GP Mental Health Plan
The burden of mental health in Australia continues to climb. According to Beyond Blue, 1 in 7 Australians suffer from depression in their lifetime. 1 in 4 will suffer from anxiety. (1)

Seeing your GP is one of the first steps in seeking help for your mental illness. A GP Mental Health Plan can provide access for 6 subsidised visits to see a psychologist per calender year. If your GP reviews this mental health plan, you may be able to access an additional 4 visits. Until the 30th June 2022, as a result of the COVID pandemic, patients can access an additionl 10 psychology sessions per calender year. 

Medicare requirements for a GP Menthal Health Plan are as follows:
a. Spend at least 20 minutes with your GP to discuss the plan. Sometimes a these visits can last more than 40 minutes depending on the complexity.
Your GP will advise of any costs. 
b. A K10 assessment (or similar). 
c. A previous GP Mental Health Plan has not been billed by any GP in the last 12 months. If you are unsure, you can check myGov or call your previous GP to confirm the date of your last mental health plan.

Due to the time and complexities required to complete a GP Mental Health Plan,  we charge a private fee. Please see the fees listed on Schedule of Fees page. If you have a Medicare card, you are able to claim back the Medicare rebate with our Tyro system or alternatively, you can claim your rebate on the MyGov website.

With the current pandemic, existing patients who have physically been at the practice in the last 12 months can have their mental health plan done via video consultation.  For those who have not been at the practice for over 12 months or new patients will be required to present to the practice. For more information please discuss with reception on 02 97743388. 

More Information
K10 Assessment
Fact Sheet for Patients: Better Access to Psychologist and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule
​Additional 10 MBS mental health support sessions during COVID-19