Access Professional Support with a GP Mental Health Plan

It is necessary to recognise that your mental health is equally important as your physical health and should be handled in a similar manner. A Mental Health Plan (MHP) or a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is essentially a document created by a General Practitioner (GP) that identifies the patient's mental health issues and recommends the types of assistance that would be the most beneficial.

An itemised list from such a plan may look like:

• Handing over the patient to allied health professionals like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor.
• Offering a certain degree of financial support for the care that is going to the patient's ongoing treatment, thus making services more accessible to the patient.

Prime Medic offers telehealth consultations with AHPRA-registered doctors. You can express your worries during this consultation, and if the doctor agrees, he can issue a mental health plan for you. The plan can include referrals to mental health professionals and if appropriate, Medicare programs such as the Better Access initiative.

What Is a Mental Health Plan?

A mental health plan is a document that outlines the support necessary for the patient's support, after the initial consultation with the GP.

A Mental Health Plan by a General Practitioner (GP) includes a suggestion, if necessary, for the patient to see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or any other allied health professional. Furthermore, a GP-prepared mental health plan may assist eligible patients in accessing Medicare-subsidised psychology services under the Better Access initiative.

Such programs are continuously followed up, hopefully after every round of sessions, wherein the attending GP re-evaluates both the agent and the review.

Who Can Get a Mental Health Plan?

First of all, not all individuals will be in need of or qualify for the mental health plan. The doctor will make the final call on whether such a plan fits your scenario. For example, after reviewing your situation, the GP may discuss mental health support options, including whether a mental health plan is appropriate. Preparing one depends upon the doctor,s review of your personal situation.

How Does a Mental Health Plan Work?

• Make an appointment with a GP, whether in a clinic or via telehealth.
• Understanding mental health - the doctor reviews the patient's current situation and medical history.
• Planning - the doctor, if he finds it appropriate, draws a plan to assessment and suggests the possible referral options.
• Referral step - the psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor may be your next stop on the journey.
• Medicare rebate usage - Under the Medicare's Better Access program, eligible patients may be issued a GP referral for a maximum of 10 psychology sessions over a year. (6 sessions initially, then review and approval of up to 4 additional sessions if deemed necessary)
• Examining the care plan - the doctor can check the progress of the plan, and if it is effective, then he can continue it after the 6 sessions.

Benefits of a GP Mental Health Plan

Even though the needs of every individual vary greatly, having a Mental Health Plan might still bring you some of the following benefits:

• Clear referral pathways to psychologists and other allied health professionals.
• Money saving through Medicare rebates (some doctors may offer bulk billing).
• Organised Support with scheduled reviews, allowing your GP to coordination.
• Confidential consultations with AHPRA-registered doctors.

Why Choose Prime Medic for Your Mental Health Plan?

• The telehealth service gives you the chance to consult with a GP without leaving the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia.
• Mental Health experienced and AHPRA-registered doctors provide great reliability.
• The practice upholds total confidentiality and professionalism.
• An easy and quick booking procedure assures same-day or flexible appointment options.
• When clinically necessary, your doctor can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or allied health professional.