Mental Health Care Plan Referrals

What is Mental Health and Why Does it Matter?

As GP’s, we define your health to include not just your physical health, but also your mental health.

“Mind, body and soul”, as the old saying goes.

Mental health includes our psychological, emotional and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think and act. It also helps determine how we handle life’s challenges, relate to other people, and our decision-making.

Mental health is critical at every season of life – from childhood, to adolescence, to our elderly adult years.

Mental health symptoms and disorders are common, and as a society, we have been getting better at recognising this, and breaking down the stigmas around mental health care, and the importance of seeking help and treatment.

For example, did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia? On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

Or, did you know that right now, one in 12 Australians are journeying with major depressive disorder (clinical depression)?

It’s okay to not feel okay. Help is available. Please speak to your GP today.

Who is eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan?

A mental health care plan is available to anyone who holds a Medicare card, who has an identifiable mental health disorder. Don’t worry too much about whether you think you have a mental health disorder or not.

There are some mental health disorders that are regarded as “temporary” in nature that can arise in times of challenges and adversity.

How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan?

All of the doctors at our medical centre in Dural have undertaken additional training in mental health. You can book a long appointment (select “Mental Health Consultation” as your appointment type when booking online) with your doctor who will undertake a mental health assessment and determine if you are eligible for a mental health care plan.