Wellbeing - Parents

Understanding Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs)

Many young people experience periods of stress, anxiety, low mood, friendship difficulties, family challenges, or other mental health concerns. Early support can make a significant difference, and one way families can access professional support is through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan is a referral completed by a General Practitioner (GP) that allows eligible individuals to access Medicare rebates for psychological services and other allied mental health supports.

Despite the name, a Mental Health Care Plan is not counselling itself. Rather, it is the document that enables a referral to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.

What support can be accessed?

A Mental Health Care Plan allows eligible individuals to access up to 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year with an eligible mental health professional or up to 10 group mental health sessions per calendar year, where available. Typically, this consists of:

• An initial referral for up to 6 sessions
• A review appointment with the GP
• A further referral for up to 4 additional sessions

Medicare provides a rebate for these services. Some practitioners choose to bulk bill, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost. Others may charge a gap fee above the Medicare rebate. Families are encouraged to discuss costs directly with the provider before commencing support.

How do I arrange a Mental Health Care Plan for my child?

Step 1: Book an appointment with your child's GP

When making the appointment, let reception know that you would like to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan. A longer or double appointment may be required.

Step 2: Attend the appointment

The GP will speak with you and your child about their wellbeing, mental health concerns, strengths, current supports, and any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Step 3: The GP prepares the plan

If appropriate, the GP will complete a Mental Health Care Plan and provide a referral to a psychologist or other eligible mental health professional.

Step 4: Contact a mental health professional

Families can choose a provider themselves or seek recommendations from the school wellbeing team, their GP, or local health services. It is often helpful to ask about:

• Availability and wait times
• Experience working with adolescents
• Telehealth options
• Fees and Medicare rebates
•  

Step 5: Attend counselling sessions

Once an appointment is booked, your child can begin working with the mental health professional.

Step 6: GP review

After the initial sessions, your child will need to return to their GP for a review before any additional sessions can be accessed under the plan.

Does the school need a copy?

The Mental Health Care Plan should be provided directly to the chosen mental health professional by the family or GP clinic.

Families may choose to share relevant information with the school wellbeing team to support coordination of care; however, this typically does not include a copy of the MHCP and is entirely voluntary and confidential.

What if my child needs support while waiting?

Unfortunately, wait times for psychologists can sometimes be lengthy. While waiting for an appointment, support may still be available through:

• The school's wellbeing team
• Headspace services
• Community health services
• Youth mental health services
• Telephone and online support services

If you would like assistance understanding Mental Health Care Plans or finding appropriate support services for your child, please contact the Thornbury High School Wellbeing Team. We are happy to discuss available options and help connect families with suitable support.

Parent Support Services

We understand that supporting a young person with mental health concerns can be hard. If you are thinking of engaging in some extra support for yourself, or are interested in some information to help with concerns as they arise, please take a look at the document attached which you can use to talk things through. You don’t have to do it on your own!

Lauren, Steph, Livia, Belle, and Jess

The Wellbeing Team