10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Starting Medicare-Supported Mental Health Care

Getting Started with Medicare Mental Health Support

Accessing mental health care through Medicare can feel overwhelming at first. Here's what you need to know before booking your first session.

Questions About Medicare Coverage

• How many Medicare-supported sessions can I access this year?

• Will I need a Mental Health Care Plan from my GP?

• What out-of-pocket costs should I expect?

Finding the Right Provider

• Do you have experience supporting people with similar goals?

• What's your availability for regular sessions?

• Are you taking new clients with Medicare referrals?

Practical Considerations

• Where are your sessions held?

• Do you offer telehealth appointments?

• What happens if I need to reschedule?

• How do you coordinate care with my GP?

Next Steps

Start by booking a longer appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health needs and get a Mental Health Care Plan if suitable. Your GP can help match you with local providers and explain the referral process.

If you're accessing the NDIS or My Aged Care, your Support Coordinator or care manager can help you understand how mental health support fits with your other services.

General information only: This article is for general information and is not medical, clinical, legal, or financial advice. Speak with your GP, treating clinician, Plan Manager, support coordinator, My Aged Care assessor, or relevant professional about your circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

How many Medicare-supported mental health sessions can I get?

Under a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Your GP will start with a referral for 6 sessions, then review your progress before referring you for additional sessions if needed.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

Yes, you need a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare-supported mental health sessions. Book a longer appointment with your GP to discuss your needs and get the paperwork sorted.

Can I use Medicare mental health sessions with NDIS funding?

Yes, you can access both Medicare-supported mental health care and NDIS supports. Talk to your support coordinator about how these services can work together to help you reach your goals.

How Karista can help

Need help finding mental health support? Search Karista's provider directory to find Medicare-registered mental health professionals in your area or find more details here