18 November 2024

Message from the Chair

Hello from the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC), and welcome to the spring edition of our newsletter.

The Department of Health and Aged Care published their response to the Better Access Initiative evaluation in August.

The evaluation comprised of 10 studies and received input from a variety of stakeholders, ranging from mental health care specialists, consumer and carer representatives and numerous professional bodies. Suggestions included in the evaluation based on stakeholder input included; building multidisciplinary and complementary models of care, aligning Better Access treatment with clinical need, and better support for GPs to refer patients to a range of services.

If you would like to make any comments around these changes, please contact the GPMHSC Secretariat.

Assoc Prof Morton Rawlin
Chair, GPMHSC

For GPs

$600 Focussed Psychological Strategies Subsidy – AVAILABLE!

If you needed a reason to complete your level two Focussed Psychological Strategies skills training – this is it! GPs who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to receive a $600 FPS subsidy.

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Free digital insomnia treatment study in Australian general practice

We Flinders’ University are coordinating a research study in Australian general practice, to offer GP access to a free digital Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) referral pathway.

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FPS CPD Compliance – 6 hours required

GP providers of Focussed Psychological Strategies are required by Medicare to complete 6 hours of FPS CPD each triennium.

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Become a GP Mental Health Skills Expert with The Academy by Psych Scene

The Academy by Psych Scene offers high-impact, evidence-based learning designed to elevate your clinical practice in mental health.

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Focused psychological strategies for children (5-12 years): Free online training from Emerging Minds

Aimed to equip GPs wishing to further enhance their practice in providing a range of recognised psychological strategies which address the mental health concerns of children aged 5–12 years, this RACGP, ACRRM and GPMHSC accredited course is now available for free on Emerging Minds Learning.

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InsideOut’s GP Eating Disorder Hub now available

InsideOut’s GP Hub, in partnership with Sydney Local Health District, is now available to support GPs in improving the early detection and treatment of people with eating disorders.

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Enhance your Mental Healthcare Skills with training in the Initial Assessment and Referral –Decision

Gold Coast Primary Health Network provides online training and support to assist GPs and other mental health clinicians in using the Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) for mental healthcare.

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Featured Focussed Psychological Strategies skills training activities by Psych Scene:

Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS-ST) - Developed by a dynamic collaboration of a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a mental health nurse and a GP, this course offers a unique and comprehensive holistic understanding of mental health treatment.

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For Training Providers

GPMHSC short videos to include in your Skills Training activities

The GPMHSC has developed a number of short videos which are helpful for both GPs and training providers on who the GPMHSC is, what MHST and FPS ST is and why it is important that GPs complete this training.

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Four x $5,000 training provider grants available for developing face to face FPS ST

Whilst online training is highly sought after, many GPs still note their preference to learn face to face.

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Developing MHST courses that prepare GPs to respond to mental health issues

The MHST primary pathway (formerly Level 1 Mental Health Training) is entry-level training in mental health for GPs with limited mental healthcare experience.

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Ensure GPs completing your MHST can access Medicare item numbers quickly and easily

As you know, training providers are required to advise GPs that they must update their provider number with the GPMHSC so the GPMHSC can report completion of Mental Health Skills Training (MHST) to Medicare.

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Accreditation process and consumer and carer webinars for training providers

The GPMHSC has developed two on-demand information sessions for training providers – on the GPMHSC accreditation process and on incorporating the consumer and carer lived experience in training activities.

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Training and education

Conferences

GP24
Dates: 21-23 November 2024
Venue: Perth, WA
Register now

Free educational webinars

Black Dog Institute: Living Well with ADHD

Date/time: 7 December 2024, 1PM & 8PM

Venue: Online

View now

MPHN: Supporting the mental health of children living in out-of-home care

Date/time: 12 November 2024, 7:15PM

Venue: Online

View now

Identifying and treating panic disorder

Date/time: On demand

Venue: Online
View now

Spotlight on accredited mental health education and training

MHST online and face-to-face courses

Deadly Mental Health Skills Training
Date: 13 March 2023 – 30 December 2025
Provider: Carbal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Limited
Duration: 9.5 hours
Venue: Nationwide

Online Deadly MHST: Substance Misuse
Date: 27 March 2023 – 31 December 2025
Provider: Carbal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Limited
Duration: 9.5 hours
Venue: Online

FPS ST online courses and face-to-face workshops

Clinical Course in Hypnosis – CBT (Relaxation Response and Strategies for Relaxation
Date: 1 May 2023 – 7 December 2024
Provider: Alstefken Pty Ltd
Duration: 16.5 hours
Venue: NSW
Focussed Psychological Strategies for children (aged 5-12 years)
Date: 27 June 2024 – 23 December 2025
Provider: Emerging Minds
Duration: 21 hours
Venue: Online

Clinical Course in Hypnosis – CBT (Smoking Cessation)
Date: 5 May 2023 – 29 November 2024
Provider: Alstefken Pty Ltd
Duration: 15 hours
Venue: NSW

Focussed Psychological Strategies CPD

A Comprehensive Guide to Adult ADHD in Clinical Practice
Date: 16 April 2023 – 15 April 2025
Provider: Psych Scene Pty Ltd
Duration: 2.5 hours
Venue: Online

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills for General Practice
Date: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2025
Provider: RACGP Rural
Duration: 6 hours
Venue: Online

Bipolar Disorder (P4MHE)
Date: 1 May 2023 – 31 December 2025
Provider: HealthCert Education Pte. Ltd.
Duration: 12 hours
Venue: Online

In the media

What's in the news?

Australia legalises psychedelics for mental health

More than 100,000 health professional students to be trained in Mental Health First Aid

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience-Led Peer Workforce Guide has launched
The draft Advice on the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is now open for public consultation

Black Dog Institute’s AKT Lab wins Research Excellence Award at TheMHS Awards