Mental Health Care Plans in Surfers Paradise
A mental health care plan gives you Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional. At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise our GPs prepare mental health care plans for patients across Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach and the wider Gold Coast, and the appointment to prepare your plan is bulk billed.
If you have been feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed or not yourself for a while, this is the practical first step. You do not need a referral, and you do not need to have everything worked out before you come in. Book an appointment or call 07 5592 2299.
What is a mental health care plan?
A mental health care plan is a written plan your GP prepares with you when you are dealing with a diagnosed mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief or panic. It records what you have been experiencing, the goals you want to work towards, and the support that will help you get there.
Medicare’s official name for it is a mental health treatment plan. Most people search for it as a mental health care plan, a Medicare mental health plan or a GP care plan. They all mean the same thing.
Your plan sits alongside the rest of your care with us. If you are also managing a long-term condition, ask your GP about a chronic disease management plan at the same visit, or see what is covered under general practice and family medicine.
What Medicare covers
10 subsidised sessions
10 group sessions too
A GP review after 6 sessions
Bulk billed plan appointment
A note on cost. Medicare pays a rebate towards each session rather than the whole fee. Some psychologists bulk bill and some charge a gap, so it is worth asking about fees when you book your first session. Rebate amounts are set by Medicare and are reviewed on 1 July each year. As a bulk billing medical centre in Surfers Paradise, we will always tell you upfront what you will pay.
How to get a mental health care plan in Surfers Paradise
Most people are surprised how straightforward it is. In most cases you walk out with your plan and your referral on the same day. You can book an appointment online or call the clinic on 07 5592 2299.
Who can get a mental health care plan?
- Anyone with a diagnosed mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, panic, PTSD, grief or ongoing sleep problems
- Children, teenagers and adults are all eligible
- You do not need a referral to see a GP for a plan, just book an appointment
- You need a current Medicare card
- Plans can be reviewed with your GP and your subsidised sessions reset each calendar year
Mental health care plan questions we get asked
Medicare subsidises up to 10 individual sessions and up to 10 group sessions each calendar year. Your GP refers you for the first 6, then reviews how you are going before referring you for the rest.
At My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise the appointment to prepare your plan is bulk billed. The sessions afterwards are billed by the psychologist or counsellor you see. Some bulk bill and some charge a gap, so ask about fees when you book.
Usually one longer appointment of around 20 to 30 minutes. In most cases you leave with your plan and your referral the same day.
No. You book directly with a GP. The referral is what your GP gives you, so you can go on and see a psychologist.
There is no difference. Mental health treatment plan is Medicare’s official term. Mental health care plan, Medicare mental health plan and GP mental health care plan are the everyday names for the same thing.
Some Gold Coast psychologists bulk bill and many charge a gap fee. Your GP can point you towards providers who suit your situation and budget, and you can confirm fees when you book your first session.
The referral covers a set number of sessions rather than running to a date, and your Medicare-subsidised sessions reset each calendar year. Your GP reviews the plan with you along the way.
Yes. Speak to your GP and they can write a new referral for whatever sessions you have left.
Still have a question? Our clinic FAQs cover appointments, fees and what to bring, or contact the clinic and our reception team will help. New to us? Here is what to expect on your first visit.
Other services at My Doctors Clinic Surfers Paradise
We are a bulk billing medical centre in Surfers Paradise, open 7 days a week. Alongside mental health care plans, our GPs also look after the following.
