With a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) you are eligible to claim a medicare rebate for a total of 10 sessions in a calendar year (1 January to 31 December).   If you require ongoing therapy after 10 session, you can seek a further referral.

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You may choose to engage in counselling outside of the Medicare system, that is without a MHCP.  A referral is not required for you to commence your counselling.

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Request a referral for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP or Psychiatrist before your first appointment.  The referral will outline an initial mental health assessment, background information and the concerns that you are seeking support with (eg. depression, anxiety, disordered eating).

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1. Ask the GP practice to email the MHCP to info@adrianacope.com  or bring your MHCP to your first appointment (it must include your medicare card details)

2. If you have already had sessions with another practitioner under your current MHCP, you can change to a different Allied Health Provider and do not need a new referral to do so. You will only need a new GP referral if you have already had 6 sessions in that calendar year. 

3. After the initial 6 sessions, I am required to provide a written report to your GP or referring Psychiatrist. The report offers general feedback with regards to therapeutic goals and progress.  They do not generally contain specific details about session discussions.  If it is in your best interest to provide detailed information in the report your consent will be required before information can be shared.

4. After your 6th session you will need to re-visit your GP or Psychiatrist for a review of the MHCP.  An additional 4 sessions can be provided.  At the end of 10 sessions another report is sent to the referrer.