Question 1

What does my patient need to receive Medicare rebates for mental health services?

Accepted Answer

From 1 November 2025, patients must have both:

A current Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Psychiatrist Assessment and Management Plan, and
A separate referral letter that includes all required information. See next FAQ.

Without both documents, your patient may not receive the Medicare rebate for services provided under the Better Access Initiative.

Referral and can be provided by post, email, fax, or by the patient.

Please get in touch if we can assist.

Question 2

What information must be included in the referral letter for my patient to receive the rebate I intended?

Accepted Answer

The referral letter must clearly include the following information.

Confirmation of plan
Confirmation that a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or Psychiatrist Assessment and Management Plan has been prepared
The number of sessions being referred (the “course of treatment”)

Referrer details
Your name
Signature
Medicare provider number
Date of referral (the patient becomes eligible for the rebate from this date)

Patient details
Patient name, date of birth, and address
Diagnosis or presenting symptoms
Current medication

Let us know if you have any questions. We'd be happy to help.

Question 3

How many sessions can be referred in a course of treatment?

Accepted Answer

Under the Better Access Initiative, sessions are referred in courses of treatment within each calendar year.

Initial course of treatment: Up to 6 sessions
Subsequent course of treatment: Usually 4 additional sessions
Maximum total: 10 sessions per calendar year.

Note: A patient must still return to their GP after the 6th session for assessment of their eligibility for the additional 4 sessions in the calendar year.

Session limits reset each calendar year. 
For example, if a patient used 6 sessions in the previous calendar year, they can still be referred for up to 6 sessions for the initial course of treatment in the new calendar year.

Question 4

Do referrals expire if sessions are not used in the same calendar year?

Accepted Answer

No. Referrals do not expire. Any unused sessions remain valid for the number of sessions originally stated in the referral.
However, rolled-over sessions count toward the new year’s annual limit of 10 sessions under the Better Access Initiative.

Question 5

How do rolled-over sessions work across calendar years?

Accepted Answer

If a patient does not use all sessions in one year, the remaining sessions can be used in the next calendar year, but they count toward that year’s maximum of 10 sessions.
Example:
Year 1: Patient uses 8 sessions from a referral for 10.
Year 2: The remaining 2 sessions are used first.
The GP can then make a new referral for an initial course of 6 sessions.
If more treatment is needed, a subsequent referral for 2 more sessions can be made to reach the 10-session annual cap.

Question 6

Does a patient need a new Mental Health Treatment Plan every year?

Accepted Answer

No. A patient may continue on the same Mental Health Treatment Plan indefinitely.

A new plan is only required if:
There is a significant change in the patient’s circumstances, or
The patient transfers to a new GP.

Question 7

Who can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral?

Accepted Answer

MHTPs and referrals may be prepared by 
By the patient's usual GP or another GP at the same practice
By a psychiatrist; 
By a prescribed medical practitioner or practice; or 
At the MyMedicare-registered practice where the patient is enrolled.

Question 8

What Medicare Item Numbers are used now for referrals, reviews and ongoing mental health care?

Accepted Answer

From 1 November 2025, the previous MHTP review items have been abolished.

Instead, clinicians use time-tiered professional attendance items (for example, item 2713) for:
Referrals
Reviews
Ongoing mental health care

Specific item numbers depend on the time spent and whether the GP has completed specific mental health skills training.

Question 9

Where can I find official guidance on these changes?

Accepted Answer

If you would like more detail, or our understanding of the requirements differs, you may find the following official information from the Australian Government’s Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) helpful.

Better Access changes from 1 Nov 2025
Better Access Initiative outline
Referral requirements
Provision of therapy
GP Mental Health Standards Collaboration FAQs

INNER SPACE Clinical Psychology

Information for Referrers