Mental Health Care Plan – 100% Bulk-Billed

A Mental Health Treatment Plan, formerly known as a Mental Health Care Plan, is an important component of Australia’s healthcare system under Medicare. It is designed to support people with mental health conditions. A Mental Health Care Plan gives information on the patient’s diagnosis, medication, and treatment suggested by the GP. The telehealth appointments with Hola are 100% Medicare bulk billed.

A Mental Health Treatment Plan does not have an expiration date once it is initially created. Changes to the plan could be done by the GP periodically, depending on the patient’s condition, their progress and any new developments or symptoms that arise. When a Medicare rebate is applied, a patient is eligible for 10 individual and 10 group sessions per calendar year, if the condition demands. These sessions will be replenished every calendar year.

A Mental Health Care Plan is accessible to individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more. This is applicable for people from different age groups, such as teenagers, adults and older people alike.

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.

If there are any noticeable changes in your symptoms or behaviour, you might need a new plan. The frequency with which a planned treatment is reviewed could be discussed with your GP. Depending on the medical concern involved and its complexity, your GP may initially prepare the Mental Health Treatment Plan for a year and subsequently review it every 3 or 6 months.

If your GP thinks it is necessary, medication may be recommended as part of your treatment plan for mental health issues. This could involve your doctor prescribing medication directly or referring you to a psychiatrist who can assess and prescribe medication if necessary.

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. 

At Hola Health, the Mental Health Treatment Plan is 100% Bulk Billed, i.e., the consultation comes at $0 for valid Medicare cardholders. A hold of $63 is placed on your credit card and refunded after the appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment or do not attend, the $63 will be charged to your credit card.

At Hola Health, bulk billing is applied automatically if you are eligible for the mental health plan. Simply provide your Medicare details during booking. If you meet the requirements, the claim will be processed by Hola on your behalf.  Since there is no upfront fee for the consultation (patients pay nothing), the Medicare rebate will be paid to Hola directly.

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 Mental Health Treatment Plan will be given by a GP if the patient’s condition warrants it. In case the GP is not able to provide the plan, they will explain why your situation does not require a Mental Health Treatment Plan and will suggest alternate treatment options to solve the mental health concern. If you disagree with this decision, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

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