How do I get a Mental Health Plan?
Unsure if you should seek help?
If you are unsure if you should reach out for help and want to check whether what you are experiencing is something you should talk to your GP about, think about taking a look at the Online Clinic at Black Dog Institute first - note this does not replace professional help, just gives you some guidance of what steps to start taking.
Starting by having a chat with your GP
It might be hard starting to have a conversation about your mental health, but rest assured, your GP will understand this is tricky. It is best to be as honest as you can.
If you need help finding a GP consider using a website like Health Direct:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services
Tell your doctor:
Your symptoms, thoughts, and feelings
Any circumstances that might affect your mental health
Your concerns, including privacy concerns
How your feelings have affected your life
Talking about your mental health can be hard. You can bring a family member or close friend for support. They can help explain your situation and remember the discussions with the doctor.
What Questions Will My Doctor Ask Me?
It's possible that mental health assessments will require multiple visits. Your doctor will aim to understand you better in order to offer the most effective support. They may ask about your:
Lifestyle choices
Goals
Physical health
Financial circumstances
Cultural background
Work or school environment
Medications
Family history of physical and mental illness
Psychological or emotional experiences
It's helpful to communicate any treatment preferences to your doctor. Your GP will assess whether a mental health treatment plan suits your needs, including your health care requirements, goals, treatment options, and referrals to other healthcare professionals for additional treatment or a clearer diagnosis.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?
To get the most out of your visit, ask questions. Writing a list before the visit can help. Some good questions to start with are:
What are all of my options?
Is it normal to feel like this?
What is my condition?
What do you think are the best options for me?
How much better might I feel?
When might I feel better?
It's crucial to understand what your doctor tells you. If something isn't clear, ask for an explanation. Doctors are happy to clarify.
Medicare
Medicare rebates are available for people diagnosed with a mental health disorder and who have a mental health care plan. These rebates include up to 10 individual therapy sessions. If you aren’t eligible for Medicare, you will pay the full cost. If you are eligible, Medicare covers some or all of the cost.
Alternatives to a Mental Health Plan
There may be other ways in which you can see a psychologist, such as with a General Practitioner Management Plan (GPMP), which offers support for individuals dealing with chronic medical conditions by offering a structured approach to healthcare. A GPMP is a mutually agreed-upon action plan between you and your GP. This plan:
Identifies your health and care requirements;
Outlines the services your GP will provide; and
Lists steps you can take to manage your condition.
You will need to have a check in with a nurse at your clinic, where they can help you decide what services you may like to help support you. You will then meet again with your GP to sign off these services. Any questions, please bring these to your GPs attention. You may get up to 5 subsidised sessions with this plan.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-doctor-gp-about-mental-health