Mental health
2011 – 2013 mental health training requirements
Summary of 2011-2013 mental health professional
development requirements
Levels of GPMHSC accredited mental health
training
Training pathway for GPs to register as providers
of FPS
Summary of 2011-2013 mental health training requirements
|
Levels of GPMHSC accredited mental health training
Unlike the QI&CPD/PDP Program of the GP colleges where CPD is measured in 'points', the mental health special interest area works on GPs achieving 'levels' of training.
Programs accredited as Mental Health Skills Training (previously called Level One Mental Health Skills Training) must address the knowledge and skill areas associated with completing and reviewing GP Mental Health Care Plans.
Programs accredited as Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) Skills Training (previously called Level Two Mental Health Skills Training) are more specific - they teach skills in providing focussed psychological strategies to patients.
Please see the table below for more information:
Accreditation category |
General objectives |
Minimum duration |
Activity Format |
Consumer and carer involvement |
MHST |
Provides training in mental health assessment, treatment planning and review for mental disorders commonly presenting in general practice |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Required for accreditation |
MH CPD |
Extends MHST, augmenting skills in assessing and treating mental disorders |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Recommended |
FPS ST |
Develops skills in provision of evidence based FPS as part of a treatment plan for common mental disorders |
20 hours |
At least 12 hours supervised face to face training, with the balance via any interactive, structured learning format. Also requires predisposing and reinforcing elements |
Required for accreditation |
FPS CPD |
Extends FPS ST and strengthens skills in the provision of FPS |
6 hours |
Any interactive, structured learning format with pre-disposing and reinforcing elements |
Recommended |
Training pathway to register as a GP provider of FPS
The 'Framework for Professional Development in Mental Health for GPs 2011 - 2013' provides GPs with a progressive training pathway for professional development in mental health as well as defines the standards for training organisations seeking accreditation from the GPMHSC for their education.
The diagram below outlines the pathway for GPs to register as a provider of focussed psychological strategies (FPS) in the 2011 – 2013 triennium.
Mental health skills training |
+ |
Focussed psychological strategies skills training |
= |
Eligibility to register as a GP provider of focussed psychological strategies |
→ |
Focussed psychological strategies continuing professional development |
To register as a provider of FPS, GPs must complete a GPMHSC accredited
Mental Health Skills Training Course and Focussed Psychological
Strategies (FPS) Skills Training Course. Registration as a provider of
FPS allows GPs to access Medicare items 2721-2727 the MBS items
associated with the provision of FPS by a GP.
For further information on FPS, visit the all about providing Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) webpage
To find GPMHSC accredited training activities, visit the find mental health training webpage
Related files
GPMHSC framework for professional development in mental health for GPs 2011 – 2013 (791KB)
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