Online GP Referrals:
Mental Health Care Plans

Get your Mental Health Care Plan and Medicare rebates through telehealth. Learn about online GP services, costs, and how to access psychological therapy with Medicare support.

Online GP referrals and mental health care plans

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Introduction

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a structured support plan developed between you and a GP to manage mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions. It enables you to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year with eligible mental health professionals.

This comprehensive guide explains how to obtain your MHCP through online GP services, the costs involved, Medicare rebates available, and reviews the most popular telehealth platforms offering these services across Australia.

Mental Health Care Plans Overview

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is essential for accessing affordable psychological therapy in Australia. It provides:

  • Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of your mental health needs
  • Referral: Written referral to a qualified mental health professional
  • Medicare Access: Enables rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year
  • Ongoing Support: Review and monitoring of your progress

With an MHCP, you can access evidence-based psychological therapies including CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy with Medicare subsidies significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.

How It Works

Getting an MHCP online is straightforward and convenient. Follow these four simple steps:

1. Book a Telehealth Appointment

Choose an online GP service that offers MHCP assessments. Many platforms offer bulk-billed appointments for eligible Medicare cardholders, making it affordable and accessible.

2. Consult with a GP

During the 20-30 minute appointment, discuss your mental health concerns openly. The GP will assess your situation and determine if an MHCP is appropriate for your needs.

3. Receive Your MHCP and Referral

If eligible, the GP will create an MHCP and provide a referral to a mental health professional. This enables Medicare rebates for your therapy sessions.

4. Book Your Therapy Sessions

Use the referral to schedule sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional. You can choose any registered professional who accepts Medicare referrals.

Costs and Medicare Rebates

Understanding the costs involved helps you budget for your mental health care.

MHCP Consultation Costs

  • Bulk-Billed: Many online GP platforms offer $0 out-of-pocket MHCP appointments for eligible Medicare cardholders
  • Private Fee: Some services charge $120-150, with Medicare rebates covering most of the cost

Psychology Session Medicare Rebates (2025)

Provider Type Medicare Rebate
Clinical Psychologist $145.25 per session
General Psychologist $98.95 per session
Session Limit Up to 10 sessions per calendar year

Note: Additional sessions may be available after a GP review. Actual costs vary depending on the psychologist's fees.

Online GP Clinics

Several reputable online GP services offer Mental Health Care Plan assessments across Australia:

Popular Telehealth Platforms

  • Qoctor: Bulk-billed MHCP appointments with quick booking and experienced mental health GPs
  • Hola Health: 100% bulk-billed assessments with no waiting lists
  • Healthengine: Large network of doctors, both bulk-billed and private options
  • Doctors on Demand: Same-day appointments often available with Medicare rebates
  • GP2U / PSYCH2U: Comprehensive platform with direct access to psychologists and psychiatrists
  • InstantScripts: Quick turnaround telehealth consultations
  • Teldoc: Experienced telehealth platform with mental health specialization
  • Wombat Health: Flexible provider selection with care coordination

Choosing the Right Service

When selecting an online GP service, consider cost (bulk-billing availability), appointment availability (some offer same-day), GP experience in mental health, and whether they provide ongoing care coordination. Most platforms allow you to review GP profiles before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, or other psychological concerns, you may be eligible. A GP will assess your situation during the consultation and determine if an MHCP is appropriate for your needs.

Medicare covers up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year. Initially, you may be referred for 6 sessions, with an additional 4 sessions available after a review with your GP. This review helps assess your progress and determine if further sessions are needed.

Yes, you can choose any registered mental health professional who accepts Medicare referrals. This includes psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. You're not limited to a specific provider and can shop around to find the right fit.

An MHCP does not expire, but you are entitled to a new plan every 12 months if needed. The 10-session limit resets each calendar year, so you can access another 10 sessions with a new or updated plan.

You can use any of the online GP services listed above to obtain an MHCP. These telehealth platforms are specifically designed to help people access mental health care plans without needing an existing relationship with a GP.

Most online consultations take 20-30 minutes, and you'll typically receive your MHCP and referral immediately after the consultation or within 24 hours. Some services offer same-day appointments.

Ready to Get Your Mental Health Care Plan?

Start your mental health journey today with an online GP consultation and find qualified therapists in your area.

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References and Resources

  1. Services Australia - Medicare Benefits Schedule - Medicare mental health services
  2. Australian Government Department of Health - Better Access initiative
  3. Australian Psychological Society - www.psychology.org.au
  4. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners - www.racgp.org.au
  5. Telehealth Australia - Government telehealth information

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding mental health concerns or treatment options. Ensure you have a valid Medicare card to access rebates. Costs and services may vary between providers.