Mental Health

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a state of mental wellbeing that allows people to cope with the normal stresses of life, realise their abilities, work and learn effectively, and contribute to their community. It is a fundamental part of overall health, shaping how we think, feel, and behave.

Some common mental health conditions include:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Schizophrenia

  • Bipolar disorder

  • ADHD

  • Eating disorders

  • PTSD

Better Access Initiative

The Better Access Initiative is a government program that provides Medicare benefits to eligible patients for mental health treatment services. Through this program, patients can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual and 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year (1 January to 31 December).

While sessions may not always be bulk-billed, patients will receive a rebate for the 10 eligible visits. If you wish to attend more than 10 sessions, you may do so, but Medicare rebates will not apply.

To access these benefits, patients must have:

  • A Mental Health Treatment Plan

  • A referral to an eligible allied health practitioner

Mental Health Treatment Plan

A mental health treatment plan (also called a mental health care plan) is designed for people experiencing a mental health condition. The plan outlines:

  • Treatment options

  • Available support services

  • Agreed-upon goals between the patient and their GP

Your GP will assess your mental health to determine whether a treatment plan would be beneficial. This usually involves:

  • Completing a questionnaire

  • Asking a few questions about your mental health

  • Preparing the mental health treatment plan

  • Discussing your personal goals

  • Providing a referral to a mental health professional

Sometimes, a diagnosis and treatment plan may require a few visits to your GP.

Once your mental health treatment plan is in place, it’s important to check in with your GP regularly throughout the year for ongoing support and adjustments.