How Long is a Mental Health Care Plan Valid?

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) under the Medicare Better Access initiative typically provides coverage for up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker per calendar year.

Initially, your GP or psychiatrist can refer you for up to six sessions. After these initial sessions, you will need to return to your referring healthcare professional (GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician) for a review of your progress. If further treatment is deemed necessary, they can approve an additional four sessions for the same calendar year, bringing the total to 10.

The MHCP itself does not have an expiration date, but the number of subsidised sessions resets at the beginning of each calendar year. However, any unused sessions do not roll over into the next year. Your Wellvue psychiatrist can review your plan, update it as necessary, and provide referrals for additional services as required.

It’s important to note that while the plan covers up to 10 sessions per year, allied health professionals on our platform may not bulk bill, so you may be responsible for any “gap fees” beyond the Medicare rebate.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Medicare Benefits Schedule or Services Australia website, or speak to your Wellvue clinician to tailor your plan to your needs.