MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLANS

What is Mental Health and Why Does it Matter?

As GP’s, we define your health to include not just your physical health, but also your mental health.

“Mind, body and soul”, as the old saying goes.

Mental health includes our psychological, emotional and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think and act. It also helps determine how we handle life’s challenges, relate to other people, and our decision-making.

Mental health is critical at every season of life – from childhood, to adolescence, to our elderly adult years.

Mental health symptoms and disorders are common, and as a society, we have been getting better at recognising this, and breaking down the stigmas around mental health care, and the importance of seeking help and treatment.

For example, did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia? On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

Or, did you know that right now, one in 12 Australians are journeying with major depressive disorder (clinical depression)?

It’s okay to not feel okay. Help is available. Please speak to your GP today.

What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan (also known as a ‘mental health treatment plan’) is a written plan created by your GP for people with a mental health issue or disorder.

The plan describes your mental health issue and defines what goals you and your GP are aiming to achieve regarding your mental health. Through the plan, you will be able to access local mental health services with a psychologist, and claim a Medicare Rebate from these psychology sessions.

Who is eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan?

A mental health care plan is available to anyone who holds a Medicare card, who has an identifiable mental health disorder. Don’t worry too much about whether you think you have a mental health disorder or not.

There are some mental health disorders that are regarded as “temporary” in nature that can arise in times of challenges and adversity.

How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?

All of the doctors at our medical centre in Dural have undertaken additional training in mental health. You can book a long appointment (select “Mental Health Consultation” as your appointment type when booking online) with your doctor who will undertake a mental health assessment and determine if you are eligible for a mental health care plan.

Your doctor will ask a few questions about your mental health, explore your symptoms, and discuss treatment goals with you. There is an excellent, robust evidence-base of research to support the effectiveness of psychotherapy (seeing a psychologist) in managing an array of various mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction disorders, ADHD and anger management issues.

Your doctor can also explore with you, whether there may be a role for medication therapy or not (eg, antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication treatment), and the medical science, complexities and decision-making process behind starting medication treatment for mental health disorders. Your GP can also refer you to a local psychiatrist for further guidance if this is deemed to be appropriate.

Additional Useful Mental Health Resources

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-services-infographic