Mental health care plans in Brisbane
GP mental health care plans in Brisbane
Been putting off getting support? Here’s where to start.
Our GPs assess you, create a Mental Health Care Plan, and connect you with local psychologists for Medicare-rebated sessions. These sessions require a longer appointment, so please tell our reception team when you book.
Ready to book?
What is a mental health care plan?
Your GP creates a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) after assessing your mental health.
The plan provides the result of your assessment, sets out your treatment goals and identifies the support needed. Once the plan is in place, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 sessions per calendar year with psychologists, social workers or occupational therapists.
Do I need a mental health care plan?
Many Australians experience periods where their mental health needs extra support. Over 40% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 has experienced mental health difficulties in the previous 12 months.
A mental health care plan may be helpful for you if you’re an adolescent or adult experiencing:
- Anxiety, worry or panic
- Depression or persistent low mood
- Grief, loss or significant life stress
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Sleep difficulties related to mental health
- Other concerns affecting your emotional wellbeing
What to expect at your mental health care plan appointment
Your GP may ask how you have been feeling, what symptoms you are experiencing, how long they have been present, and how they are affecting your day-to-day life. Then they may ask you to complete a validated clinical questionnaire about the last week or month.
From there, your GP will work with you to create your care plan and discuss next steps. For most patients, this involves up to 10 rebatable sessions with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, mental health social worker or occupational therapist.
Medicare rebates and referrals
Under Medicare’s Better Access initiative, a mental health care plan from your GP entitles you to rebated sessions with a registered psychologist, mental health social worker or occupational therapist. The number of sessions available per year depends on your clinical circumstances and is assessed at review.
The Banyans Medical Centre works alongside some of Australia’s leading mental health practitioners. If you don’t know who to see, we can refer you to our in-house psychologist or help you find someone else.
When you may need more than a care plan
A GP mental health care plan is an excellent starting point for many people, but it isn’t the only pathway. The Banyan Medical Centre and Specialist Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic with GPs, psychology, psychiatry and addiction medicine available within the practice to support continuity of care.
If your GP considers that your needs would be better met through specialist input, they can refer you to:
- Our in-house psychiatrists, who offer trauma-informed care for treatment-resistant depression, addiction and substance abuse disorders, PTSD, and anxiety.
- Our mental health programs for outpatient support
- Addiction Sciences Queensland, if you need help for substance use.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the appointment take?
Mental health care plan appointments need more time than a standard consult so you don’t feel hurried and so that your doctor has time to complete the necessary paperwork.
When you call to book, advise reception that you’re coming for a care plan assessment so we can book a double appointment for you.
What should I bring?
Bring your Medicare card and any relevant medical history or previous referral letters. If you’re already seeing a psychologist or other health professional, please let your GP know.
Can I get a care plan for my tween or teenager?
Yes. Our GPs see adolescents as well as adults.
Do I need a referral to book?
No. You can book directly with our clinic.
