Mental Health

Program Manager: Dr Lyndal Parker-Newlyn

The Division runs two mental health programs to support and assist GPs in their role of providing primary mental health care. They are described below.

‘Bridging the Gap’:

This is a Commonwealth Government funded Access to Allied Health Services program. It enables GPs registered with the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOiMHC) Initiative to access focussed psychological strategies (FPS) from allied health professionals to support their patients with mental health problems.

  • referrals are to be made in the context of the 3 Step Mental Health Process
  • GPs can refer a patient to the program as part of a Mental Health Plan
  • there is currently 11 psychologists and 1 social worker signed up and ready to take referrals
  • on referral patients can access up to 6 (50 minute) sessions of FPS with a psychologist or social worker
  • patients may be entitled to access up to a further 6 more sessions of FPS with a psychologist or social worker upon a mental health review.
  • How can I get registered so I can access this program?
  • GPs must complete Familiarisation Training (online or face-to-face) and 6 hours of Mental Health Skills Training
  • register with the HIC via the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (branch of the RACGP) to participate in the BOiMHC Initiative.

GP Incentive Payments: There are 2 incentive payments:

  • a sign on payment of $150 when GPs register with the HIC for the initiative
  • a Service Incentive Payment (SIP) of $150 per 3 Step Mental Health Process per patient per year on completion of the review step.

You will find more information on incentive payments here.

Division GP Support – How we can help you?

  • We can assist BOiMHC registered GPs with the referral process
  • We can assist practice staff with any administrative matters relating to the program
  • We can assist GPs who are not yet registered with BOiMHC to get registered so they can access this program.

Additional Resources & Links

‘Bridging the Gap’ Information Kit

Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care

BOiMHC Initiative

Education & Training

Familiarisation Training resources

Level One Mental Health Skills Training

BOiMHC Registration Forms

3 Step Mental Health Process Templates

Proforma (Assessment)

Proforma (Plan & Review)

Checklist (assessment, plan and review)

Outcome Tools

For further information please contact the Division.

GP Mental Health Peer Support Groups - Description:

The aim of these peer support groups is to enhance the skills and knowledge base of participating GPs via peer interaction and reflection, case review and discussion, and opportunity for review of current practice, research and best practice guidelines.

  • Groups are held quarterly in the three locations of Nowra, Bay & Basin and Milton/Ulladulla
  • Groups are held of an evening over good food and wine
  • Groups run for approximately 1.5 – 2hrs
  • Groups include 4-10 GPs
  • Groups are run by a GP facilitator
  • Groups are based on small group learning principles
  • Groups attract Group 1 & Group 2 CPD points depending on the location
  • Groups involve participation from other mental health colleagues for professional guidance and support e.g. a psychiatrist and psychologist
  • Groups cover a wide range of topics e.g. managing depression in adolescents and the elderly, CBT, management of areas such as psychosis, eating disorders, post-natal depression and trauma etc.

If you would like to find out more about these groups please contact the Division.