Understanding Eating Disorder Treatment & Management Plans (EDPs)

A guide for clients, therapists, and referrers.

In Australia, the Eating Disorder Treatment & Management Plan (EDP) is a Medicare-funded initiative that enables people with an eating access to both psychological and dietetic services for people with an eating disorder. For many clients, this can significantly improve engagement, continuity of care, and outcomes.

Here’s a guide to EDPs: who can deliver them, what treatments are covered, how the course of treatment works, and important administrative considerations.

What Is an EDP?

An EDP is a Medicare care plan designed specifically for eating disorder management. Through a valid referral, clients can access subsidised sessions for psychology and dietetics over a 12-month period. The plan expires on its anniversary (unused sessions don’t carry over).

Approved Health Professionals

Approved Health Professionals under EDPs include:

• Accredited practising dietitians

• Clinical and registered psychologists

• Eligible occupational therapists

• Accredited mental health social workers

This multidisciplinary model supports a holistic approach to treating eating disorders.

Evidence-Based Interventions Covered

Several evidence-based, psychological interventions are approved under EDPs, including:

• Family Based Treatment (FBT) for Eating Disorders

• Adolescent-Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED)

• CBT for Anorexia Nervosa (CBT-AN)

• CBT for Bulimia Nervosa (CBT-BN) and Binge-Eating Disorder (CBT-BED)

• Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) for Eating Disorders

• MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Treatment in Adults)

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

• Focal psychodynamic therapy for Eating Disorders

Course of Treatment: How Many Sessions?

• Per referral

  • Up to 10 psychology sessions

  • Up to 20 dietitian sessions

• In any 12-month period (from the date the EDP is created)

  • Up to 40 psychology sessions

  • Up to 20 dietitian sessions

• Once the 12-month term ends (i.e., the EDP's anniversary), any unused sessions are forfeited

How EDPs Interact with MHTPs or CCMPs

If your client already has a Better Access Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) or a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP), you can:

1. Let them finish their current plan and then start an EDP, or

2. Pause the MHTP/CCMP and transition to an EDP

Option 2 is often beneficial, because the EDP offers greater access to dietitian services.

If a client has used MHTP services in the calendar year, those sessions count toward their EDP total. For example, if they’ve already used 5 psychology sessions under an MHTP, only 35 remain under the EDP.

Referral & Review Requirements

Minimum requirements for a valid referral 

Referrals may come from a GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist, and must include:

• Date of referral

• Client’s full name

• Symptoms or diagnosis

• Number of sessions requested (max 10 psychological per referral)

• Referrer’s signature and provider number

Review schedule

• After every 10 psychological sessions, a GP review is required to approve the next course of treatment

• To access the sessions 21 and beyond, a more specialist review (outpatient psychiatrist or paediatrician) review is required. This review be done at any time before session 21 (i.e., the client does not need to wait until after they've had 20 sessions to obtain this review).

Reporting Obligations for Clinicians

As a psychologist (or allied health provider) working under an EDP, you must report back to the referrer:

1. At the end of each course of treatment (typically, every 10 sessions)

2. Whenever there’s a significant change in the client’s risk or presentation

3. Upon completion of the EDP, even if sessions remain unused.

Reports should include:

• Investigations, tests and assessments carried out on client

• Treatment provided

• Recommendations on how to manage client’s condition in the future

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article represents WellSpace Psychology’s interpretation of publicly available information from MBS Online and Services Australia, current as of 13 October 2025.

It is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional, legal, or financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, WellSpace Psychology and the author accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on this content.

Readers are encouraged to refer directly to the official MBS Online and Department of Health resources for the most up-to-date and authoritative information or to seek independent advice relevant to their circumstances.

WellSpace Psychology

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