Understanding MHTPs, Referrals, and Medicare Requirements
Updated with 1 Nov 2025 Changes
Melbourne Psychology & Counselling works closely with GPs to support patients accessing evidence-based psychological treatment.
We regularly receive Mental Health Treatment Plan referrals and have created this guide to help GPs understand current requirements, common referral questions and practical considerations when referring patients for psychology services.
Information on this page comes from the MBS Explanatory Notes AN.0.78, the PHN Better Access Guide, MBS Online Guide, Services Australia and GP Mental Health Standards Collaboration.
Common Questions from GPs
How many psychology sessions can a patient access through Medicare?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan can provide access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group psychological therapy sessions per calendar year. Each referral is only valid for a maximum course of 6 sessions.
Does a Mental Health Treatment Plan expire?
No. A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) does not have a fixed expiry date. However, referrals should reflect the patient's current clinical needs and remain clinically appropriate.
A new MHTP cannot be completed within 12 months of the most recent MHTP. For patients transferring from another clinic, the current GP can contact Medicare to confirm whether the patient is eligible for a new MHTP.
Once an MHTP is billed to Medicare, the patient becomes eligible to access Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health initiative.
The flowchart below outlines which Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number may be appropriate when preparing a MHTP. Click the image below to download the full Better Access Mental Health User Guide from the Primary Health Network.
Can a patient continue sessions after the calendar year changes?
Yes. Patients may continue accessing eligible psychological sessions in a new calendar year if they still have sessions remaining under their current referral.
Example: Sessions continuing across calendar years
-
A patient receives a referral for 6 sessions in 2026, and later receives a subsequent referral for an additional 6 sessions. The treating psychologist is responsible for ensuring that only the sessions available within the relevant calendar year are claimed.
-
If the patient uses 4 sessions from the second referral in 2026, the remaining 2 sessions may carry over and be used in 2027 before the patient requires GP review and a further referral.
Can I refer a patient for psychology if they do not have a diagnosis?
A formal diagnosis is not always required before referral. The GP should document the patient's presenting concerns and clinical rationale for accessing psychological treatment. The psychologist will complete their own assessment and develop a treatment plan appropriate to the patient's needs.
What happens if the patient does not use all referred sessions?
If a patient does not use all allocated sessions, the remaining sessions may be available depending on Medicare requirements and the ongoing validity of the referral. Patients should discuss their circumstances with their GP and psychologist if there has been a significant gap in treatment.
Does a patient need a new Mental Health Treatment Plan every year?
Not necessarily. The GP should review the patient's mental health care needs and determine the most appropriate ongoing management plan. A new MHTP cannot be completed within 12 months of the most recent MHTP.
From 1 November 2025, there are no longer specific Mental Health Treatment Plan review items (MBS Items 2712 and 2713 have been discontinued).
GPs can use standard General Attendance items (e.g., MBS Item 23 or 36) to consult with the patient regarding their mental health, review progress, and provide any required re-referral for further psychological sessions.
A patient's eligibility for Medicare rebates is determined by having a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and appropriate referral documentation, rather than the date of a re-referral alone. As long as a valid MHTP is in place and referral requirements are met, eligible psychological services can continue to be processed by Medicare.
Before claiming Medicare rebates, the treating psychologist is responsible for ensuring the patient has a valid referral that supports the psychological services being provided.
What should a GP referral include?
When preparing a MHTP referral, GPs can specify the number of sessions that are clinically appropriate at the time of referral. Many GPs choose to refer for an initial block of 6 sessions and then review progress based on the patient's presentation, treatment goals and ongoing needs.
A referral may be provided as a letter or as a copy of the Mental Health Treatment Plan, provided it contains all required elements. Referrals do not have a fixed expiry date; however, they are only valid for the number of sessions specified in the referral (maximum of 6 sessions).
A valid referral should include:
-
Date of referral
-
Patient's name, date of birth and address
-
Patient's mental health diagnosis or specific symptoms
-
Confirmation that a Mental Health Treatment Plan has been prepared
-
Number of sessions the patient is being referred for (maximum of 6 sessions)
-
Referring GP's name
-
GP Medicare Provider Number
-
GP signature
Example: Referral for more than 6 sessions
-
A patient receives a referral for 10 sessions in 2026.
-
Each referral can only cover a maximum of 6 sessions.
-
After the initial 6 sessions, the patient requires GP review (using the relevant General Attendance items, such as MBS Item 23 or 36) before a further referral for additional psychological sessions can be provided.
What Makes a Good Psychology Referral?
A helpful referral allows the psychologist to understand the reason for referral and provide appropriate treatment.
Consider including:
-
Presenting concerns and symptoms
-
Relevant diagnoses or differential diagnoses (where known)
-
Duration and severity of symptoms
-
Functional impacts
-
Relevant medical history
-
Current medications (if relevant)
-
Previous treatment history
-
Specific treatment goals
Example:
"Referral for psychological treatment for ongoing anxiety symptoms impacting sleep, work functioning and relationships. Patient would benefit from assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment."