The Mental Health Care Plan
Here's the money-saving fact most blokes never get told: you can walk into a GP, get a Mental Health Care Plan, and start seeing a psychologist with most of the cost covered by Medicare. No private health insurance needed. This is the practical “how do I actually do it, and how do I afford it” — start to finish.
This information is general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If something here rings true for you, the best next step is a chat with your GP — and if you're in crisis right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 if life is in danger.
1. What it actually is
A Mental Health Care Plan (sometimes called a Mental Health Treatment Plan) is a plan your GP writes up that unlocks Medicare-subsidised sessionswith a psychologist, accredited mental health social worker or occupational therapist. In plain terms: it's the official key that makes proper, ongoing help a lot cheaper. As at June 2026that's a set number of individual sessions a calendar year (currently up to 10), with a GP review along the way. The exact cap and rebate can change, so check Medicare Mental Health for the current figures.
2. What it costs
Two parts. The plan is done at a GP appointment, and plenty of GPs bulk-bill it — ask the receptionist when you book whether the GP bulk-bills mental health consults. The sessions come with a Medicare rebate; some psychologists bulk-bill (you pay nothing), others charge a gap (you pay the difference). Always ask the clinic about fees upfront — there's no shame in it, and it's a normal question.
3. How to ask (the bit blokes dread)
You don't need a speech or a diagnosis. Book a longer appointment so you're not rushed, and say something like the line below. GPs do this every day — it's as routine to them as a blood-pressure check.
“I'd like to talk about how I've been going mentally — can we do a Mental Health Care Plan?”
That's the whole script. You can write it on your phone and read it out if that's easier.
4. What happens next
The GP will have a yarn about how you've been going and ask a few questions, then write the plan and refer you to a psychologist (you can often pick one, or ask for a bloke if that helps). You'll usually have a reviewwith the GP after the first handful of sessions to see how it's tracking. That's it — no big drama.
5. If you don't click with the psych
Totally normal, and not a reason to give up. The referral isn't a marriage — if the first psychologist isn't the right fit, go back to your GP and ask to try someone else. Finding someone you can actually talk to matters more than toughing it out with the wrong one.
6. No Medicare card, or the cost is still a barrier
You've still got options. Look for a bulk-billing GP and psychologist, your local community health centre, Medicare Mental Health (free services, formerly Head to Health), and headspaceif you're 12–25. And the helplines are always free, no card, no referral: Lifeline 13 11 14, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Ready to take the step?
The first move is just booking a GP appointment and saying the line above. If you'd rather talk it through with someone first, that's a good move too.
Questions blokes ask
How much does a Mental Health Care Plan cost?
The plan itself is done at a normal GP appointment, and many GPs bulk-bill it (no out-of-pocket) — ask the receptionist when you book whether the GP bulk-bills mental health consults. The psychology sessions it unlocks are partly covered by a Medicare rebate; some psychologists bulk-bill (you pay nothing), others charge a gap (you pay the difference). Always ask the clinic about fees and the gap upfront.
How many psychology sessions do you get on Medicare?
Through a Mental Health Care Plan you get a set number of Medicare-rebated individual sessions per calendar year (as at 2026 it's up to 10, with a review by your GP along the way — but the cap and rebates do change, so check Medicare Mental Health for the current number). If you use them up and still need support, talk to your GP about other options.
What do I say to my GP to get a Mental Health Care Plan?
Keep it simple and straight: "I'd like to talk about how I've been going mentally — can we do a Mental Health Care Plan?" GPs set these up every single day, you won't shock them, and you don't need to have it all worked out first. Booking a longer appointment helps so you're not rushed.
Can I change psychologist if it's not working?
Yes. The referral isn't a marriage. If you don't click with the first psychologist, or their style isn't for you, that's normal and it's okay to try someone else — go back to your GP and ask. Finding the right fit matters more than sticking it out with the wrong one.
What if I don't have a Medicare card or can't afford the gap?
There are still free options. Look for a bulk-billing GP and a bulk-billing psychologist, your local community health centre, Medicare Mental Health (free services, formerly Head to Health), and headspace if you're 12–25. And the helplines — Lifeline 13 11 14, MensLine 1300 78 99 78, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 — are always free, with no card and no referral.
Last reviewed: June 2026. Medicare session limits and rebates can change — for the current figures, check Medicare Mental Health or Services Australia.