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If you have a GP, you can ask for a Mental Health Care Plan. This gives you access to up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year (resets on January 1st each year)with an eligible mental health professional.

The current rebate is $87.25 per session. Your GP writes the referral, you take the plan to your choosen therapist. You pay the difference.

Not sure how to ask? Just say to your GP: "I'd like to discuss getting a Mental Health Care Plan." They'll take it from there.

You don't need to be in crisis to ask. You don't need to have a diagnosis. You just need a GP and a reason — and "things have been hard" is a reason.