Accredited mental health social workers are able to provide 'Focused Psychological Strategies' under the Medicare 'Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative'. Individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder can receive rebates for up to 12 sessions per client per calendar year, or in exceptional circumstances, 18 sessions per calendar year. In addition, clients are also eligible for 12 group sessions, where appropriate, in a calendar year. Under the World Health Organisation ICD classification, mental disorders include depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, bipolar affective disorder, psychosis, eating disorders, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Referrals can be made by your GP under a GP Mental Health Care Plan assessment and management plan (item 2710), or on a direct referral from a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Referring practitioners usually write a signed and dated letter or note to a mental health social worker After each six-session course of treatment is completed, the mental health social worker must provide a written report to the referring medical practitioner. The report must include information about assessment, treatment, and clinical recommendations. This report assists the medical practitioner to decide whether further treatment would be beneficial. Under a Mental Health Care Plan you can claim $70.65 rebate per session. Clients may claim up to 12 one-hour sessions per calendar year, or in exceptional circumstances, up to 18 sessions per year. Justin Denes is an accredited mental health social worker currently offering sessions at the Natural Health and Fertility Centre.