Telehealth Services Covered By Medicare During COVID-19

Medicare | Mental Health | COVID-19 | Telehealth | Health Anxiety | Online Therapy | MHCP

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a part of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative that is provided by the Australian Government to help you get support for your mental health.

If you are directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19 you may be eligible to access Telehealth services that are subsidised by Medicare. If you have a MHCP you will be able to see a Psychologist for up to ten sessions per calendar year through video-conferencing.

In order to claim a rebate through the Better Access Initiative (Medicare) you will need to make an appointment with your General Practitioner (GP) who will conduct an assessment to see if you are eligible for a MHCP.

There are different option to accessing therapy and you don't have to have MHCP to see a psychologist and you can still speak to a Psychologist via Telehealth without one.

What Are the Steps Involved in obtaining a MHCP?

Step 1- Make an appointment with your GP

Contact your regular GP and book an appointment for a consultation. Let the receptionist know that you would like to see your GP to obtain a MHCP. If you are unable to leave the home, book an appointment with a GP that provides Telehealth.

Step 2 - Talk to your GP About Seeing a Psychologist.

The GP can refer you to a Psychologist or if you've already decided which Psychologist you would like to see, ask your GP to make a referral to the practice.

Step 3. Book your appointment with your Psychologist.

You can do this before seeing the GP but make sure that you have MHCP before your appointment otherwise you may not be able to access your rebate for the session.

There is strong evidence that psychological therapy can be effectively delivered online to treat a range of mental health difficulties. Evidence is particularly strong that anxiety, stress and depression can be treated online via Telehealth. Research suggests that video-conferencing can result in client satisfaction with both the therapy and the quality of their relationship with the therapist that is similar to levels of satisfaction with face-to-face therapy.

Even if you are unable to leave the home there are many options are available to help support your mental health during COVID-10. make sure you look after yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.