The Mental Health Program aims to support GPs to improve the quality of careprovided in general practice for people with a mental health disorder. The programdelivers education and training for GPs and providesaccessible support services.

Changes to the Better Access initiative in relation to the development of Mental Health Treatment Plans for people with a diagnosed mental disorder:

• Name change to “GP Mental Health Treatment Plan” & GPs required to document a diagnosis of a mental disorder in the Plan (July 09)

• New MBS Item 2702 ($125.95) for GPs who have not completed Mental Health Skills training for developing a Treatment Plan (Jan 2010).

• GPs who have completed Mental Health Skills Training can continue to use Item 2710 ($160.45) for developing a Treatment Plan.

If you are unsure whether you have completed Mental Health Skills Training please contact the GPMHSC on (03) 8699 0554. To find out what Mental Health Skills Training courses are available visit the GPMHSC  ‘find training’ or contact Mariam 9585 2044.

Mental Health Item Numbers

The aim of this initiative is to improve the prevention and early detection of antenatal and postnatal depression, and to provide better care, support and treatment for expectant and new mothers experiencing  perinatal depression. The St George Division has developed referral pathways with the local child and maternal health services and primary health care services. If a GP determines that the patient can benefit from further treatment a number of options are available. GP Management options which include ATAPS services for women and theirfamilies experiencingperinatal depression are now available.

Rosemary Elliott an experienced Counselling Psychologist from Child Youth and Family Team willprovideoutreach services at the Division under ATAPS.

ATAPS services continue for GPs with  low income patients suffering from anxiety or depression. Patients can receive up to 6 (max 12) Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) sessions at no cost to them. For referrals complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan (item 2710) and ATAPS referral form. ATAPS services include;

- Rosemary Elliot

- Belinda Ivanovski

- Fernando Gomez

- Transcultural Mental Health

Children 0-12 yrs and Perinatal women

Young people 13-25 yrs

Adults 18 yrs+

Non English speaking patients

-Referral Pathway Flow Chart                                              - Consumer Fact Sheet                      - Medicare Registered Psychologist

-ATAPS Referral Form & Mental Health Treatment Plan          - Schedule 1 Form                            - RANZCP NSW Psychiatrists