A Mental Health Care Plan (also known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan or MHTP) is your gateway to Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions with nothing to pay at any point. The psychologists listed under Medicare on this site bulk bill — meaning you pay nothing before, during, or after your appointment.
💡 All psychologists listed under Medicare on this site have confirmed they bulk bill. You will not pay anything at any point.
✓Already have a plan? Book now
If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you do not need to do anything else. Simply:
- Search for a Medicare bulk-billing psychologist near you on this site
- Call or book online and tell them you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan
- Attend your session — the psychologist bulk bills Medicare so you pay nothing at any point
Your plan entitles you to up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year (source). After 6 sessions, your psychologist will recommend a review with your GP who may refer for additional sessions if needed.
→Don't have a plan yet? Here's how to get one
Step 1: Book a GP appointment
Call your regular GP clinic and tell the receptionist you'd like to discuss your mental health and request a Mental Health Care Plan. Book a longer appointment (20–30 minutes) — a standard 10-minute consult is usually not enough time.
Step 2: Talk to your GP
Your GP will ask about how you've been feeling, how long it's been going on, and how it's affecting your daily life. Be honest and open — this helps your GP determine the right support for you. Your GP may also ask you to complete a brief questionnaire (such as a K10 or PHQ-9) to assess your symptoms.
Step 3: Get your plan
If your GP determines that psychological support would help, they will:
- Create a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP — officially listed on your Medicare record as a Mental Health Care Plan)
- Discuss a referral to a psychologist (you can choose your own from this site)
- Explain how many sessions you are approved for (typically 6 initially, with a review for up to 10 total)
Step 4: Find a psychologist
Use this site to find a Medicare bulk-billing psychologist near you. All Medicare-listed psychologists here bulk bill — meaning you pay nothing at any point. Filter by location, speciality, or availability to find the right fit.
Step 5: Book your first session
Contact the psychologist, let them know you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan, and book your first appointment. The psychologist will verify your plan through Medicare and bulk bill for your sessions.
📋 You can take your Mental Health Care Plan to any Medicare-registered psychologist. You do not need a new referral to change psychologists.
Have questions? Here are the answers
Can I change psychologists? Yes — you can take your Mental Health Care Plan to any Medicare-registered psychologist. You do not need a new referral.
What if I need more than 10 sessions? After 6 sessions, your psychologist will recommend a review with your GP, who may refer for additional sessions. In exceptional circumstances, your GP can apply for Medicare-subsidised sessions beyond 10.
Is telehealth covered? Yes — Medicare covers telehealth psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative (source). Many psychologists on this site offer both in-person and telehealth appointments.
Do I need a new plan every year? Yes — Mental Health Treatment Plans are valid for 12 months (source). You'll need to see your GP for a new plan each calendar year to continue accessing sessions.
Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan with a private psychologist? Yes — a Mental Health Care Plan (MHTP) works with any psychologist who registers with Medicare. However, not all psychologists bulk bill. The psychologists on this site have confirmed they bulk bill — so you pay nothing at any point.
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