The short version
- A plan gives access to Medicare-subsidised sessions — generally up to 10 a year
- The GP appointment and the plan are bulk billed here
- You do not need a diagnosis or a crisis to book
- Blood tests are often part of it, because several physical conditions mimic depression
Start with the appointment, not the paperwork
Book a long appointment and say it is to talk something through. You do not have to explain further on the phone, and you do not need to have worked out what is wrong.
“I don't feel like myself” is a complete reason. So is not sleeping, snapping at everyone, drinking more than you used to, or dreading things you used to manage easily.
What happens in the room
Mostly listening. Your GP will ask what has been happening and for how long, about sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, alcohol and other drugs, what is going on at home and at work, and whether you have had thoughts of harming yourself.
That last question is asked of everyone. It is routine, it does not mean anything has been assumed about you, and asking it does not make things worse.
A short questionnaire is often used, which gives something concrete to compare against later. Blood tests are commonly arranged too — thyroid disease, iron deficiency, B12 deficiency and sleep apnoea all produce symptoms that look convincingly like depression.
The plan itself
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a written document setting out what is going on, what you want to be different, and the approach. It gives access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, clinical psychologist, mental health social worker or occupational therapist — generally up to ten individual sessions per calendar year, with a review after the first block.
The GP appointment and the plan are bulk billed here. Psychologists set their own fees, so there is often a gap — ask them when you book. Some bulk bill under a plan, and telehealth psychology widens your options when local waiting lists are long.
Whether medication comes into it
Only if you and your GP decide together that it fits. Many people are treated with therapy alone. Where medication is considered, the conversation covers what it does, how long it takes to work, side effects and how long to stay on it. Nothing is prescribed without that conversation.
The step people skip
Come back. Early review is where treatment gets adjusted, and the first few weeks are exactly when people decide it is not working and quietly stop.
If something is not working, say so — changing approach is normal rather than a failure. See mental health care.
If you need help now: Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, 13YARN 13 92 76, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. In an emergency, call 000.
Common questions
Generally up to ten individual sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, with a review after the first block.
No. Most people who come in are managing but struggling. You do not need a diagnosis, a crisis, or the right words.
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