At MCPC, we specialise in working with infants, children and adolescents and aim to deliver evidence based "best practice" psychological services. We value collaborative partnerships with General Practitioners that deliver a holistic service and ensure continuity of care for the patient.
Here you will find information pertaining to Medicare to assist you in the referral process. You will also find popular tip sheets that you may wish to use.
Information for GP's
You can refer patients to MCPC under the following Medicare schemes:
- Better Access to Mental Health Care
- Pregnancy Support Counselling
- Support for Children with Autism or any other Pervasive Developmental Disorder
The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. Patients referred by their GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (Item 2710) are eligible for a rebate of $119.80 for up to 6 sessions. A review of a Mental Health Care Plan (Item 2712) is required after six sessions by the treating GP, whereby up to another six sessions can be endorsed.
Fees: Although we do not offer bulk-billed services, please discuss with your psychologist any circumstances surrounding financial
hardship.
Correspondence: We provide written feedback to referrers regarding the assessment, treatment and progress of your patients. We welcome consultation and requests for further information regarding your patients. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss a treatment plan further.
If you require further information about The Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, the following information is provided from the Department of Health and Ageing:
Information for Psychiatrists and Paediatricians
Psychiatrists and paediatricians do not have to implement a mental health care plan for a patient if they wish to refer to a psychologist. However, they do have to charge the appropriate Medicare item numbers for the referral and the review. For psychiatrists, the relevant eligible Medicare services cover any of the consultant psychiatrist items 293 through to 370.
Tip Sheets
Here are tip sheets that we have reproduced with permission from the Centre for Clinical Interventions (WA, Australia) that you can give to your patients. If you require a tip sheet for a topic that is not listed, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will endeavor to assist you.
- The Vicious Cycle of Depression
- The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety
- The Vicious Cycle of Insomnia
- Sleep Hygiene
- Behavioural Activation: Fun and Achievement
- Unhelpful Thinking Styles (overview)
- Anger Coping Strategies
- Assertive Communication
- Problem Solving
- Calming Technique: Breathing
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
