Medicare

Getting a Mental Health Care Plan from your doctor can help reduce costs too.

The counsellor you have selected may offer a rebate for their counselling service through Medicare for those with a mental health care plan. A mental health care plan is a type of referral given by your doctor. Each person’s needs are different and a care plan will put in writing the support you can expect from those whom you are receiving the help from and in turn they are aware of what their responsibilities are.

Your Mental Health Care Plan: how it works

It is not essential to have the MHCP prior to attending a counselling session.

However for some particular therapists, it enables you to claim a rebate from the counselling service so there is a reduced cost for the session.

  • Contact a member of our friendly Life Supports team to organise an appointment

  • Organise an appointment with your doctor and take the information sent to you regarding your appointment with the Life Supports therapist.

  • We will inform you whether your therapist has Medicare rebate eligibility. If so, organise your mental health care plan with your doctor

  • Your doctor will offer you a copy of the plan and will keep a copy as a confidential record. You should advise your doctor if there is any information you do not want other people to know

  • The referral will be given to the therapist and you will be eligible to claim your rebate through Medicare

  • Assist you to set and achieve your goals
  • Make sure your therapist and your doctor are working towards the same goals
  • Help you to manage your long-term care in a coherent and straightforward manner
  • Help to monitor progress and change
  • Help to provide the most beneficial treatment options
  • Provide life-saving information in emergencies

People who are experiencing difficulties with their thoughts, emotions, behaviour, social skills or decision making are eligible to receive a mental health care plan, which will entitle you to claim a rebate through Medicare for certain therapists. In order to receive a mental health care plan, the person may be experiencing issues such as, but not limited to:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger management
  • Significant grief
  • Sleep problems
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Feeling overwhelmed by life

A mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 10 sessions per calendar year with some particular mental health professionals.

To make an enquiry or booking, please call 1300 735 030.

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