The GPMHSC was established in 2002 and was included as part of the Better Access initiative in 2006.
The GPMHSC develops, promotes and maintains standards for mental health education and training for GPs.
The GPMHSC sets the standards for and accredits mental health education and training for GPs.
The GPMHSC Committee includes representatives from general practice, psychiatry, psychology and the community.
The Better Access initiative allows GPs to refer patients for Medicare rebated psychological services.
Find out more on Mental Health Skills Training (MHST), Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST) and applying for an exemption for MHST and FPS ST.
Find out mote about MBS item numbers used for the provision of primary mental healthcare.
Everything you need to know about the IAR-DST
Changes occurring to the Better Access Initiative from 1 November 2025
The Mental health training standards 2026–28: a guide for general practitioners is a document for GPs who wish to find out about the standards of mental health training and education.
The GPMHSC is offering GPs subsidies that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST), and FPS CPD for accredited providers.
GP Mental Health Treatment Plans (GP MHTPs) provide a structured framework for GPs to undertake assessment, early intervention and management of patients with a mental illness.
This section contains important information on how GPs can best help the mental health and wellbeing of their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GPs can complete two levels of accredited mental health training, each correlating with specific sets of MBS item numbers – Mental Health Skills Training and Focused Psychological Skills Training.
GPs can become providers of Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) by completing the training requirements as set by the GPMHSC. FPS are specific treatment strategies developed from evidence-based psychological therapies.
A series of guides to provide GPs with more information on the MHST education process
The Mental health training standards 2026–28: a guide for training providers is a document for training providers wishing to find out about the the learning outcomes and course content requirements for GPMHSC-accredited training.
The aim of the FPS ST training provider grant program is to provide a financial incentive to support training providers to develop and deliver both online and face-to-face Focussed Psychological Strategies skills training activities to GPs.
Interested in developing or accrediting a MHST/FPS ST or CPD course with the GPMHSC?
This section is for consumers who would like more information on how GP’s can help treat and manage mental health illnesses.
This section is for carers who would like more information on how GP’s can help treat and manage mental health illnesses.
A collection of resources, guides and factsheets aimed to provide GPs with the skills and knowledge needed to assist in the management of mental health illnesses.
A collection of resources, guides and factsheets to help training training develop and deliver quality mental health education and training for GPs.
The primary objective of this research is to understand the unique challenges and barriers associated with GPs upskilling in mental health.
Articles for GPs