A referral from a General Practitioner with a Mental Health Care Plan entitles clients to up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per year. If you want this option, ask your General Practitioner or Psychiatrist for a referral. This applies to focussed psychological strategies as defined under the Better Access program of the National Mental Health Strategy of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging.
According to the Medical Benefits Scheme, “A range of acceptable strategies has been approved for use by allied health professionals utilizing the FPS items. These are:
1. Psycho-education (including motivational interviewing)
2. Cognitive-behavioural Therapy including:
Behavioural interventions
- Behaviour modification
- Cognitive interventions
- Cognitive therapy
- Activity scheduling
3. Relaxation strategies
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Controlled breathing
4. Skills training
- Problem solving skills and training
- Anger management
- Social skills training
- Communication training
- Stress management
- Parent management training
5. Interpersonal Therapy (especially for depression)
There is flexibility to include narrative therapy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
…professional attendances at places other than consulting rooms would be provided where treatment in other environments is necessary to achieve therapeutic outcomes.” (M.N. 7.1)