Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and seeking support is a vital step toward recovery and wellbeing. In Brisbane, one of the most accessible ways to obtain the required professional support is through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) — a structured and subsidised pathway to mental health services.
1. What Is a Mental Health Care Plan and Who Can Create It?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document created by a General Practitioner (GP) to support individuals experiencing mental health concerns. It outlines your symptoms, treatment goals, and referrals to mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists.
The plan is used to:
- Access Medicare-subsidised therapy sessions.
- Coordinate care between your GP and mental health professionals.
- Track progress and adjust treatment as needed.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to start the conversation. If you’ve been feeling persistently anxious, down, or overwhelmed for more than two weeks, it’s worth discussing with your GP.
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/newsroom/features/what-is-a-mental-health-care-plan-and-how-do-I-get-one
2. Eligibility Criteria & Medicare Rebates
To be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, you must:
- Be assessed by a GP as having a mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder).
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/eligibility-for-mental-health-care-plan?context=20
- Be likely to benefit from a structured treatment approach.
- Hold a valid Medicare card.
Medicare Rebates
Under the Better Access initiative, eligible individuals can claim rebates for:
- Up to 10 individual or group therapy sessions per calendar year.
- Initial referral is for 6 sessions, followed by a review for an additional 4.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092
Rebate amounts vary depending on the provider:
- A session with a clinical psychologist may cost around $250–$300, with Medicare covering $144.25.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare?context=60092
On the other hand, the rebate for a General Psychologist is $89.65
- If your provider bulk bills, you may pay nothing out-of-pocket.
3. How to Book a GP Appointment in Brisbane (Including Online Options)
Booking a GP appointment is easy and can be done online or by phone. Here are some popular platforms:
Online Booking Options:
- HotDoc – Offers real-time availability for GPs across Brisbane.
- Healthengine – Find GPs and book telehealth or in-person appointments.
- Brisbane GP Clinic – Local clinic offering mental health support and telehealth.
Tips for Booking:
- Request a long consultation to allow enough time for mental health assessment.
- Mention that you’d like to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan.
- Choose a GP with experience in mental health if possible.
4. What to Expect at Your GP Appointment & What to Bring
During the Appointment:
Your GP will:
- Ask about your symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, and how they affect your life.
- Possibly use screening tools like the K10 or DASS21 to assess your mental health.
- Discuss treatment goals and options.
- Create a personalised Mental Health Care Plan if appropriate.
- Refer you to a psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professional.
What to Bring:
- Medicare card
- Photo ID (especially if you’re a new patient)
- List of symptoms or concerns
- Any previous mental health records (if available)
Confidentiality:
Your GP will keep your information private. They may only share it with other professionals if you consent or if there’s a serious risk of harm.
Final Thoughts
Accessing a Mental Health Care Plan in Brisbane is a proactive and empowering step toward better mental health. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or more complex challenges, support is available — and often subsidised through Medicare.
If you’re unsure where to start, book a GP appointment today and take that first step. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to seek help.
For further information about, please see he links that are shown below.
- Mental health care and Medicare:
- Eligibility for a mental health care plan:
- Getting and using a mental health care plan:
- Preparing for your first appointment: