What a Mental Health Treatment Plan is
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a document your GP prepares after assessing you. It is not a referral letter — it is a formal plan that unlocks Medicare rebates for psychological sessions.
How to get one
Book a longer appointment with your GP and say you would like to discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The GP will assess you, complete the plan and write a referral. You can request a referral to a specific psychologist at our practice, or a general referral.
How many sessions it covers
Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Your GP typically refers for six at a time and reviews before the remaining four.
What you will pay
You pay our full fee at the appointment and Medicare pays the rebate back into your bank account, usually within 48 hours. The difference between the two is your out-of-pocket cost, or 'gap'. Reception will tell you both numbers before you book — please ask.
We are not a bulk billing practice. Very few private psychology practices in the Territory are.
Other ways to have some or all of it covered
- Private health insurance — extras cover, if your policy includes psychology. You cannot claim both Medicare and private health for the same session.
- Employee Assistance Program — free to you, paid for by your employer.
- Workers compensation, Motor Accident Commission, Victims of Crime NT, NT Police Fire and Emergency Services, NTG employees — all have arrangements with our practice.
- NDIS — self-managed and plan-managed participants can use their plan.
Counselling without a referral
You do not need a referral or a plan to see us. You will simply pay the full fee. Many people start this way, then get a plan later.