Mental Health
Better Access to Mental Health
The Better Access program aims to increase community access to mental health professionals and team-based mental health care, with GPs encouraged to work closely and collaboratively with psychiatrist, clinical psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.
As part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) mental health package, the Better Access to psychiatrists, psychologists and GPs through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative introduces new Medicare items to provide better and more affordable mental health care.
Medicare rebates are available for GPs to provide early intervention, assessment, treatment and management of patients with mental disorders as part of a GP Mental Health Care Plan. A new GP Mental Health Care Consultation item is also available for GPs to provide continuing management of patients with mental disorders.
| GP items: |
- GP Mental Health Care Plan
(item 2710):
- GP Mental Health Review
(item 2712):
- GP Mental Health Consultation
(item 2713):
|
- $150 rebate
(schedule fee $150)
- $100 rebate
(schedule fee $100)
- $66 rebate
(schedule fee $66, 20+ min consultation)
|
n.b. items do not require practice accreditation.
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Mental Health Assessment Template (RTF format) |
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Mental Health Plan/Review (RTF format) |
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Outcome Tools for GPs to administer (K10/ DASS21) |
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Outcome Tools for GPs to administer (K10/ DASS21) |
Patients with a GP MHCP can be referred to a clinical psychologist or other allied mental health professionals, and are eligible to receive a rebate from Medicare for up to 12 sessions in a calendar year.
Training is not mandatory to bill the item numbers or to refer for psychological services. However voluntary training in mental health is recommended.
Mental Health Skills training:
Better Outcomes in Mental Health initiative:
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Better Access Orientation Manual |
Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS)
This program provides an alternative referral pathway for GPs to refer financially disadvantaged consumers to allied health professionals who deliver focused psychological strategies.
ESDGP ATAPS Section
Urgent Mental Health advice for GPs:
Finding a Mental Health Provider:
Finding a Mental Health provider:
http://www.primarymentalhealth.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=18177
Finding a Psychiatrist:
http://www.racgp.org.au/mentalhealth/liaison
Other Useful links:
For Consumers/Carers:
CRUfAD Anxiety Clinic http://www.crufad.com/
CRUfAD is a shared facility between St Vincent's Hospital and the University of New South Wales. The Anxiety Disorders Clinic offers programs for people with a range of anxiety and emotional disorders.
Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies http://www.nada.org.au/
NADA is the peak organisation for the non-government drug and alcohol sector in NSW.
SANE Australia – 9am - 5pm free Helpline Ph: 1800 187 263 http://www.sane.org/
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness – through campaigning, education and research.
WAYS Youth Services – Ph: (02) 9362 2500 http://www.ways.org.au/
WAYS Youth Services is a community based non-government organization whose mission is to work with young people aged 9-24 years across Eastern Sydney to create pathways to the future. This is achieved through a “one-stop shop” integrated model of service delivery providing services, helpful staff, programmes, activities and practical assistance.
Family Relationships counseling http://www.familyrelationships.org
Lifeline – 24hr telephone counseling services Ph: 13 11 14 http://www.lifeline.org.au
Kid’s Helpline – 24hr counseling for children/adolescents in Australia Ph: 1800 55 1800
http://www.kidshelp.com.au
Allied Health Services http://www.abc.net.au/health/consumerguides/stories/2005
Mental Health First Aid http://www.mhfa.com.au/
Eating Disorders Foundation – Helpline Ph: (02) 9412 4499 http://www.edf.org.au/
Auseinet – Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health
http://auseinet.flinders.edu.au/
Mental Health Council of Australia http://www.mhca.org.au/
South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health (SESIAHS) Mental Health Services
http://www.sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au/Mental_Health_Services/
Subsidised counseling schemes, e.g. Workplace injuries/Motor vehicle accidents/Victims of crime
http://www.psychology.org.au/community/gov_payments/
Vietnam Veteran Counselling Service http://www.dva.gov.au/health/vvcs/index.htm
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