About this Service
Mental Health Care Plans in Brunswick
Talking to a GP about your mental health can feel like a big step.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you book.
You might be feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, stressed, not sleeping well, struggling to concentrate, or simply not feeling like yourself. Whatever is going on, our GPs and on-site Psychologist from Therapy Dose are here to listen, understand what has been happening, and help you work out the next step.
At Brunswick Doctors, you can book a mental health appointment to discuss your concerns with a GP. Where appropriate, your doctor may prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and refer you to a psychologist or other mental health professional.
We know that the health care system can be difficult to navigate, so we've made this easy-to-understand guide to answer all the FAQ from patients:
What is a Mental Health Care Plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan?
What Happens During the Appointment?
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist?
How many psychology sessions can I get with a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
Can I Choose My Own Psychologist?
Can New Patients Book a Mental Health Appointment?
Do I need a longer appointment?
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan in one appointment?
Can a Mental Health Care Plan be done by telehealth?
Fees and Medicare Rebates
Will Medicare cover the full cost of seeing a psychologist?
What If I Need Help Urgently?
What is a Mental Health Care Plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A Mental Health treatment plan (MHCP/MHTP) helps eligible patients with a diagnosed mental health condition access Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional.
A plan may include:
Your main concerns
Your treatment goals
Support options
Referral options
Follow-up plans
A referral to a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional, if appropriate
If you have private health insurance, you may also wish to check with your provider about what mental health services are included in your cover.
What Happens During the Appointment?
You may be asked about how you have been feeling, how long things have been going on, and how your mental health is affecting your daily life. Your doctor may also ask about your physical health, medications, sleep, appetite, work, study, relationships and support network.
Sometimes, your GP may ask you to complete a short mental health questionnaire (k10 or dass 21).This helps your doctor better understand your symptoms and track your progress over time.
Together, you and your GP can discuss suitable next steps. This may include lifestyle supports, medication options, counselling, psychology, follow-up appointments, or a Mental Health Treatment Plan if clinically appropriate.
Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist?
No. You can choose to see a psychologist privately without a Mental Health Care Plan.
However, if you are eligible, a Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral may allow you to claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional.
This is often one of the main reasons patients book a mental health appointment with their GP.
How many Psychology Sessions Can I Get with a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan and GP referral, eligible patients will be able to claim Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist or another eligible mental health professional.
Medicare rebate are available for up to 10 sessions per calendar year, which runs from 1 January to 31 December.
You can receive up to 6 sessions with your initial referral. If you need more support after those sessions, you can book a Mental Health Care Plan Review with your GP. Where appropriate, your doctor can provide a referral for further sessions, up to the yearly Medicare limit.
Can I Choose My Own Psychologist?
Yes! If you already have a psychologist you would like to see, please bring their details to your GP appointment.
If you like the convenience of seeing both your GP and psychologist in the same clinic, our doctors can discuss whether a referral to our on-site psychologist from Therapy Dose may be suitable for you.
Therapy Dose supports people with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, PTSD, eating disorders and more.
If our on-site psychologist is not the right fit or does not have availability, your GP can talk you through other referral options as well.
Can New Patients Book a Mental Health Appointment?
Yes! New patients are welcome to book mental health appointments at Brunswick Doctors.
Same day appointments are often available.
We have put together a new patient guide so you know what to expect before your first appointment.
Click here to read our New Patient Guide!
Ready to book online?
Make an appointment with our GP now
Do I need a longer appointment?
Yes! Please book a long appointment (30 mins) so your GP has enough time to understand your concerns.
Can I get a Mental Health Care Plan in one appointment?
Sometimes, but not always. Your GP needs to complete an assessment and decide whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan is clinically appropriate. In some cases, this may take more than one appointment.
Can a Mental Health Care Plan be done by telehealth?
If you are a regular patient at our practice, some mental health appointments may be suitable for telehealth where it is safe and clinically appropriate.
If you are a new patient, it is best to book an in-person consultation so your GP can get to know you and complete a proper assessment.
Fees and Medicare Rebates
Brunswick Doctors is a private billing clinic, which means there is a fee for most appointments and services.
For Mental Health Care Plan appointments, the approximate fees are:
Upfront Cost: $176.2 - $226.45*
Medicare Rebates: $106.20 - 156.45*
Out of Pocket Fee: $70
*A $15 New Patient Fee may apply if this is your first consultation.
Fees and Medicare rebates may change from time to time.
We aim to keep the out-of-pocket cost as consistent as possible.
Will Medicare cover the full cost of seeing a psychologist?
Not always. It is important to know that psychologists and other mental health professionals set their own fees, so Medicare may only cover part of the cost. We recommend checking fees and rebates with your psychologist before your first appointment.
What If I Need Help Urgently?
Brunswick Doctors is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or feel unable to stay safe, please seek urgent support now.
Free 24-hour mental health hotlines include:
1. Lifeline - 13 11 14
2. Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467
3. Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
4. Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
5. MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78
6. 13YARN - 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support)