The GP support program


Last updated 4 December 2023

About the program

The RACGP is committed to supporting members in their pursuit of clinical excellence and ensuring that general practice remains a satisfying and rewarding vocation. The College recognises that maintaining a healthy work life balance is essential for GPs to create the best possible practice environment for our members and the patients we serve.

Issues of concern can arise in our lives and lead to sleepless nights, an inability to stay focused, feeling down generally and a sense that we have no control. This can impact our ability to function well at work.

The RACGP's GP support program is a free service offered to foster a culture of self care amongst GPs. The service is available to all RACGP members who are registered medical practitioners at locations across Australia, including in regional and remote areas. Support is offered via telephone counselling or through wellbeing resources and self-help tools.

Supporting the wellbeing of GPs

The GP support program provides members with professional advice in areas such as:

  • Strengthening relationships
  • Improving communication
  • Depression, anxiety and stress
  • Children or family member concerns
  • Maximising performance
  • Addictions
  • Work life balance
  • Conflict and communication
  • Grief and bereavement
  • Retirement
  • Organisational changes
  • Elder care
  • Financial and legal support

Who provides the service?

The service is delivered by LifeWorks, a global organisation who have been part of the Australian EAP landscape since 1977. LifeWorks has Quality Systems for development and delivery of employee and member assistance programs, trauma and critical incident stress debriefing services and training, which conforms with Australian and New Zealand international quality standards. (AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008)

Counselling methodology

LifeWorks EAP services are designed to address health and wellbeing deeply and effectively though rapid and accurate issue assessment is crucial to the effectiveness and efficiency of any EAP. Using their unique research based behavioural health model, LifeWorks supports a broad range of work and life issues, making it easy for members to access support in times of even mild stress.

The counselling methodology adopted by LifeWorks is a short term, cognitive-behavioural approach. It is a collaborative and individualised program that helps to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and learn or relearn healthier skills and habits.

All LifeWorks clinicians are four-year degree qualified, with at least three years clinical experience. Psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Social Workers are registered with the Australia Association of Social Workers (AASW).

Locations

LifeWorks has one of the world’s most extensive associate practitioner networks, supporting RACGP members in a wide range of metro, regional and rural locations across Australia.

For further information on the nearest office location, please contact LifeWorks National Contact Centre on 1300 361 008.

Making an appointment

Appointments for face-to-face or telephone counselling during business hours can be made by calling 1300 361 008 (office hours are 8.30 am to 6pm Monday to Friday). Your call will be answered by LifeWorks caring and professional team of EAP Coordinators. The initial registration take 3-5 minutes. Take your time and be guided by the EAP Coordinators.

For traumatic incidents or crisis counselling call LifeWorks on the same number 1300 361 008 (24 hours/7 days).

Confidentiality

Information relating to participation in the EAP is strictly confidential. No information will be shared with anyone without informed, voluntary and written consent

If you have any queries about how this service operates, please call the RACGP member helpline on 1800 472 247. Your queries will be handled discreetly.


Yes. Three free consultations have been made available to all RACGP members who are registered medical practitioners.


Your psychologist will assess whether you require further assistance. They may either request additional free counselling sessions or they may refer you to another specialist who can provide further support.


GP members can access three free sessions of counselling per presenting issue. If you are experiencing multiple concerns in your life, your psychologist may recommend additional free counselling sessions.


Absolutely. Your situation is dealt with in the strictest confidence by the LifeWorks Psychologist.


Yes, the same psychologist will conduct each session. If, for any reason, you would like to see a different psychologist just talk to one of LifeWorks EAP Coordinators.


Generally, each session will last for about one hour.

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