Navigating Mental Health Care Plans: Immediate Access to GP Support Via Telehealth (MBS Exempt)
Mental Health
Starting your mental health journey can be the hardest step, and the last thing you need is to be blocked by bureaucratic hurdles. If you’ve ever tried to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), you might know the frustration: "Sorry, you're a new patient, you need a face-to-face visit first."
Fortunately, the Australian government recognizes the urgency of mental wellness. This guide outlines the most critical regulatory advantage in telehealth: the MBS exemption that guarantees new patients immediate access to GP support for mental health planning, right from home.
1. The Urgency Advantage: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait
Mental health support often requires immediate attention. Delaying the start of a treatment plan can significantly impact recovery and wellbeing.
The Problem:
The standard Medicare rule requires an "established clinical relationship" (a face-to-face visit in the last 12 months) for most rebated telehealth GP services. This is a massive barrier for new patients seeking urgent care.
The Telehealth Solution:
Mental health planning and treatment services are explicitly exempt from this 12-month rule under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
The Guarantee:
This exemption allows Medicly to provide new patients with an MBS-rebated consultation for mental health planning immediately. You do not need to wait or have a prior history with us.
2. What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?
An MHTP is not just a form; it is a collaborative roadmap for your care, created by you and your GP.
The Goal:
To give you a structured approach to managing your mental health condition (such as anxiety, depression, or stress-related issues).
The Benefit:
An MHTP makes you eligible to claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions with allied mental health professionals (such as psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists) per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
The Process:
The plan requires an extended, focused consultation (often 20 minutes or longer) with your GP to assess your needs, set goals, and determine the most appropriate referrals.
3. The 3-Step Pathway to Psychological Support
Medicly’s telehealth service streamlines the process of obtaining your MHTP and referral, allowing you to quickly move from consultation to treatment.
| Step | Action | Timing & Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book the MHTP Consult Book a dedicated Mental Health Treatment Plan consultation with a Medicly GP. | Immediate Access: MBS exemption applies—no face-to-face visit required. |
| 2 | Collaborative Planning Speak with the GP via video or phone. They will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your mental health needs and history. | Clinical Integrity: Consultations are thorough and adhere to all AHPRA and MBS time requirements for MHTP creation. |
| 3 | Receive Referral The GP finalizes your MHTP and issues a referral, which is sent instantly and securely to your phone or email. | Fast Referral: You can start booking your appointments with an allied health professional immediately. |
4. Cost Clarity: Separating Consult Fee from Rebate
An MHTP consultation is a longer appointment, designed to be thorough.
The Consultation Fee:
This longer consultation is an MBS service, and Medicly will charge the appropriate fee.
The Rebate:
Because mental health services are MBS exempt for new patients, you are entitled to claim a Medicare rebate for this service.
Bulk Billing:
Patients who hold a valid Concession Card may be eligible for bulk-billing, resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses for the planning consultation.
Crucial Note:
The MHTP itself does not pay for your psychologist sessions. It provides the rebate that significantly reduces your out-of-pocket cost for those sessions.
5. Follow-up and Ongoing Care
Once your MHTP is in place, consistent care is key.
Start Treatment:
You can use your referral immediately to book your sessions with an allied health professional.
Review is Mandatory:
After your initial sessions (usually around six), you must book a review consultation with your GP to assess your progress. This review is required to access any further rebated sessions within the calendar year. This is a critical step in maintaining continuous care.
Medicly’s telehealth GPs can manage both the creation and the review of your MHTP, ensuring continuity and seamless support throughout your mental health journey.
Ready to Start Your Mental Health Journey Today?
Don't let the 12-month rule delay your support. Access a compassionate, MBS-exempt MHTP consultation now.