What is a mental health care plan?

A mental health care plan is a roadmap for people who are concerned about their mental health. These plans are put together by your doctor and can help to identify the type of support you need, and what you hope to achieve with this support.

Having a plan in place can make a big difference to your wellbeing. When you reach out to your doctor about getting a mental health care plan, you can work together to map out your worries, the support available, and what you’d like to achieve with this support.

Having a plan in place will help you to clearly identify goals, work through challenges, feel calmer, think clearer, and cope with difficult situations.

In this article, we’re going to breakdown what a mental health care plan is, how to get one, and how long the plan is valid for.

For more information about mental health support in regional Queensland, you can get in touch with selectability on 1800 133 123.

What is a mental health care plan?

 A mental health plan is a support plan designed by Medicare to improve accessibility to mental health care. If you are worried about your mental health or are feeling particularly down, you can visit your GP and ask them about getting a plan. If your doctor agrees that you could benefit from extra support, you will make a plan together.

This plan may include:

• goals set by you and your doctor
• available support services 
• referral information to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional 
• possibly a prescription for medicine

 Remember that everything you provide to your doctor will be confidential and not shared with others unless you agree to it. Preparing your plan will not always take just one session. It can be completed over multiple sessions, but the important thing is that it works best for you. 

 If you have a mental health care plan, the government will pay some or all of the cost of up to ten sessions with a mental health expert, each year. This is completed through the Medicare rebate.

How do I get a mental health care plan?

 First, book an appointment with your GP or a doctor. Your GP will ask a number of questions and discuss your current situation to better understand what has brought you here.

It’s important to be as open and honest with your GP as possible. Your doctor will work alongside you to determine your healthcare needs, your support options, your goals, and a roadmap for getting you there. It can be difficult to speak with others about your mental health, but speaking with a doctor will help overcome your negative feelings and feel supported.

In some cases, your doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to better understand your feelings. Some doctors may also ask you to come back for another appointment before they decide whether or not a mental health care plan is right for you. 

Your GP will let you know if you will face any additional costs when you agree to a plan. You will need to pay the difference if the psychologist charges more than the Medicare rebate. If you are a concession holder, like a student, you might be eligible for additional support as part of the plan. 

Preparing for your doctor’s appointment 

 Preparing for your appointment with your doctor is very important. Take some time to think about the things you want to talk about with them and write them down. It would be best if you did this in the days leading up to the appointment so you have a few things to talk about that might pop in and out of your mind. 

 Make sure you write down your feelings and understand that it is normal to be nervous. Writing a list is a great way to prompt your memory, and if you feel uncomfortable reading it out, you can hand it to your doctor to allow them to ask you questions about it. 

 Support for your mental health plan

Your plan will provide access to a number of support options. These might include: 

• one-on-one sessions with a psychologist 
• group sessions 
• conversations with a registered social worker or allied health professional. 

Your referring doctor will help you to find the right mental health support in your area.

 Benefits of your mental health care plan

Creating a plan with your doctor enables you to take a more active role in your wellbeing and is a proactive step to feeling better. The benefits of a healthcare plan include: 

• it gets you involved in setting and achieving goals for your mental health 
• it’s an easy-to-understand way to manage your long-term mental wellbeing 
• making a mental health care plan means that appointments with eligible mental health professionals are more affordable
• it’s an opportunity to monitor your progress
• it’s a resource for life-saving information in an emergency 

How long are mental health care plans valid for?

The mental health care plan you create together with your doctor will never expire. The referral provided by your doctor is valid until the number of sessions your doctor recommended has been used up. 

Your GP might review your plan midway through and update it according to your circumstances or extend the recommended sessions. 

selectability offers a range of clinical services through your mental health care.