Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) mentorship program
What is the FPS Mentorship Program?
The Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) Mentorship Program connects general practitioners with experienced FPS-trained GPs who can provide guidance, support and practical advice on integrating FPS into everyday general practice. The program is designed to build confidence, enhance clinical skills, and help GPs deliver high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to their patients.
How long has the program been running?
The FPS Mentorship Program has been running for three years, supporting GPs across Australia to strengthen their mental health care skills and build sustainable practices in providing FPS.
How does it help GPs?
Through the program, mentees gain:
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Practical support in applying FPS techniques in real-world consultations.
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Clinical guidance on case formulation, patient management, and referral pathways.
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Confidence in delivering structured psychological strategies within the scope of general practice.
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Professional connection with a peer mentor who understands the challenges of working in general practice.
This supportive, collegial approach helps GPs consolidate their FPS training and feel better equipped to meet their patients’ mental health needs.
Testimonials
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“Even having done the course [FPS Level 2], my ability to apply on a case-by-case basis was limited, I didn’t get enough supervision to know if what I was doing was the right thing. ...It definitely has been very helpful, exactly what I was looking for.”
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“It was great. They knew their stuff, enabled me to understand the system better and provide the service better. How to approach a consultation or plan with a patient is not covered in FPS - the theory was covered but not the coal face, how to actually do the consultation...mentorship filled that gap.”
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“I had finished FPS at the end of ‘23 and thought ‘yay!’, then found I didn’t know how to navigate this in the real world. And I felt I needed a sounding board for tricky cases ... and then the email arrived!”
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“9 out of 10. It was customised to me. A good matching process, that worked out well with a supportive mentor.”
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“If I had not done the mentorship I might have taken a different path. [Mentor name] was so influential in building confidence in my ability to do this...prior to mentoring I had imposter syndrome...she emphasised that this is what we do as GPs: we are skilled in whole person care, we are a special entity, we offer more than psychologists...I give it a 10/10"
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“It was a good year of clarification. The mentorship program helped me clarify what path I wanted to take. I knew I was going solo...I was feeling at sea at the time...and wanted some supervision and a sounding board for clinical challenges that I hadn’t done before.”
Eligibility criteria
If you are interested in becoming part of the FPS Mentorship Program:
As a mentee:
- You must be currently working as a GP
- You must be a GP who has completed FPS training
- You must be currently registered as a GP provider of FPS with Services Australia (Medicare)
As a mentor:
- You must have completed FPS training
- You must be currently registered as a GP provider of FPS with Services Australia (Medicare)
- You must have a minimum of five years’ experience using a selection of recognised FPS interventions under the Better Access initiative
- Experience in other mentoring or clinical teaching roles (desirable)
- Experience in clinical supervision (desirable)
- Qualifications in a mental health related discipline (desirable)
- Education and/or clinical experience in trauma-informed care and practice (desirable)
If you are interested in being a part of the FPS Mentorship Program, contact the gpmhsc@racgp.org.au to put your name on the mailing list for the next intake in 2026.