Program Coordinator
Email: j.tiziani@gpasouthgippsland.com.au
Most people with a mental disorder, who seek help from a health professional, seek help from their general practitioner (GP). In recognition of this, the Commonwealth is supporting general practitioners to build a strong system of primary mental health care through several new initiatives.
These initiatives will improve the community’s access to primary mental health services by providing better education and training for general practitioners and more support for them from allied health professionals and psychiatrists. It encourages evidence-based practice in primary mental health care and recognises that good practice in mental health includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
GPA South Gippsland’s Mental Health Program aims to provide GPs with information, training and support in identifying early indications that a patient may need specialist assistance.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) have developed a National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006 – 2011.
Please contact the Mental Health Program Coordinator at the Division if you are interested in more information about any of these initiatives
Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners (GPs) through the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS)
Reforms to the MBS will improve access to, and better teamwork between, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, GPs and other allied health professionals. Reforms will allow private psychiatrists to refer patients to psychologists and GPs, encourage early assessment and management of people with a mental illness by GPs, and allow GPs to refer patients to psychologists and allied health professionals.
Referrals
To make a referral to the Allied Health Professional the GP must:
· Complete the Mental Health assessment and plan
· Administer an outcome tool (e.g. K10)
· Explain referral to patient and ask them to sign information and consent form
· Select the Allied Health Professional
· Send referral and copy of Mental Health Plan to Allied Health Professional
· Claim Item 2710 for development of the plan
· At the end of 6 sessions, see the patient for review of the Mental Health plan
and decide if another 6 sessions are appropriate.
· Claim Item 2712 for review of the Mental Health Plan
Implementation arrangements: through changes to the MBS and training delivered through organisations such as Divisions of General Practice.
Implementation commencement date: November 2006
For more information on the Better Access Program click here.
South Coast 'Can Do' Comorbidity Well Program
The South Coast 'Can Do' Comorbidity Well Program is an extension of the original 'Can Do' Initiative funded by the Department of Health and Ageing in 2008. Gillian Ashton has been appointed Program Coordinator.
Implementation commencement date: October 2009
For more information about the 'Can Do' Comorbidity Well program click here.
New Funding for Mental Health Practice Nurses
New Mental Health Nurses in private psychiatry practice, general practice and other appropriate organisations will assist people with serious mental illness to receive better coordinated treatment and care. They will work closely with the patient’s psychiatrist or GP and provide services such as home visiting, medication management, and improving links to other health professionals.
Implementation commencement date: July 2007
For more information about the Mental Health Practice Nurses program click here.
New Personal Helpers and Mentors
Funding will be provided to the non-government sector to engage 900 personal helpers and mentors to assist people with a mental illness who are living in the community to better manage their daily activities. People with a severe mental illness will be assisted in accessing the range of treatment, income support, employment and accommodation services they need. Implementation arrangements: through NGOs.
For more information about the New Personal Helpers and Mentors program click here.
Implementation commencement date: July 2006
This Initiative was developed to provide for increased Allied Health Support in Rural areas. In Gippsland it was recognized that Mental Health was the area that required extra resources. The MAHS Program has been operating at full capacity since December 2001 and is used extensively by GPs.
No training or prior understanding of Mental Health issues necessary.
Referrals:
· Referrals can only be made by a GP.
· GPs can only refer for a maximum of six sessions per
patient per year.
· GPs may refer to the service as often as they wish.
Criteria:
· Patients must not have a primary diagnosis of major
mental illness – these patients must be referred to the
area Mental Health Service or other appropriate services.
· MAHS does not provide a crisis or emergency service –
these referrals must go to the Area Mental Health Service.
· There is no cost to the consumer.
This Initiative has been developed for several reasons:
· To recognise the expertise and time that is necessary to provide quality mental health care
· To provide support to GPs and Practices
· To Promote General Practice
· To encourage Better Outcomes in Mental Health Service Provision.
The Initiative provides a combined system of Education and training, peer support and financial Incentives through new Medical Benefits Scheme Items.GPs are required to complete a Mental health Plan and may then refer patients to psychologists registered with the Division through a voucher system. The Better Outcomes Program provides a free service to low income patients.
For more information about the Better Outcomes program click here.
Orientation for new doctors
Development of an orientation package for new doctors that aims to educate them about the various programs within the Mental Health Program at the Division.
Adolescent Health WebsiteAdolescent Health
The Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)www.mentalhealthvic.org.au
Mental Health Services in Victoriawww.health.vic.gov.au
Mental Illness Fellowship (Vic) Ltd.www.sfv.org.au
The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria.www.mhri.edu.au
VICNET Mental Healthwww.vicnet.net.au
