Mental Health Care Plan Facts
There is much confusion around the number of sessions provided under a MHCTP and when a new referral can be obtained. Information is outlined below.
Obtaining a MHCP
To get a MHCP, the patient must be assessed by their GP. This usually requires a double appointment, so if you would like to be assessed for a GPMHCP, let the GP’S receptionist know this when you book the appointment.
You also need a referral letter to the psychologist you will go and see, so be sure to let the GP know who you would like this address to. The GP will then either send the referral letter to the psychologist or give it to you to give to the psychologist. The referral letter must pre-date the first session with the psychologist.
Number of sessions
Under a MHCTP, patients are eligible for up to 10 subsidised sessions a calendar year (from January to December). However, each referral is only valid for up to 6 sessions. This means, if a client would like more sessions after the first six, they need to return to their GP to get another referral.
After the first six are used, the psychologist must write a letter to the GP requesting a review and a new referral, if required. The patient then must attend an appointment in which a review is carried out and then bring documentation to the psychologist on their next appointment.
New referrals in a new calendar year
There is a lot of confusion regarding the commencement of a new calendar year and when patients can obtain a new referral (for six more sessions) if they have used all 10 sessions from the previous year. Some GPs believe the patient cannot be provided with a new referral in a new calendar year until the first MHCP is a year old. This is incorrect. The patient is entitled to 10 sessions per calendar year and this can be under an existing MHCP.
If your doctor is asking you to wait until the anniversary of your previous year’s MHCP in order to provide a new referral and six more sessions in a new calendar year, show them this link: AMA website: MHCP’s Clarified.
More detailed information for GPs concerning this process is available on the MBS Online website here.