Mental Health Care Plans: A guide to understanding GP MHCP referrals
Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in our modern, Western society. This began with first acknowledging mental health concerns and has moved to the practical steps that an individual can take to better understand, manage, and treat their mental health. The importance of the management of mental health conditions is recognised, not only on an individual level, but also a federal level with Medicare’s ‘Better Access Initiative’ that aims to support individuals to access mental health services through the creation of the Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This structured approach aims to help you and your GP to create a roadmap to maintain and improve mental well-being. But what exactly is a Mental Health Care Plan? In this article, we explore the significance of Mental Health Care Plans, how they work, and why they are a key component of comprehensive mental wellness.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A mental health care plan is a personalised document designed to guide the treatment and management of an individual’s mental health needs. It serves as a framework for addressing mental health conditions, setting achievable goals, and providing strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
The Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a part of Medicare’s ‘Better Access Initiative’ that aims to support individuals to access 10 Medicare rebates per calendar year on mental health services.
The MHCP is a document created by your GP with you, that outlines your mental health needs and strategies for managing them.
The MHCP must be accompanied by a referral from your GP, that is made out to the clinic you are attending.
Your first referral is valid for 6 sessions and then you can visit your GP again for a MHCP review to receive another referral for the next 4 sessions.
Once we have a copy of your GP referral and MHCP, we can claim a Medicare rebate for you which will reduce the out-of-pocket cost of appointments. Your psychologist will also write to your GP to keep them informed of your progress/any challenges encountered and recommendations for further care.
Why Are Mental Health Care Plans Important?
Personalised Approach: A mental health care plan is tailored specifically to the individual, which makes it a highly personalised and targeted strategy for addressing mental health concerns.
Provides Structure and Direction: Mental Health Care Plans provide structure, ensuring that individuals have a clear path forward. This can be especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by the complexity of mental health issues, offering them a sense of control over their situation.
Enhances Communication: Mental health care plans improve communication between patients, healthcare providers, and support networks. They help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals, fostering a collaborative approach to mental health management.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to Access Support?
Although you do not need a Mental Health Care Plan to access support from a psychologist, it can help with the out-of-pocket costs associated with appointments and it ensures collaboration between your GP and psychologist to best support you. With this said, you are more than welcome to see us privately and pay a private fee for appointments.
Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan for an Assessment?
Mental Health Care Plans are only available to those seeking therapy and intervention and cannot be used to obtain rebates on assessments. There are other referral options available for assessments that you may wish to explore with your GP and/or Paediatrician.
Mental Health Care Plans are extremely useful tools in fostering mental wellness and managing mental health conditions. MHCPs encourage holistic, collaborative care for you, and also assist in managing the costs associated with accessing high quality support. If you have any questions about Mental Health Care Plans or the most appropriate funding for your sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly admin team at See Hear Speak.
To see if you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, please book an appointment with your GP.