Do I Really Need a Mental Health Plan? Reasons You Might Choose Not to Get One
If you’re considering seeing a psychologist or counsellor in Australia, you’ve probably heard about the Medicare-funded Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). These plans, available through your GP, provide access to subsidised sessions with a registered mental health professional.
But while a Mental Health Plan can be a helpful option for many, it’s not the right path for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might choose not to get a Mental Health Plan — and why private, self-funded counselling could be a better fit for your needs.
1. Confidentiality and Medical Records
When you get a Mental Health Plan, your GP creates a formal diagnosis, and the details of your mental health support are recorded in your medical file. While this information is kept confidential, it is accessible to other health professionals and insurers.
If you’re concerned about future implications (for example, life insurance applications or disclosures for certain professions), you may prefer to keep your mental health care outside the Medicare system to maintain a higher level of privacy.
2. Limited Sessions – and Gaps in Coverage
Currently, a Mental Health Plan provides up to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year (as of 2023). After that, you’ll either need to pay the full fee yourself or stop therapy. This limit can feel restrictive — particularly if you’re working through longer-term issues like trauma, grief, relationship patterns, or identity exploration.
Private counselling gives you more flexibility, allowing you to attend as many sessions as you need, when you need them, without navigating Medicare requirements or reviews.
3. Not All Practitioners Bulk Bill or Offer Low Gap Fees
Some people are surprised to find out that not all psychologists and therapists accept Mental Health Plans or bulk bill. Many charge a “gap fee” — the difference between the Medicare rebate and their standard fee — which can be significant.
Sometimes, private therapists (including counsellors not covered under Medicare) charge similar or lower rates, and offer greater flexibility in how they work. In other words, an MHTP may not actually save you money.
4. Access to a Broader Range of Professionals
Medicare rebates are only available for services provided by certain registered professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. However, many highly skilled and qualified counsellors and psychotherapistsoperate outside the Medicare system.
By not relying on a Mental Health Plan, you’re free to choose the practitioner who feels like the best fit for you — not just the ones eligible for Medicare rebates.
5. You Don’t Need a Diagnosis to Get Support
To access a Mental Health Plan, your GP must make a formal mental health diagnosis — such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. While this can be useful for some, others find the diagnostic process uncomfortable, stigmatising, or simply unnecessary.
Many people seek therapy not because they have a “disorder” but because they want to grow, heal, or explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. In these cases, a private counselling relationship without labels or medicalisation may feel more aligned with your goals.
6. Avoiding Delays and Extra Appointments
To get a Mental Health Plan, you’ll need to book a longer GP appointment, go through an assessment, and possibly wait for a referral. Depending on your situation, this process can delay your access to therapy.
In contrast, booking directly with a private counsellor or therapist can be faster and more straightforward, especially if you’re ready to start now.
Book an appointment with John Belchamber here.