Here is what you probably don’t know about using a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Firstly (and most people know this) in order to get to see a psychologist, or social worker with the cost rebated through Medicare, you need to see your regular General Practitioner (GP).

 He/she will have a chat with you, ask some questions about your mental wellbeing and what has been worrying you.   Then you will be given a mental health diagnosis, as the first step in creating your Mental Health Treatment Plan.  This mental health diagnosis, of a formal “Mental Disorder” remains on your medical file for life.  Whilst some people are perfectly fine with this, others do not understand the possible ramifications, of the fact that they have been given a formal mental disorder diagnosis.  Few people realize that a ‘Mental Disorder’, noted on their medical/health record, may be viewed or considered when applying for certain government and law enforcement  position, and may be referred to in circumstances when, or if they are involved in a court case. 

Once you have your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) from your GP you will then need to find a psychologist (Google is your friend here, unless your GP can recommend one).  However, there is something important you need to know, only around 5% of Psychologists  bulk bill their clients – even with a MHTP.  So if you are expecting that you are going to find a psychologist, make an appointment, have a session with them and not pay one cent out of your own pocket, you are sadly mistaken.  For example to see a Clinical Psychologist, the current average fee  is $260 for a 45 to 60 minute session, the rebate from Medicare is $129.55 so unless you manage to find one of the very rare clinicians that only charge the Medicare rebate, you will be looking at having to find another $130.45 for each session.  Granted some clinicians will discount their rates for people on Pensions or with Health Care Cards, but these clients will still be looking at needing to make a gap payment of $60 or more per session.

Now I am not writing this article to denigrate psychologists in any way.  They are caring empathetic people, who spent many years at university to obtain their qualifications, and they are business people with bills to pay just like the rest of us.   However, far too many members of the general public are under the impression that a MHTP gives them a ticket to free treatment and that just isn’t the reality.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve had a phone call asking if I take clients with MHTP’s I’d be rich.  The Australian Govt (so far) is not willing to allow Counsellors access to the Medicare Rebate Scheme, they seem to believe that Psychologists and Social Workers are all that are required, the fact that our entire country is in the midst of a Mental Health Crisis and that the waiting time to see a psychologist has blown out to months, seems to have escaped them. I personally am deeply concerned that clients feel that they have no option but to join the waiting list to see a psychologist, meanwhile their mental health is deteriorating.

I just wish to bring to the attention of the public in general that you don’t have to get a MHTP and wait to see a psychologist, you can get an appointment to see a Counsellor with generally no more than a 1 or 2 week wait and you DON’T need any kind of referral or MHTP.  This also means you do not need to have a mental disorder diagnosis at all.  The other important point to know it that your counsellor does not need to write reports back to your doctor and all of this protects your privacy. Depending on the Counsellor you choose, you may be paying less than the Gap payment required to see a psychologist.

If you do need assistance with your mental health, go to the Australian Counselling Association website and you will find a list of Registered Counsellors and you will be able to find one in your local area.  From there, check out their profiles and websites and you can choose a Counsellor that you think suits you best.  The Counsellors also generally all list their fees and you can make an educated decision regarding what you can afford. Some Counsellors (ACA Member Level 3 and above) also offer rebates through certain Private Health Insurance funds so it is worth checking your policy to see if you are covered.

You do not need to suffer, and you do not need to wait months to get help.

Contact a registered counsellor and let us help you today.

Kathrine Carton

B.Coun. Level 3 Australian Counselling Association Member

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