In Australia, mental health care plans also known as Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP) serve as a vital tool to manage any individual’s mental well-being effectively. This plan helps people suffering from anxiety, depression, insomnia or any other mental health disorder to lead a better life with expert guidance.
The need for mental health care plans
According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, almost 50% of Australian adults will face ill-mental health at some point in their lives. According to AIHW, 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental disorder, 17% of Australians experience an anxiety disorder, 3% have an issue with a substance disorder, and 1 in 7 children and adolescents experience a mental illness. The Australian government has introduced the Mental Health Treatment Plan to address these mental health concerns. This plan is part of the country's universal healthcare initiative and ensures affordable access to mental healthcare for all Australians.What is a mental health care plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a foundational tool in Australia that provides structured and comprehensive support for individuals with mental health issues. A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist typically develops the MHCP collaboratively with the patient. The plan outlines the individual's mental health needs, treatment goals, and the specific interventions or services required to address them. The MHCP acts as a roadmap for accessing necessary treatment and support services, ensuring a coordinated approach to mental healthcare. These plans are reviewed regularly to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment approach.How do mental health treatment plans work?
Mental health treatment plans are created in collaboration between the patient and their GP. The plan outlines the patient's mental health condition, their specific issues, recommended treatment, and any necessary referrals. The MHCP serves as a central point of reference for everyone involved, ensuring everyone is aligned in supporting the individual's mental health journey. With a mental health treatment plan, individuals are eligible for 10 individual counselling sessions and 10 group counselling sessions per calendar year. Mental health treatment plans are not static documents; they are reviewed and monitored regularly. Healthcare providers assess the individual's progress periodically, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment approach. This ensures the plan remains responsive to the individual's evolving needs. The treatment plan incorporates a range of tailored interventions designed to address the individual's specific mental health needs. These may include counselling, therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and referrals to specialist services or support groups. Each intervention is carefully chosen to support the individual's recovery journey.Benefits of mental health care plans
In addition to providing access to subsidised or free mental healthcare, Mental Health Treatment Plans offer an excellent starting point for improving well-being. A plan can:- Empower you to take charge of your mental health
- Provide clarity and understanding of your emotions and experiences
- Foster a sense of connection and support
- Break down complex challenges into manageable steps.
Eligibility for a mental health treatment plan
In Australia, individuals are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan under the Medicare system. Eligibility is primarily based on a diagnosed mental health condition and its impact on daily life. Generally, individuals experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues qualify for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. To be assessed for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and receive rebates, you must have a valid Medicare card. Without a Medicare card, you won't be eligible for a rebate-assessed assessment or a Medicare-subsidised MHTP.Don’t have a Medicare card?
If you qualify for Medicare but lack a Medicare card, you can apply through the Services Australia website. To be eligible for Medicare, you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia. Once you obtain a Medicare card, you can then proceed with requesting a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Without a Medicare card, you have the option to schedule a private appointment and consult with a mental health-trained doctor regarding your concerns at any time. They can still provide guidance on a general plan for your safety and well-being, even if it does not include rebated sessions.How to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
To obtain a Mental Health Care Plan, individuals can schedule a telehealth appointment with a GP or an online doctor to discuss their mental health concerns. During the consultation, the healthcare provider will assess the individual's condition, develop a comprehensive understanding of their needs, and collaborate with them to create a tailored treatment plan. At Hola, Mental health treatment plans are 100% Medicare bulk billed. You can speak to an online GP and request a tailored mental health treatment plan from the comfort of your home.Other low-cost counselling and mental health support in Australia
In Australia, there are many organisations and government-led services to ensure all Australians can get mental health help when needed. These include community health centres, non-profit organisations, online counselling platforms, and government-funded programs such as Headspace and Beyond Blue. Here are some of the mental health support organisations in Australia:- Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
- Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support. Call 1300 659 467.
- Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
- MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood, or depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
- Head to Health connects you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) provides support for postnatal and prenatal depression, stress, or trauma. Call 1300 726 306.
- Blue Knot Foundation is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support to adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380.
- MensLine Australia is a professional telephone counselling service taking care of men’s mental health. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.
- Kids Helpline is Australia's only free 24/7 confidential counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 – 25. Call 1800 55 1800.
- headspace provides support to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, or chat online.
- SANE Australia addresses complex mental health issues. Call 1800 187 263 or chat online.
- 13YARN provides 24/7 free and confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Call 13 92 76.
- Thirrili provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the aftermath of suicide or other fatal critical incidents. Call 1800 805 801, 24 hours/7 days a week.
- QLife provides support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 527.
- Butterfly National Helpline is available for anyone in Australia concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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