Referrals and Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP)

Getting Started: The Basics

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?

It is a structured plan developed by your GP to help you manage mental health concerns. It outlines your goals and strategies for improvement. This plan allows you to claim Medicare rebates for psychology services.

How do I get a plan and referral?

You need to book an appointment with your GP. They will assess your needs and, if eligible, create the MHTP and write a referral letter for a psychologist.

Note: A psychologist cannot see you under Medicare with just the MHTP; they must have a valid referral letter as well.

Your Sessions

How many sessions can I have?

You can receive up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year (January 1 to December 31).

How are the sessions split up?

Sessions are usually broken into two "courses of treatment":

  • Initial Referral: Usually covers your first 6 sessions.

  • Subsequent Referral: After your first 6 sessions, you can get a referral for the remaining 4 sessions to reach your 10-session limit.

What happens after my first 6 sessions?

Your psychologist will write a report back to your GP.

You must then visit your GP for a review.

The GP will decide if you need further treatment and provide a new referral for more sessions if required.

Common Questions

Do my sessions expire on December 31st?

No. Mental health referrals do not expire at the end of the year. If you have unused sessions, they carry over into the next year. However, any session you use in the new year will count towards that year's 10-session limit.

What makes a referral "valid"?

To ensure your Medicare rebate is processed smoothly, your GP's referral letter must include:

  • Your name, date of birth, and address.

  • A request for psychological treatment.

  • The number of sessions (maximum 6 at a time).

  • An eligible diagnosis or symptoms.

  • The GP’s signature, date, and practice details.

Can I keep the same plan for a long time?

Yes. You can continue on the same MHTP indefinitely, and your GP can update it over the years as needed.

GP Referral Checklist

To claim your Medicare rebate, your GP's referral letter must include these specific details:

  • [ ] Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, and current address.

  • [ ] GP Details: The GP's signature, the date of the referral, and either the practice address or the GP's provider number.

  • [ ] Request for Service: A clear statement requesting the provision of psychological treatment.

  • [ ] Number of Sessions: A specific number of sessions (usually 6 for your first referral).

  • [ ] Plan Confirmation: A statement confirming that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) has been created.

  • [ ] Diagnosis: An eligible diagnosis or list of symptoms.