A mental health care plan is a plan for people with a mental disorder. If you have a disorder, your doctor can write out this plan.
It identifies what type of health care you need, and spells out what you and your doctor have agreed you are aiming to achieve.
Who is eligible for a mental health care plan?
A mental health care plan is available to you if you have a mental disorder that has been diagnosed by a doctor.
There are a wide range of disorders such as:
- depression,
- anxiety,
- stress,
- schizophrenia and
- bipolar disorder.
Each disorder varies in its severity. The effect of mental illness can be severe on the individuals and families concerned, and its influence is far-reaching for society as a whole.
If you are concerned about your mental health or that of a family member, the first stop should be your doctor where you can find out which therapies and treatments are available.
How do I get a care plan?
Visit your doctor who will assess whether you have a mental disorder and whether you will benefit from a treatment plan.
Your doctor will ask a few questions, fill in the plan and set goals together with you. When you make the booking, ask if a long appointment — 20 minutes or more — is needed.
What does the care plan cover?
If you have a mental health care plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group appointments with some allied mental health services in a year. That means for certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, you are also entitled to Medicare rebates for 10 individual and support group sessions in a year.
Your doctor can also give you a referral to allied health services in your area if required.
You can’t get Medicare rebates for all 10 sessions in one go. After the first 6 appointments, you need to see your doctor again for a plan review and another referral.
For more information about mental health care plans, please contact your nearest Partnered Health Medical Centre.
