Mental health training standards 2023–25
The Mental Health Training Standards 2023–25 represents the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration’s (GPMHSC’s) renewed commitment to continually improve Australia’s primary mental health system.
The Mental Health Training Standards 2023–25 comprise of a Guide for General Practitioners (GPs) and a Guide for training providers. These have been developed in consultation with GPs, training providers and relevant professional organisations represented on the GPMHSC Committee.
Both Guides outline the standards of mental health training and education that GPs must meet in order to be eligible to access general practice mental health care MBS item numbers under the Better Access initiative.
Changes from the previous edition
Revised structure and format
This edition is shorter and provides clearer and more concise information about the requirements of GP mental health training and education. These guides also include lists of useful resources and a glossary that defines important and relevant terms and phrases.
Alignment with best practice relating to mental health care
After a review of the General Practice Mental Health Training Framework, the revised Standards now more closely align with best practice relating to the provision of mental health care in general practice.
Revised learning outcomes for accredited training in mental health
The learning outcomes of the accredited training in mental health have been revised to now align with the learning outcomes and competencies, as outlined in the RACGP curriculum and syllabus for Australian general practice: Mental health and ACRRM’s Rural Generalist Curriculum for Mental Health.
The learning outcomes relating to practice systems and strategies to provide safe and holistic mental health care now include topics relating to GPs’ self-care and wellbeing.
The Mental Health Training Standards 2023–25 represents the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration’s (GPMHSC’s) renewed commitment to continually improve Australia’s primary mental health system.
The Mental Health Training Standards 2023–25 comprise of a Guide for General Practitioners (GPs) and a Guide for training providers. These have been developed in consultation with GPs, training providers and relevant professional organisations represented on the GPMHSC Committee.
Both Guides outline the standards of mental health training and education that GPs must meet in order to be eligible to access general practice mental health care MBS item numbers under the Better Access initiative.
Changes from the previous edition
Revised structure and format
This edition is shorter and provides clearer and more concise information about the requirements of GP mental health training and education. These guides also include lists of useful resources and a glossary that defines important and relevant terms and phrases.
Alignment with best practice relating to mental health care
After a review of the General Practice Mental Health Training Framework, the revised Standards now more closely align with best practice relating to the provision of mental health care in general practice.
Revised learning outcomes for accredited training in mental health
The learning outcomes of the accredited training in mental health have been revised to now align with the learning outcomes and competencies, as outlined in the RACGP curriculum and syllabus for Australian general practice: Mental health and ACRRM’s Rural Generalist Curriculum for Mental Health.
The learning outcomes relating to practice systems and strategies to provide safe and holistic mental health care now include topics relating to GPs’ self-care and wellbeing.
- the standards of mental health training and education that GPs must meet in order to be eligible to access general practice mental health care MBS item numbers under the Better Access initiative
- what they should consider when selecting continuing professional development (CPD) in mental health so that their skills and knowledge in mental health are up to date and broad ranging.