we should all have a Mental Health Care Plan...
At Virtus, we believe that looking after your mind is just as important as looking after your body. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or simply want someone to talk to, getting support shouldn’t feel complicated.
Watch this video of Nina walking you through the process!
That’s where a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) comes in.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is something you and your GP create together to help identify any mental health concerns and outline a path forward. This often includes access to a psychologist, where you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per year, making professional support more affordable.
Depending on your psychologist’s fees, there might be a small gap to pay, but the rebate significantly reduces the cost.
How to Get a Mental Health Care Plan (Step by Step)
- Book an appointment with your GP
When you book, let the receptionist know you’d like to discuss your mental health. Some clinics will ask you to book a longer consultation so your GP has enough time to listen and complete the plan with you.
- Work with your GP to create the plan
During the appointment, your GP will talk with you about what’s been happening, how you’ve been feeling, and whether you’re eligible.
If so, they’ll complete your Mental Health Care Plan, which gives you 6 initial sessions with a psychologist.
- Choose your psychologist
You can choose a psychologist that suits you, someone you feel comfortable talking to. Your GP can recommend options, or you can ask them to send your plan directly to the psychologist you’ve chosen.
To receive the Medicare rebate, your plan must be dated on or before your first appointment.
- Continue your care after your first 6 sessions
Once you’ve completed your initial sessions, your psychologist will send a short progress report to your GP. You can then review your plan together and, if ongoing support is helpful, get a referral for up to 4 more sessions that year.
Meet Nina: Here for Everyone
Our psychologist Nina, brings warmth, understanding, and over a decade of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges.
While Virtus is known for performance and training, Nina isn’t just for athletes . She helps people from all walks of life, including parents, students, professionals, couples, and anyone looking to improve their mental wellbeing.
Her approach is compassionate and evidence-based, using tools like mindfulness, CBT, and EMDR to help you find clarity, calm, and confidence in yourself again.
Take the First Step
If you’ve been thinking about getting support but haven’t known where to start, booking that first GP appointment might be the most important step you take this year.
Once you have your Mental Health Care Plan, you can book your first session with Nina here:
Because you don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to wait until things get bad to start feeling better.
Lachie