Mental Health Care Plan Melbourne

Medicare-Rebated Psychology Support at The Three Seas Psychology

If you’re searching for psychology sessions in Melbourne, you do not need a referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to see a psychologist. Many clients choose to access therapy privately, while others use a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to help reduce the cost of sessions through Medicare rebates.

At The Three Seas Psychology, we support adults, couples, and families across Melbourne to access evidence-based psychological care, with or without a Mental Health Care Plan, delivered by experienced, registered psychologists.

Seeing a Psychologist Without a Referral

You can book an appointment with a psychologist without a referral.

A referral or Mental Health Care Plan is only required if you would like to claim Medicare rebates.

Some people prefer private therapy because it:

• avoids the need to see a GP first

• offers more flexibility

• supports continuity of care without administrative steps

Both options are valid, and our team can help you decide what’s right for you.

What Is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan is one pathway to accessing psychology support. It is a structured treatment plan created by a GP (or psychiatrist) for people experiencing mental health concerns.
It enables eligible individuals to access Medicare-rebated psychology sessions under the Australian Government’s Better Access initiative.

You can learn more about Mental Health Care Plans directly via Services Australia:
👉 https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-plan

A Mental Health Care Plan may be appropriate if you are experiencing:

• Anxiety, worry, or panic symptoms

• Depression or low mood

• Stress, burnout, or emotional overwhelm

• Trauma or post-traumatic stress

• Relationship or family difficulties

• Grief and loss

• Disordered eating or body image concerns

• Difficulty regulating emotions

You do not need to be “in crisis” to be eligible.

How Many Psychology Sessions Can I Get With a Mental Health Care Plan?

With a valid Mental Health Care Plan, eligible clients can access:

• Up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year, rebated by Medicare

• An initial referral for up to 6 sessions

• A GP review after the initial sessions

• A further referral after review (so you can access more sessions, up to the annual Medicare limit)

Mental Health Care Plan session limits reset each calendar year. If you have unused sessions remaining on an existing referral, these can still be used in the new year (so they don’t ‘disappear’). However, unused sessions don’t add to your annual Medicare session limit, you can still only access up to the yearly maximum.

Example: If you’re referred for 6 sessions in November and use 2, you can use the remaining 4 in the next year, but you’ll still only be able to claim up to the annual Medicare limit in that new year.

Medicare Rebates for Psychology Sessions

Medicare provides a partial rebate for eligible psychology sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan.

Key points to know:

• Rebate amounts vary depending on whether you see a registered psychologist or a clinical psychologist

• Medicare rebates are processed after your appointment

You can view current rebate information via Medicare:
👉 https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-rebates-for-mental-health-services

If you have questions about rebates, our team is happy to help.

How Do I Get a Mental Health Care Plan in Melbourne?

Getting a Mental Health Care Plan is a straightforward process:

1. Book a longer appointment with your GP

2. Discuss your mental health concerns openly

3. Your GP will assess whether a Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate

4. If eligible, your GP will prepare the plan and provide a referral to a psychologist

5. You can then book psychology sessions at The Three Seas Psychology

We accept referrals from GPs across Melbourne and can assist if you’re unsure what to ask for.

Do I Need a Referral to See a Psychologist?

No, a referral is not required to see a psychologist.

• You only need a referral if you want to claim Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan.

• You can still see a psychologist without a Mental Health Care Plan, but Medicare rebates will not apply

• You are welcome to book directly with us whether:

• you’re accessing therapy privately, or
• you’re using a Mental Health Care Plan

If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan, you can contact us to book straight away. If not, our team can talk you through your options.

Why Choose The Three Seas Psychology?

At The Three Seas Psychology, we provide:

• Experienced psychologists delivering evidence-based therapy

• Support for a wide range of mental health concerns

• Warm, professional, and non-judgemental care

• Transparent fees and Medicare rebate guidance

• In-person Melbourne appointments and telehealth options

Our psychologists are registered with AHPRA and adhere to professional standards set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS):

• APS: https://psychology.org.au

• AHPRA: https://www.ahpra.gov.au

We focus on sustainable mental health support, not quick fixes.

Mental Health Care Plan FAQs

Does a Mental Health Care Plan mean sessions are free?

• No. Medicare provides a rebate, not full coverage. Most clients pay a gap fee.

Can I use my Mental Health Care Plan at any psychology clinic?

• Yes. You are free to choose your psychologist.

Can my GP extend my sessions?

• Your GP can review your progress and provide additional referrals up to the annual Medicare limit.

What if my Mental Health Care Plan has expired?

• MHCPs are indefinite unless otherwise stated, and do not have an expiry of 12 months.

Start Your Mental Health Care Plan Journey

If you’re looking for a psychologist in Melbourne, we’re here to help.

Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or returning to ongoing care, our team can guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.

Contact The Three Seas Psychology to learn more or to book an appointment.