Information for Referrers
At Open Minds Studio, we want to support referrers as much as possible to ensure efficient and seamless care for our shared clients.
If you would like to refer directly to us on behalf of a client or individual please click the link below.
Additionally please scroll through our up-to-date facts about our referral options including
Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP)
Eating Disorder Treatment Plans (EDTP)
Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) Allied Health Treatment Cycle Plans
Non-directive Pregnancy Counselling Plans
Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTP)
What is a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)?
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is a written plan developed by a GP for patients who have a mental health condition. It outlines the patient's mental health needs and specifies the treatment and services that will be provided to help manage their condition. Under the Medicare Better Access initiative, eligible patients can receive rebates for up to 10 individual and 10 group psychological therapy sessions per calendar year.
What referrers need to do
Develop an ‘Initial Plan’ for 6 psychology sessions and fax or email it to us. (MBS code 2715/2717/92116/92117)
The patient returns for a ‘Review Plan’ after six sessions are completed. At this stage, you can review and possibly refer back for an additional four sessions. (MBS code 2712/92114/92126)
What to expect from your patient’s Psychologist
The psychologist will send a Treatment Review Letter to you after the 6th session updating you on the patient’s progress.
They will provide a recommendation on whether an additional 4 sessions are required.
Important information about MHTP referrals
Patients can access 10 individual and 10 group psychology sessions per calendar year (1st January - 31st of December). The patient does not need to wait until 12 months post-previous MHTP.
Medicare MBS Code for in person consultations with a General Psychologist: 80110
Medicare MBS Code for Telehealth consultations with a General Psychologist: 91170
Medicare MBS Code for group therapy sessions with a General Psychologist: 80121
Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTP)
What is an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan (EDTP)?
An Eating Disorder Treatment Plan is a formal plan developed by a GP to assess and manage a patient’s eating disorder, outlining a course of treatment to improve their mental and physical health. Under the Medicare Better Access scheme, eligible patients with eating disorders can access psychological treatment, including individual therapy sessions with a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist, or other eligible mental health professionals. The patient is eligible to up to 40 individual psychology sessions and 20 dietician sessions per calendar year. It is recommended that a patient works with a dietician and psychologist to treat their eating disorder effectively.
Eligibility for Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment Plans
To access Medicare rebates for psychological services related to eating disorders, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
Diagnosis: The patient must have a clinically diagnosed eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder).
Referral: The patient must be referred by a GP who has developed a formal Eating Disorder Treatment Plan.
Medicare Access: The patient must be referred for treatment with a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist, or other eligible mental health professional.
What referrers need to do
Assess and create an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan. Referrer to a treating Psychologist for up to 10 sessions and a Dietician for up to 10 sessions. (MBS code 90250)
Review the patient after 10 sessions and refer back to the Psychologist for 10 sessions. This process can be completed up to three times a calendar year giving the patients 40 rebated sessions yearly. (MBS code 90250)
Review the patient back to the dietician for an additional 10 sessions allowing for 20 rebated sessions per calendar year.
What to expect from your patient’s Psychologist
The psychologist will send a Treatment Review Letter to you after the 10th session updating you on the patient’s progress.
They will provide a recommendation on whether an additional 10 sessions are required.
Additional Resources
Important information about Eating Disorder Treatment Plan referrals
Patients can access 40 individual psychology sessions and 20 dietician sessions per calendar year (1st January - 31st of December). The patient does not need to wait until 12 months post-previous EDTP.
An EDTP and Mental Health Treatment Plan can be used in the same calendar year.
Medicare MBS Code for in-person or Telehealth consultations with a General Psychologist: 82363
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Allied Health Treatment Referral Cycle
What is the Allied Health Treatment Referral Cycle (DVA)?
This referral to an allied health professional is intended to enhance care coordination and improve health outcomes for DVA clients receiving allied health services, including psychology.
Eligibility
Veterans, current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families may be eligible for psychological services funded by the DVA.
The patient must hold a DVA Health Card (Gold or White) for conditions that include mental health or psychological issues.
What referrers need to do
Initial Referral: A GP must provide a valid referral to a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist, or appropriately qualified mental health professional.
Ongoing Referral: A GP to provide new referral letter for each treatment cycle
What to Include in the Referral
Patient's details (name, DVA file number, date of birth)
Relevant clinical information (reason for referral, relevant history, and diagnosis if applicable)
Requested services (e.g., psychological assessment, therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression)
The number of sessions (if specified) or the period of care.
What to expect from your patient’s Psychologist
We will provide feedback to the referring GP at the end of the treatment cycle (12 sessions)
We will write an end of treatment cycle report for you review.
Additional Resources
DVA Client Support Line: 1800 838 372
Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling): 1800 011 046
More information for health professionals: DVA Health Providers Page
Important information about DVA Allied Health Treatment plans
Patients can access 12 sessions per treatment referral cycle
Patients can access unlimited cycles per year.
There are no out of pocket costs for eligible veterans and family members when using DVA-approved providers.
Non-directive Pregnancy Counselling
What is Non-Directive Pregnancy Counselling?
A short-term counselling service for individuals or couples dealing with concerns about a current or recent pregnancy, pregnancy loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination), or planning for a pregnancy. This is non-directive counselling, meaning the patient is supported to explore their feelings and options without the counsellor directing them toward a specific decision or outcome.
What referrers need to do
Discuss the patient's need to confirm their interest in non-directive counselling and determine whether it's appropriate.
Provide a referral for three non-directive counselling sessions to an eligible psychologist.
What to expect from your patient’s psychologist
To be eligible by Medicare to provide non-directive pregnancy counselling.
To receive a review report after the three sessions outlining recommendations for the patients’ needs going forward.
Further Information
Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS): Medicare MBS Online
Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline: 1800 882 436 (For patient support)
Important information about Non-directive Pregnancy counselling
Patients can access 3 sessions per calendar year.
Patients can use this plan in the same year as a MHTP.
Medicare MBS code for in person consultations: 81000.
Medicare MBS code for telehealth consultations: 81005.
Providers require specific training in non-directive pregnancy counselling and be registered with Medicare for this service.