for Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs), reviews, and re-referrals changed from 1 November 2025. While the clinical processes of planning, reviewing, and referring for psychological treatment remain, GPs now use standard attendance items when undertaking these activities under the Better Access initiative.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is prepared by a GP to support a person’s access to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. It outlines the individual’s mental health needs and the proposed treatment approach and is usually completed at the start of treatment. An MHTP allows a GP to refer a person for an initial course of psychology sessions.
A Review provides an opportunity for the GP to assess progress, update the treatment plan if needed, and determine whether further sessions are appropriate. While reviewing a patient’s mental health and treatment progress remains an important part of care, this is now undertaken as part of a standard GP consultation rather than under a dedicated MHTP Review item.
A Re-referral is when the GP issues a new referral to allow a person to access additional psychology sessions within the annual Medicare limit. A new MHTP is not required each time; however, a valid referral is needed once the previously referred sessions have been used.
To support busy practices, we have created a brief GP Quick Reference outlining current Medicare requirements and practical considerations.
Download ExplainerThese terms can be confusing, so we prepared a one page explainer for GP’s.