Month: July 2026

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Supporting or referring a person to art therapy

Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy where you can use art materials to improve mental health and address emotional difficulties. It is important to differentiate between Art Therapy and an Art Class and to help the participant understand the purpose of the sessions.

There are some ways that you can help with this

Before making a referral

Tell the person you are supporting that you have noticed they are having some difficulties lately, for example; you have noticed they look sad, worried or angry a lot of the time.

Explain to them that therapists are professionals that are trained to help people with these sorts of difficulties, they can help to solve problems and find new ways of coping.

Explain that art therapists are not art teachers, they don’t care if you’re not good at art, they want to help you to be the kind of person you want to be.

Art therapists use all kinds of art materials and processes to help people, the participant may need to tell the art therapist a little bit about the problem so that they can help. It’s ok to talk in art therapy.

Art therapy can be fun, but it can also be challenging because it’s not about avoiding your problems. Art therapists understand that it is often hard to think and talk about things that are upsetting to you and are good at helping people find other ways to express and cope with things that are very painful.

When they are going to therapy please remember that

The Art Therapy room is a confidential space for people to express feelings and address problems, there is no expectation that the participant will make ‘good’ art.

Please be aware that well intended questions such as, “what did you make/do?” Do not honour the clients right to a confidential service. A better question to ask is, “did you find it helpful?”

We ask parents and support people to help us with informed consent by referring to the appointment as therapy. It helps to remind the participant that they can talk to the therapist about anything, and that the therapist is there to help with life’s problems.

Suggesting to participants that they make a specific painting or object in art therapy is inappropriate and undermines the purpose of the therapy. Avoid comments that may confuse the clients as to the purpose of therapy.

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Steps to get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)

A Mental Health Care Plan is arranged through your GP. It helps determine whether you’re eligible for Medicare rebates for mental health sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or other eligible mental health professional.

1. Book an appointment with your GP

Make a standard appointment and let the receptionist know it’s for a Mental Health Care Plan. A longer appointment is often helpful.

2. Talk with your GP about how you’re going

Your GP will ask about what’s been happening for you emotionally, mentally, and in your day-to-day life. You don’t need to prepare anything formal—just describe your current concerns as best you can.

3. Your GP completes an assessment

The GP may ask a few structured questions or use a brief screening tool to better understand your situation and what kind of support you might need.

4. A Mental Health Care Plan is created (if appropriate)

If you’re eligible, your GP will write a plan outlining your main concerns and recommended supports. This may include referral to a specific practitioner or service.

5. You receive a referral

Your GP will provide a referral letter or document. This can usually be sent directly to your chosen clinician or given to you to bring to your appointment.

6. Book your therapy sessions

Once you have your MHCP and referral, you can book in with your chosen mental health practitioner (such as Pelican Arts).

7. Review after a set number of sessions

Medicare allows a set number of rebated sessions per calendar year under a MHCP. Your GP will review your plan as needed and may extend or update it if appropriate.

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Bulk-Billed Medicare Mental Health Social Work at Pelican Arts

From July to December 2026, Pelican Arts will be offering bulk-billed Medicare appointments for eligible clients referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I provide Mental Health Social Work services for people aged 16 years and over using evidence-based Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS), including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, relaxation strategies, psychoeducation, and skills development.

Scribbly ink and mixed media drawing of three people

Some people choose to incorporate art materials into therapy, while others prefer a more traditional talk-based approach. There is no expectation that clients use art in sessions. Therapy is tailored to each person’s needs, interests, and goals, with creative processes available as one of many tools that may support therapeutic work.

Many people know Pelican Arts through my work as a Professionally Registered Art Therapist and are curious about how creative processes fit within Medicare-funded therapy. While Medicare does not fund Art Therapy as a standalone service, creative and art-based processes can be incorporated into Mental Health Social Work treatment where clinically appropriate.

Art materials may be used to support relaxation and mindfulness, develop personal metaphors, engage with therapeutic concepts, identify strengths, explore values and emotions, and practise new coping strategies. The process of artmaking can create space for reflection, noticing patterns, and exploring experiences from different perspectives. It can complement therapies such as ACT by helping people engage experientially with values, thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, rather than simply talking about them.

I have a particular interest in working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, informed by my previous work as a Community Development Officer with refugee communities. I also welcome referrals from LGBTQIA+ communities and strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming therapeutic environment.

This temporary bulk-billing initiative is intended to improve access to therapy for people who may be experiencing financial barriers. If you would like to know whether you may be eligible, please speak with your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan or contact Pelican Arts for further information.