Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)
A Mental Health Care Plan is a document prepared by your GP that allows you to access subsidised (or free) sessions with a registered psychologist. Under Medicare, up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year are covered. OSHC does not directly cover this in all cases, but OSHC holders at many universities can access these through the university counselling service.
Step 1: Book a GP Appointment
Book a standard GP appointment specifically mentioning you want a "mental health care plan referral." The GP will do a brief mental health assessment (15 minutes) and prepare the plan if appropriate.
Step 2: See a Psychologist
With the plan, sessions with a registered psychologist cost only the gap (AUD $0–60) depending on whether the psychologist bulk bills. Search at psychologytoday.com or your university's counselling referral list.
University Counselling (Free)
Before pursuing a private psychologist, exhaust your university's free counselling first. All Australian universities offer free short-term counselling — typically 6–10 sessions per year — no GP referral needed, completely confidential.
OSHC Mental Health Cover
Most OSHC policies cover psychiatric care as a hospital patient (if you need in-patient treatment). Some providers (Medibank, nib) have added mental telehealth services — check your specific policy.
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