Navigating the Australian healthcare system while dealing with the emotional weight of pregnancy or loss can feel overwhelming. Many parents know that "help is available," but the difference between various Medicare items and how to actually access them is often unclear.
In Australia, there are two primary pathways to subsidised professional support. Understanding which one fits your needs is the first step toward getting the care you deserve.
How many free counselling sessions can I get during pregnancy?
In Australia, you can access up to three sessions of "Non-Directive Pregnancy Support Counselling" per pregnancy. This is a specific Medicare item (Item 81000) designed for anyone who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant in the last 12 months.
Unlike a standard mental health plan, you do not need a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition to access these sessions. They are intended to provide immediate support for any concerns related to the pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or anxiety about a current pregnancy. If you are currently navigating pregnancy after loss, these three sessions can be a vital first step in managing "milestone anxiety."
Best for: Immediate support regarding concerns about a current or recent pregnancy (including loss or miscarriage).
This is a specific Medicare service (Items 81000, 81005, or 81010) designed for anyone who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant in the last 12 months.
- Eligibility: You do not need a formal mental health diagnosis (like depression or anxiety). You simply need to have concerns related to your pregnancy. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth, or decisions about the future.
- The Referral: You need a referral from your GP. It doesn't require a formal "Mental Health Treatment Plan" document—often a simple referral letter is enough.
- The Providers: Can be accessed through eligible psychologists, social workers, or mental health nurses.
How do I ask my GP for a Mental Health Care Plan?
When you book your appointment, specifically ask for a "Long Consultation for a Mental Health Plan." This ensures the doctor has enough time (usually 20–30 minutes) to complete the assessment and paperwork.
Best for: Longer-term support for diagnosed conditions such as postnatal depression, clinical anxiety, or complex grief.
If your needs go beyond the initial three sessions of pregnancy counselling, your GP may suggest a formal Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) under the "Better Access" initiative.
- What you get: Up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
- The Process: Your GP will perform an assessment. If they determine you have a "clinically diagnosed mental disorder" (which includes many forms of trauma and grief), they will create a formal plan.
- The Referral: Usually written in a "6 + 4" format. You attend six sessions, then return to your GP for a review before accessing the remaining four.
- Rebates: Medicare provides a rebate for each session. There is often an "out-of-pocket" gap fee depending on the private practitioner’s rates.
| Feature | Pregnancy Support Counselling | Mental Health Treatment Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions | 3 per pregnancy | 10 per calendar year |
| Diagnosis | Not required | Clinical diagnosis required |
| Timeframe | Within 12 months of pregnancy | Any time |
| Best for | Immediate pregnancy-related concerns | Ongoing therapy for mental health |
How many free counselling sessions can I get during pregnancy?
In Australia, you can access up to three sessions of "Non-Directive Pregnancy Support Counselling" per pregnancy. This is a specific Medicare item (Item 81000) designed for anyone who is currently pregnant or has been pregnant in the last 12 months.
Unlike a standard mental health plan, you do not need a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition to access these sessions. They are intended to provide immediate support for any concerns related to the pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or anxiety about a current pregnancy. If you are currently navigating pregnancy after loss, these three sessions can be a vital first step in managing "milestone anxiety."
What is the difference between Pregnancy Support Counselling and a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
While both provide Medicare rebates, they serve different purposes:
- Pregnancy Support Counselling (3 sessions): Best for immediate, short-term support regarding a specific pregnancy event. No formal diagnosis is required.
- Mental Health Treatment Plan (10 sessions): Also known as "Better Access," this is for ongoing therapy. Your GP must assess you as having a "disorder" (such as clinical anxiety, depression, or PTSD). This is often necessary for partners, who we discuss in our guide for The Silent Mourner: Supporting Partners Through Loss, as they are not always eligible for the pregnancy-specific sessions.
How to talk to your GP
When you book your appointment, ask for a "Long Consultation". Creating these plans takes time, and you don't want to feel rushed.
- Be Honest: You don’t need to "minimise" your feelings. Tell your GP exactly how you are sleeping, eating, and feeling.
- Ask for Recommendations: GPs often have a list of local psychologists who specialise in "Perinatal Mental Health."
- Check for Bulk-Billing: If cost is a barrier, ask your GP if they know any providers who bulk-bill or offer a sliding scale for parents.
Where can I find loss-informed therapists in Australia?
Finding a therapist who "gets it" is essential. We recommend looking for practitioners who specialise in Perinatal Mental Health. You can also reach out to these dedicated Australian organisations for recommendations:
- PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia): Call 1300 726 306 for their specialist helpline.
- Red Nose & SANDS: Provide 24/7 support for miscarriage, stillbirth, and newborn death on 1300 308 307.
- Gidget Foundation Australia: Offers up to 10 free clinical psychological sessions for expectant and new parents.
The "Alongside" Twist: Journaling Through the Process
Medical appointments can feel clinical and cold. Use your journal to bridge the gap between the "paperwork" and your "inner work."
Pre-Appointment Prompts:
- What are the three most "heavy" feelings I’ve carried this week?
- If I could change one thing about my current mental state, what would it be?
- What do I want my doctor to understand about my experience that isn't on a medical form?
Post-Appointment Reflection:
- How did it feel to have my experience validated by a professional today?
- What is one small thing I can do for myself before my first therapy session?