Mental health care plan: Everything you need to know
Did you know that some psychology sessions can be covered through Medicare? If you’re struggling with your mental health, you may be able to seek expert advice for a cheaper price — here’s how.
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If you’re experiencing issues or concerns about your mental health, you may be eligible for the mental health care plan.
According to the most recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2010-2011, one-in-five people with mental illnesses had a GP mental health treatment plan.
The proportion of people with a mental health treatment plan increased from 17 per cent in 2008-09 to 20 per cent in 2010-11.
Beyond Blue lead clinical adviser and general practitioner Grant Blashki said that mental health care plans are “really effective” because they allow people to get the treatments they need.
“A lot of countries around the world are quite envious of what a good primary mental health care system [Australia] has got because it’s amazing that anyone can go along to a GP and get proper help,” Mr Blashki told the Herald Sun.
If you’re interested in getting a mental health care plan, Mr Blashki recommends speaking to your GP.
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN?
A mental health care plan is a structured plan for people who are living with a mental illness.
It identifies what type of health care someone needs and how they are going to manage it.
Care plans provide support so an individual can think clearer and feel more at peace.
They also help people work through challenges so they can cope with difficult situations.
Mr Blashki says the mental health care plan has a “structured approach”.
This is in order to check an individual’s mental health thoroughly and sort out what the best support may be.
“Your GP will get you to do a quiz or a mental health survey. They will go through things like your past medical history, mental health problems in your family, any medications you’re on and the sort of symptoms you may be having,” Mr Blashki said.
Your GP will also ask if you’re having any problems relating to sleep, relationships and work.
WHAT DOES IT COVER?
A mental health care plan provides support from experts.
It might include one-on-one sessions with a psychologist, group psychologist sessions or sessions with a social worker or another health practitioner.
If you have a mental health care plan, the Medicare rebate covers you for 10 sessions with a professional.
After the six sessions, you’re GP will hold a mental health review and decide if you need the extra four sessions.
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON THE CARE PLAN?
A list of patient’s needs are placed on the mental health care plan.
This includes their goals, treatments and any referrals from the GP.
Any arrangements for crisis intervention or relapse prevention will also included on the plan.
It’s important to note that a patients records will be added to the health care plan.
These records could also be offered to other providers if required.
On completion of the plan, a review time will set.
This is normally four weeks to six months after the plan has been completed.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
If you’re on the mental health care plan, the Medicare rebate will cover you for a certain amount of psychology sessions
If the psychologist charges more, an individual will have to pay the remaining amount.
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That’s why Mr Blashki says it’s important to be aware of the price.
“When you ring a psychologist its worth asking them about the cost because there’s usually a payment gap,” he said.
If you’re a student or have a health care card, you may be entitled to cheaper sessions.