Mental health support in Australia: Care Plans, headspace and Beyond Blue

Why mental health support matters for newcomers

Settling in a new country is a significant life stressor. Navigating an unfamiliar system, separation from family, language barriers and shifts in social status can all affect mental wellbeing. Australia has a publicly funded mental health support system that is worth knowing about — many people who could benefit from it do not access it because they are unaware it exists.

The Mental Health Care Plan

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) — formally a Mental Health Treatment Plan — is a document your GP prepares that explains your mental health situation and outlines a course of treatment. It is the gateway to subsidised psychology sessions under Medicare.

What it provides:

• Up to 6 sessions with a psychologist or eligible mental health professional per calendar year, subsidised under Medicare.
• After the first 6 sessions, your GP reviews your progress; if further treatment is recommended, you can access up to 4 more sessions in the same calendar year (10 total per year).

Who can provide the subsidised sessions:

• Registered psychologists.
• Clinical psychologists (with a higher rebate).
• Accredited mental health social workers and occupational therapists.
• General practitioners who hold a mental health credential (for certain counselling types).

How to get a Mental Health Care Plan

1. Book a long consultation with your regular GP — let the receptionist know you want to discuss your mental health so they allocate enough time (at least 20 minutes).
2. Talk with your GP about what you are experiencing. There is no test you need to pass — the GP assesses your situation and prepares the plan during the appointment.
3. The GP will refer you to a psychologist or mental health professional. They may recommend specific practitioners, or you can find one via the Australian Psychological Society referral service (psychology.org.au → Find a psychologist).
4. Book your first appointment with the psychologist and bring your referral letter (or confirm the GP has sent it electronically).

Costs under the MHCP

Medicare rebate:

• Standard psychologist: approximately $96.65 per session.
• Clinical psychologist: approximately $141.85 per session.

Many psychologists charge more than the Medicare rebate, meaning there is a gap fee. Some bulk bill (no gap) for people with a MHCP, particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Ask about bulk billing when you book.

Telehealth (phone or video) sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates and are widely available — useful if you cannot travel easily or prefer to speak from home.

Other free and low-cost support

Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 / beyondblue.org.au): 24/7 phone and chat counselling for anxiety, depression and general mental wellbeing. Free, no referral needed.

Lifeline (13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au): 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Free phone, chat and text services.

headspace (headspace.org.au): mental health support for 12–25-year-olds, with centres in most regions offering individual and group support. No referral required for initial contact; most services are free or low-cost.

SANE Australia (1800 187 263 / sane.org): support for people living with complex mental health issues, and their family and carers.

MindSpot (mindspot.org.au): free online and phone mental health service for adults with anxiety, depression, OCD or PTSD. Clinician-supported treatment programs, no GP referral required.

Interpreter access for mental health

Accessing mental health care in your preferred language is important. When seeking a psychologist, ask whether they or a colleague work in Vietnamese or your preferred language. If not, TIS National (131 450) can provide an interpreter for appointments with participating providers — discuss this with the practice when booking.