Referral Pathways

Short Term Therapy (STT)

Accessing Short Term Therapy (STT) can be done through several pathways:

Short-Term Therapies (STT) program supports individuals facing mild to moderate mental health challenges, as well as those at high risk.

The STT program provides short-term, evidence-based psychological support to people who may otherwise have limited access to mental health services. Through tailored therapeutic interventions, we help individuals manage conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other moderate mental health concerns, empowering them to take control of their wellbeing.

Eligible clients may access up to six initial sessions, with the opportunity for an additional four sessions upon GP approval. First Nations clients may be eligible for up to 12 sessions. The program is proudly supported by funding from the Northern Territory Primary Health Network.

The STT program offers support to individuals experiencing mild to moderate, and in some cases, severe mental health challenges. It is designed for those who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as living in the Northern Territory and holding a Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card, or Pension Card. The program also provides immediate and intensive support during times of heightened emotional distress, whether following a hospital visit, after expressing thoughts of self-harm to a GP or mental health clinician, or when an individual is impacted by a significant loss in their community.

Referrals are made through the NT Connect to Wellbeing service, where an intake team assesses eligibility and matches individuals to the right level of care. A GP will need to complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and an STT referral form to start the process.

Medicare Referral

If you’re looking for support with your mental health and would like to use Medicare rebates to help with the cost, here’s how you can get started:

Step 1: Book an Appointment with Your GP

Make a long appointment with your GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician to chat about how you’re feeling. A longer visit gives them enough time to properly understand what’s going on and assess your needs.

Step 2: Mental Health Assessment

During the appointment, your GP will:

• Discuss your mental health history and current concerns.
• Assess your symptoms and how they’re impacting your daily life.
• Determine whether you are eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

Step 3: Receive Your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

If eligible, your GP will prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which includes:

• A summary of your mental health concerns.
• Treatment goals.
• A referral to a registered psychologist or other mental health professional.
• Your GP can refer you to a specific psychologist (if you have a preference).

Step 4: Book an Appointment with a Psychologist

Once you have your referral, you can book your appointment with the psychologist. You’ll need to provide:

• Your Mental Health Treatment Plan.
• The referral letter from your GP.
• Your Medicare card for rebate processing.

Step 5: Medicare Rebates for Sessions

Medicare subsidises up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year under an MHTP:

• You start with up to 6 sessions.
• After these, you return to your GP for a review. If needed, they may approve 4 more sessions.
• The rebate amount varies but typically covers a portion of the session fee.

Need more Support?

If you need more sessions after the 10 Medicare covered visits, you can continue privately or look into other funding options like private health insurance, the NDIS, or Employee Assestance Programs (EAPs).>

NDIS Referral

If you are an NDIS participant, you may be eligible for psychology services under your NDIS plan. Here’s how to access support:

Step 1: Check Your NDIS Plan

Psychology services are funded under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. If your plan includes this funding, you can use it to see a psychologist. If psychology services are not included in your plan but are needed, you may request a plan review to have them added.

Step 2: Get a Referral (if required)

Self-managed & Plan-managed NDIS participants can directly contact a registered psychologist and book an appointment. No GP referral is needed. NDIA-managed participants must choose a psychologist registered with NDIS and may need a referral from a support coordinator, GP, or allied health professional.

Step 3: Book an Appointment with Mark Drake Psychologist

Provide your NDIS plan details when booking. Mark accepts NDIS-funded clients and will charge within the NDIS fee schedule. There will be no gap to pay.

Step 4: Attend Sessions & Claim Funding

• Self-managed participants pay upfront and claim reimbursement from NDIS.
• Plan-managed participants have payments processed through their plan manager.
• NDIA-managed participants have payments handled directly by NDIS.

For more information, speak to your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or psychologist to ensure your plan meets your needs.

DVA (Department of Veteran's Affairs)

If you are a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) cardholder, you may be eligible for psychology services covered by DVA. Here’s how to access support:

Step 1: Check Your DVA Card Eligibility

• Gold Card holders – Fully covered for mental health services, regardless of the condition.
• White Card holders – Covered for mental health conditions accepted by DVA.

Step 2: Get a Referral

You can get a referral from:

• Your GP (valid for up to 12 sessions per referral)
• A psychiatrist
• A hospital discharge planner
• Other allied health providers (in some cases)

Step 3: Book an Appointment with Mark Drake Psychologist

When booking with Mark provide your DVA card details and DVA referral letter supplied by your GP.

Step 4: Attend Sessions with No Out-of-Pocket Costs

DVA fully covers the cost of eligible psychology services. If further sessions are needed, your psychologist can request additional treatment under DVA guidelines.

For more information, visit the DVA website or speak with your GP or psychologist about accessing support.