Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)? A MHTP, also known as a mental health treatment plan, is a document/report created by your GP (General Practitioner) that enables you to receive Medicare rebates (financial reimbursement for counseling sessions) when you seek assistance from a mental health professional.

Eligibility for a MHTP extends to anyone with Medicare who has experienced a mental health issue lasting longer than 6 months. This plan allows for a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year (January to December), typically divided into two sets: 6 sessions and 4 sessions. Between these sessions, it is necessary to revisit your GP for a review and to assess your progress. Your counselor will need to provide a progress letter and update your GP prior to your review.

The primary purpose of the MHTP is to help your GP identify the most suitable mental health services to address your specific needs

Here are some suggestions to facilitate the creation of your MHTP:

- Schedule a longer appointment with your GP to allow sufficient time.

- Consider completing a mental health questionnaire such as the K10 questionnaire.

- Seek recommendations from friends, family, or conduct online research to find recommended counselors.

When it comes to treatment plans, there are a few important factors to consider. In most cases, treatment plans are prepared in your doctor's office. However, if you have been discharged from a hospital, a treatment plan may also be prepared for you. The time required for creating a treatment plan depends on your healthcare professional and the complexity of your situation.

Here are some aspects to think about:

- Request a longer consultation with your doctor to allow ample time for preparing the treatment plan and discussing treatment options.

- If you wish to have a carer, family member, or someone else accompany you to the treatment plan appointments, it is advisable to inform your doctor beforehand.

During the GP appointment:

- Your GP will discuss your mental health issues and, if relevant, conduct a suicide risk survey.

- They will provide information about how the MHTP plan works.

- They may inquire about your preference for in-person counseling or telehealth sessions.

- Your GP may inform you that while you will receive a Medicare rebate, it may not cover the entire session cost due to a potential "gap fee." This fee is similar to when you see a GP who does not bulk bill, where there is a difference between the Medicare rebate and the counselor's charges. In-person consultations may have higher gap fees compared to most telehealth sessions.

- Not all counselors in Australia may be eligible for Medicare rebates, so it is crucial to inquire with your potential counselor before beginning sessions.

- Once the MHTP treatment plan is created, signed copies will be forwarded to your counselor, and you will receive a copy, marking the start of your counseling and healing process.

MHTP reviews:

Regular reviews are essential. After completing the MHTP plan, it is important for your counselor to keep your GP updated on your progress. Additionally, it is recommended to see your GP for follow-up appointments every 3-6 months to address any changes or additional treatment requirements related to your mental health concerns.

Regarding the costs of a mental health treatment plan, as mentioned earlier, the Medicare rebate per session is fixed, while the cost per session is determined by the counselor, who is the service provider. If there is a difference in cost, it is known as a gap fee. To determine these details, it is best to inquire with your service provider. If the Medicare rebate matches the service fee, it is considered a bulk-billing service provider.

Here are some questions to ask your counselor/service provider:

- Can you receive Medicare rebates with a MHTP?

- What is the cost per session

(Note that the cost of the first session might be higher for some counselors.)

- What is the gap fee?

- Do they offer in-person, telehealth, or both options? Do you have a choice in selecting the format?

- How long will each session last?

- What will be the time period between sessions? Some counselors, especially those with busy schedules, may have sessions spaced out monthly or every few months.

What happens when you have exhausted the 10 sessions?

Unfortunately, 10 sessions are not sufficient for managing significant, long-term mental health issues. However, you can still continue seeing your counselor for additional sessions, but you will be responsible for paying the full fee without any rebates. You can discuss with your counselor the possibility of fee reduction or spacing out the sessions. Another option is to extend the intervals between the last 4 sessions while exploring self-management resources for your mental health concerns.

If you are a university student, your university might offer free counseling services. Similarly, some workplaces provide free counseling through affiliated programs. It is worth exploring these options. Additionally, if you have private health insurance, you can check whether it covers counseling services.

In summary, it is important to note that a new MHTP is created every 12 months. For example, if your plan was created on April 6, 2023, it can only be renewed after April 6, 2024. However, you will receive a new set of 10 sessions automatically each year on January 1 as long as you have a valid and up-to-date MHTP created within the past 12 months.

Create MHTP (GP) -------> 6 secessions (counsellor) -------> Review (GP) -------> Further 4 sessions (counsellor)