daunting task and once you’ve decided that you want to reach out and chat to someone it can be tricky to know where to start.
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
So, you’ve decided to reach out for support.
What now? Get your hands on a MHCP.
In Australia, this plan allows you to claim your money back on up to 10 therapy sessions within a calendar year. Basically, the government will float cash back your way ($89.65 if you see a registered psychologist like me) after each appointment.
Services Australia: Better Access Initiative Information Page
HOW DO I GET A MHCP?
Let’s walk through this Together...
Step 1:
Visit your GP or psychiatrist. Talk about your mental health concerns and mention that you’re keen on speaking further with a professional. You’ll likely be asked to complete a questionnaire so your GP can suss the scope of your concerns at hand. This is important info for your future psychologist.
Step 2:
Your GP will write up a referral (p.s. This works the exact same when they refer you anywhere e.g., to a specialist). Your GP might have connections with psychologists and recommend them to you. However, you can always tell them of the name of the psychologist you’d like to see.
Step 3:
DONE – you’ve obtained your MHCP. Next, just book in an appointment with your therapist.
Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
So, you’ve decided to reach out for support.
What now? Get your hands on a MHCP.
In Australia, this plan allows you to claim your money back on up to 10 therapy sessions within a calendar year. Basically, the government will float cash back your way ($89.65 if you see a registered psychologist like me) after each appointment.
Services Australia: Better Access Initiative Information Page
HOW DO I GET A MHCP?
Let’s walk through this Together...
Step 1:
Visit your GP or psychiatrist. Talk about your mental health concerns and mention that you’re keen on speaking further with a professional. You’ll likely be asked to complete a questionnaire so your GP can suss the scope of your concerns at hand. This is important info for your future psychologist.
Step 2:
Your GP will write up a referral (p.s. This works the exact same when they refer you anywhere e.g., to a specialist). Your GP might have connections with psychologists and recommend them to you. However, you can always tell them of the name of the psychologist you’d like to see.
Step 3:
DONE – you’ve obtained your MHCP. Next, just book in an appointment with your therapist.
The difference between a GP referral letter and MHCP
You can think of a GP letter as a cover letter addressed to your specific psychologist. It tells us why you’re seeing us and what type of plan you’re on (Initial or Review) along with the number of sessions with a psychologist you’re eligible for. A referral also has your GP details, including their Provider number and signature. (Ps. Your MHCP is not valid without this).
You can think of your MHCP as your CV. It’s a more structured doc with specific sections for your GP to fill out regarding your current concerns and medical history. It will specify a Medicare item number – this tells your therapist what type of plan it is. This also needs to be signed and dated by your GP.
Breaking down the different referrals – aka what they should include and what they give you
Initial plan:
When do I need to get a new referral and MHCP?
Once you’ve used up all your sessions. E.g., your initial plan is 6 sessions, followed by a review plan which gives you another 4 sessions.
How can I check how many sessions I have left on my MHCP?
Easy: Jump onto MyGov and click through to Medicare. Then head to the ‘History and statements’ tab and click ‘Medicare claims history’. This will show you all your processed claims with your therapist.
Processing your own Medicare rebates
Medicare rebate claims will be left in your capable hands. This way, you’re always in control of receiving your rebates (and in a timely manner).
This process is made easy by using the Express Plus mobile app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-download-and-set-up-express-plus-medicare-mobile-app?context=37386
Step 2: Check that your bank details are up-to-date for your Medicare rebate to be paid into.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-online-account-help-update-your-bank-account-details
Step 3: To make your claim, you will need your invoice (from us) with all relevant details of your session. This includes: cost, payment, provider number, etc. All the info you need will be included in the invoice we email you. You invoice will be sent out to you after you complete & pay for your session.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help/medicare/submit-medicare-claim-using-your-online-account
No MHCP? No worries.
Therapy is for anyone curious about their mental health, who’d enjoy engaging in preventative work or have a general check-in a.k.a not faced with problems necessarily at mental health disorder level- with or without a MHCP.
You can think of a GP letter as a cover letter addressed to your specific psychologist. It tells us why you’re seeing us and what type of plan you’re on (Initial or Review) along with the number of sessions with a psychologist you’re eligible for. A referral also has your GP details, including their Provider number and signature. (Ps. Your MHCP is not valid without this).
You can think of your MHCP as your CV. It’s a more structured doc with specific sections for your GP to fill out regarding your current concerns and medical history. It will specify a Medicare item number – this tells your therapist what type of plan it is. This also needs to be signed and dated by your GP.
Breaking down the different referrals – aka what they should include and what they give you
Initial plan:
- Used when you first visit your GP and works alongside your MHCP
- Includes: The type of referral, the number of sessions you can access, your GPs provider number, address, phone number, full name and signature
- Used when you have had 6 sessions with your therapist
- Includes: GP details (provider number, address, phone number, full name and signature), Medicare item number or the type of plan (e.g., Review), number of sessions and gets addressed to The Indigo Project
When do I need to get a new referral and MHCP?
Once you’ve used up all your sessions. E.g., your initial plan is 6 sessions, followed by a review plan which gives you another 4 sessions.
How can I check how many sessions I have left on my MHCP?
Easy: Jump onto MyGov and click through to Medicare. Then head to the ‘History and statements’ tab and click ‘Medicare claims history’. This will show you all your processed claims with your therapist.
Processing your own Medicare rebates
Medicare rebate claims will be left in your capable hands. This way, you’re always in control of receiving your rebates (and in a timely manner).
This process is made easy by using the Express Plus mobile app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-download-and-set-up-express-plus-medicare-mobile-app?context=37386
Step 2: Check that your bank details are up-to-date for your Medicare rebate to be paid into.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-online-account-help-update-your-bank-account-details
Step 3: To make your claim, you will need your invoice (from us) with all relevant details of your session. This includes: cost, payment, provider number, etc. All the info you need will be included in the invoice we email you. You invoice will be sent out to you after you complete & pay for your session.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/online-help/medicare/submit-medicare-claim-using-your-online-account
No MHCP? No worries.
Therapy is for anyone curious about their mental health, who’d enjoy engaging in preventative work or have a general check-in a.k.a not faced with problems necessarily at mental health disorder level- with or without a MHCP.