GP referrals and Mental Health Care Plans are accepted by our Perth psychologists.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is part of the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative. This is a government initiative which aims to improve outcomes for people with clinically-diagnosed mental disorder through evidence based treatments.
What mental health problems can be treated by a psychologist under the Better Access initiative?
‘Mental disorder’ is a term used to describe a range of clinically diagnosable disorders that significantly impact on a person’s emotions, thoughts, social skills and decision-making. The Better Access initiative covers people with mental disorders arising from:
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Can I go directly to a psychologist to receive treatment through Medicare?
You must be referred by your GP, your psychiatrist or paediatrician. Your GP will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. You should book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.
Can I access any psychologist with a Mental Health Care Plan?
Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care Initiative, you can only see a registered psychologist with a Medicare Provider Number who you have been referred to by your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
Can I request a referral to a specific psychologist or does my doctor have to choose?
Your doctor must first assess that you require the services of a psychologist. Your doctor may allow you to request a specific psychologist or may refer you to a registered psychologist that he/she recommends. The psychologist in question must be registered and have a Medicare Provider Number for you to be able to claim the Medicare rebate. Remember to book a double appointment with your doctor if you decide to have an assessment.
If I am already seeing a psychologist, can I access Medicare benefits?
In order to receive a Medicare rebate, you must be referred to a psychologist by an appropriate medical practitioner (GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician). The doctor must first make an assessment that you need the services of a psychologist. If you are already seeing a psychologist, discuss this with your doctor.
Where can I find further information on the Better Access to Mental Health Care?
You can visit the Department of Health and Ageing’s website or contact Medicare.
To find a psychologist and use a mental health care plan or a GP referral, contact us today.
“Medicare rebates for mental health services provided by psychologists: Information for clients”, (Australian Psychological Society), Available: https://www.psychology.org.au (Accessed: 26/03/2014) “Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients”, (Department of Health), Available: https://www.health.gov.au (Accessed: 26/03/2014)
