Access personalised mental health care plans with supportive GP guidance to help you navigate challenges and improve your wellbeing.
Next Practice Newstead offers Mental Health Care Plans for patients experiencing mental health concerns, delivered by compassionate and experienced GPs at our clinic on Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, conveniently located for residents of Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, and the broader Brisbane inner-north.
We understand that taking the first step toward mental health support can feel daunting. At Next Practice Newstead, our GPs are committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can speak openly about how you have been feeling, and where you will be met with genuine care, respect, and the right support to help you move forward.
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a structured, Medicare-funded plan developed collaboratively between you and your GP. It is designed to give you and your doctor a clear, shared understanding of your current mental health, your needs, and the outcomes you are hoping to achieve, and to connect you with the most appropriate professional support.
A Mental Health Care Plan is not simply a form or a formality. It is a meaningful conversation and a personalised roadmap for your mental health care, one that puts your experiences, your goals, and your individual circumstances at the centre.
During your Mental Health Care Plan appointment, your GP will take the time to understand how you have been feeling, the impact your mental health is having on your daily life, your personal goals and the outcomes you would like to achieve from treatment, and any relevant medical history, lifestyle factors, or circumstances that may be contributing to your mental health concerns.
Together, you and your GP will formally outline your mental health needs and document a personalised plan that identifies the most appropriate treatment and support services for you. Your GP will then provide a referral to a psychologist, mental health social worker, or other allied mental health professional best suited to your individual needs and preferences.
One of the most significant benefits of a Mental Health Care Plan is the access it provides to Medicare rebates for psychological treatment. With a valid MHCP, eligible patients can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions with a psychologist or other approved mental health professional per calendar year.
This means that seeing a psychologist becomes substantially more affordable, reducing one of the most common barriers to accessing mental health care. Your GP will explain the Medicare rebate structure and what out-of-pocket costs, if any, you may expect when booking with your chosen provider.
A Mental Health Care Plan may be appropriate for patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or low mood; stress, burnout, or overwhelm; grief and loss; relationship or family difficulties; trauma or post-traumatic stress; eating disorders or body image concerns; obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); and a range of other mental health conditions or emotional concerns that are affecting your quality of life.
You do not need to be in crisis to seek support. If your mental health is affecting how you feel, function, or connect with others, speaking with your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan is a positive and proactive step.
Mental Health Care Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure your care remains on track and your plan continues to reflect your needs and goals. Your GP will typically conduct a review after your initial sessions with your psychologist or mental health professional, at which point your plan can be updated and additional sessions approved if required.
We encourage patients to maintain an open dialogue with their GP throughout their mental health journey, not just at formal review appointments.
To book a Mental Health Care Plan appointment, or to speak confidentially with one of our Patient Advocates about mental health support available at Next Practice Newstead, contact us today.
New and existing patients are welcome. Conveniently located near Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Herston, Albion, and Brisbane CBD.
