Mental Health Care Plans Explained
- VHC team
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Mental Health Care Plans (often shortened to MHCP) are one of the ways people in Australia access Medicare-subsidised mental health support. They can feel confusing at first, so we hope to break it down today!
What we unpack:
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document created by a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia which provides access to subsidised mental health treatment through Medicare.
It provides a structured framework for GPs to:
assess and manage mental health concerns
support early intervention
refer you to mental health professionals
How many sessions do you get?
A Mental Health Care Plan gives you access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year.
This is usually structured as:
6 sessions to start, then
4 additional sessions after a review with your GP
The exact timing isn’t fixed and can vary depending on your GP and your individual needs.
What does the usual timeline look like?
While everyone’s experience is slightly different, a typical MHCP journey looks something like this:
You see your GP and receive a Mental Health Care Plan
You attend your initial therapy sessions (usually up to 6)
You see your GP for a review
You can then access the final 4 Medicare-rebated sessions
If you’ve used the sessions on your current referral and haven’t yet reached 10 sessions for the calendar year, you can return to your GP for a review and access the remaining sessions, up to a total of 10 per year.
What if I don’t use all 10 sessions in one year?
If you don’t use all your sessions before the end of the year:
unused sessions roll over
you still can’t access more than 10 sessions per calendar year
If you’re ever unsure where you’re up to, your GP or the myGov website are the best places to check.
Can I continue therapy after my MHCP sessions?
Absolutely!
Many people choose to continue therapy beyond their Medicare-rebated sessions by paying privately. A MHCP doesn’t lock you into a set number of sessions; it simply outlines what Medicare can subsidise.
What about GP Chronic Condition Management Plans?
In addition to Mental Health Care Plans, some people may also be eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously known as a Chronic Disease Management or CDM plan).
These plans are for people with:
a chronic or terminal condition
conditions that require ongoing, coordinated care
A Chronic Condition Management Plan can provide access to up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health appointments per calendar year.
Allied health services may include:
If navigating plans, rebates, or referrals feels overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Feel free to contact our team to learn out more.
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