Mental health
Mental Health
This section includes a range of mental health programs and resources for general practitioners.
Mental health news and announcements
Mental health Programs
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Changed member systems and care models for mental healthcare post 1 November 2011 – four examples of practice scenarios
20 October 2011: The changes to Better Access general practice mental health item numbers announced in the May budget will come into effect on 1 November 2011. After 1 November 2011, practices may require revised practice systems and billings in order to continue delivering high quality patient care.
Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training Small Grants Project - Funding application information
1 September 2010: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has received a grant from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to manage and disburse a series of small grants to training providers who can deliver accredited focussed psychological skills training to GPs across Australia. The College is now seeking applications from training providers. Applications will be accepted from 6 September and close 24 September 2010.
Better Access to Mental Health Program
28 May 2009: The RACGP has received a letter from the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) clarifying some of the changes to the GP mental health care plan MBS item. The RACGP’s online learning platform, gplearning, offers access to three mental health active learning modules on depression, bipolar and psychosis. All modules are mental health skills training level 1 accredited. Free for all RACGP members or available via subscription. Visit www.gplearning.com.au for more information.
The RACGP is involved in numerous activities to support the provision of quality mental health care in general practice. Some of the programs the RACGP are involved in are listed below:
The RACGP chairs and provides Secretariat support to the GPMHSC. The GPMHSC aims to promote the development and uptake of quality education and training in mental health for GPs and general practice teams. The GPMHSC is funded by the Australian Government under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care program.
GP Psych Support provides GPs with free patient management advice from a psychiatrist within 24 hours, and includes specialised advice from child and adolescent specialists, and dual diagnosis/drug and alcohol specialists. The service can be accessed by telephone, fax or via the internet 24 hours a day. GP Psych Support is funded by the Australian Government under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care program.
The MHPA aims to foster initiatives and advocacy around mental health care at a national level that aim to improve mental health and wellbeing in the community.
A key current project involves the development of a professional education and clinical networking package aimed at supporting key mental health professional groups to collaboratively.
The purpose of the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) is to improve consumer outcomes in the primary care sector by fostering an ongoing collaborative clinical approach to the provision of mental health care.