You must:

• have completed Level 1 Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)*
• be working in general practice.

*Accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC).

The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is currently offering GPs a training subsidy that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST). The subsidy is limited and subject to availability.

Eligible GPs will be reimbursed $800 once they complete the requirements for the Online FPS ST package and register as GP providers of FPS with Medicare Australia.

For more information on the FPS training subsidy, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the GPMHSC website.

Queensland GPs only – RACGP Queensland is offering bequest funded placements for Queensland GPs in Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2–7 to complete RACGP Rural’s Online Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training for only $50 (full value $1,279). You will be required to register and pay the full amount. Once you have completed all requirements of the course received your certificate of attendance, you will be refunded $1,229.

Places are limited so submit an expression of interest today to secure your funded placement.

The Online Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training is comprised of five units. It is recommended that you dedicate approximately three to five hours of study each week over the 14-week period. While some weeks may require less time, others may require slightly more, depending on the unit and associated activities.

Unit 1: Introduction to Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) – 2 hours

This unit introduces FPS, including when and how to apply evidence-based FPS interventions. It explores how to identify patients who may benefit from FPS, particularly those presenting with common, high-prevalence mental health conditions under the Medicare Better Access initiative. The unit also covers the correct use of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers when delivering FPS services, alongside the importance of ongoing professional development and clinical supervision to support safe, high-quality care as an FPS provider.

Unit 2: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills for GPs – 8.5 hours

This unit builds foundational skills in CBT, with a strong focus on practical application in general practice. It introduces cognitive restructuring techniques and behavioural strategies that support the effective management of common mental health presentations. The unit emphasis practical, evidence-based techniques that can be readily integrated into everyday patient care.

Unit 3: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) skills for GPs – 8.5 hours

This unit introduces practical, evidence-based IPT skills, focusing on the connection between interpersonal challenges and psychological symptoms. It supports GPs in understanding how relationship dynamics can impact mental health and overall wellbeing. The unit emphasises structured, evidence-based approaches that can be readily applied to address interpersonal issues underlying mental health presentations commonly seen in everyday practice.

Unit 4: Mental health consumer and carer perspectives – 1.5 hours

This unit focuses on understanding the lived experiences of mental health consumers and carers, and the vital role this plays in delivering person-centred care within general practice. The unit highlights the importance of identifying, accessing, and recommending appropriate resources to support psychoeducation, recovery planning, and the ongoing wellbeing of both consumers and carers.

Unit 5: FPS skills in practice – 13 hours

This unit brings together learning from across all units, focusing on the practical application of FPS in a general practice setting. It emphasises the delivery of structured, time-limited consultations that draw on core counselling approaches, including CBT and IPT techniques.

Participants engage in interactive, skills-based activities such as role play, peer feedback, and guided practice to strengthen clinical communication and consultation skills. The unit also supports reflective practice, encouraging GPs to evaluate their use of FPS skills, recognise strengths and areas for development, and identify strategies for ongoing professional growth.

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

1. Identify when and how to provide FPS to patients presenting with common, high prevalence mental health conditions under the Medicare Better Access initiative.
2. Apply the core principles of the CBT model and the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
3. Apply the core principles of the IPT model and describe the connection between interpersonal functioning and presentation of psychological symptoms.
4. Identify and apply practical ways to support mental health consumers and carers through effective care coordination, recovery planning and wellbeing.
5. Reflect on and evaluate the use of FPS skills to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for continued professional development

Mental health conditions are among the most common presentations in general practice. Providing timely, effective support in primary care can make a critical difference in patient outcomes, helping improve access to appropriate care. The course provides GPs with practical, evidence-based skills to confidently assess and manage common mental health presentations within everyday practice.

The course is also accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC). On completion, GPs can register with Medicare as FPS providers and access relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers 2721, 2723, 2725 and 2727. For more information on becoming an FPS provider, visit the GPMHSC website.