Mental Health Care Plans
It’s natural to feel nervous about discussing your mental health with your doctor, especially if it’s a topic that’s difficult to talk about with others. However, it’s important to remember that mental health challenges are very common. In fact, statistics show that nearly half (43%) of all Australians aged 16-85 have experienced mental illness at some point in their life. You are not alone, and seeking help is a positive step toward feeling better.
What is a mental health care plan?
A mental health care plan is a plan that your doctor creates with you to access treatment for a mental health condition. It helps you access allied health professionals such as Psychologists, Social Workers or Occupational Therapists who can help you, and assists in covering the costs of up to 10 mental health treatment sessions per year through through Medicare rebates.
Your doctor will need to diagnose you with a mental health condition to create the plan. You and your doctor will discuss how you have been feeling, what’s been happening, what care you would like to receive and your goals for how you would like to feel.
The mental health care plan will then be addressed to another health professional such as a Psychologist, outlining the details discussed and the diagnosis.
It can be helpful to research and choose the mental health practitioner you’d like to be referred to before the appointment, or alternatively, your GP can make a recommendation.
Appointments
Creating a mental health care plan with your doctor typically takes longer than the standard appointment time, therefore we ask that you make a booking for a long consult.
To make an appointment, you can book online or call us on (07) 3381 1800.
