Mental Health Care Plan – 100% Bulk-Billed

With Hola, a GP can help you create a Mental Health Care Plan if needed. This plan outlines your symptoms, diagnosis, and the treatment your GP recommends. You can also get referrals to mental health professionals like psychologists and counsellors, who can give you specialised therapy and support.

A Mental Health Care Plan may give you access to up to 10 individual sessions and 10 group sessions each year. Your GP will usually start you with 6 sessions and review your progress before approving the remaining ones.

A Mental Health Care Plan is a full treatment plan created with your GP. It’s meant for people experiencing mental health challenges and includes your diagnosis, treatment goals, and next steps.

A GP referral is simpler — it’s a document your GP gives you when you need to see a specialist (like a psychologist or psychiatrist). It includes information about your condition and why you’re being referred.

You can ask the GP to suggest a psychologist nearby or conduct your research and find someone who will suit your needs, such as specialisation, location, etc. Even if the referral specifies a particular psychologist’s name, you are not bound to that recommendation. The referral gives access to subsidised sessions with a psychologist, regardless of whether you choose the recommended professional or one of your choices.

If your GP thinks it is necessary, your Mental health appointment can encompass referrals to a diverse range of mental health specialists and allied health professionals. These referrals may extend to professionals such as: 

• Psychiatrists – who can provide assessment and medication management if needed
• Psychologists – who offer therapeutic interventions tailored to your needs
• Social workers – who provide support and guidance
• Occupational therapists – who assist in improving daily functioning and coping strategies. 

After requesting to speak with a general practitioner for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, the health practitioner or GP will discuss your symptoms, concerns, and treatment goals. They will then tailor a Mental Health Care Plan according to your diagnosis. This plan may have a variety of treatments and support networks to address your mental health needs comprehensively.

If necessary, your GP may recommend a referral to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor. Additionally, they might prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle modifications, and discuss self-help strategies appropriate to your situation.

As part of ongoing care, your treatment plan will be periodically reviewed and adjusted by your GP to assess your progress and make any necessary modifications to your treatment regimen. This ensures that your care remains aligned with your evolving needs and continues to support your journey toward improved mental well-being.

A carer can be allowed to participate in 2 Mental Health Sessions per calendar year. Please refer to Services Australia for more information.