Focussed Psychological Strategies: $600 subsidy available for eligible GPs
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is offering general practitioners (GPs) a $600 reimbursement that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST).
GPs skilled in FPS are better equipped to manage and support patients who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
The delivery of FPS by GPs, particularly in rural and remote locations, gives patients more access to affordable and cost-effective psychological interventions where there’s a shortage or lack of psychologists and psychiatrists.
General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) encourages all GPs to apply, particularly GPs in training and GPs working in rural and remote MMM3–7 locations.
What are Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS)?
Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS) are specific mental healthcare treatment strategies, derived from evidence-based psychological therapies. They include:
cognitive behavioural therapy
interpersonal therapy
psychoeducation
relaxation strategies.
How to complete your accredited FPS Skills Training
Eligibility requirements and application process details are outlined on GPMHSC’s Focussed Psychological Strategies and CPD training subsidies webpage.
Eligible GPs will be reimbursed $600 once they complete the requirements for FPS ST and register as GP providers of FPS with Services Australia.
For more information about FPS ST, please contact the GPMHSC Secretariat at mentalhealth@racgp.org.au.
More helpful mental health upskilling for primary health care professionals
Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) remunerated training is available online or in-practice
The Initial Assessment and Referral Guidance for Mental Health and IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is designed for use by Australian health professionals when:
a patient presents to primary care for assistance for their mental health
a health professional identifies that a patient may be experiencing possible mental health symptoms and/or psychological distress.
Brisbane South PHN delivers remunerated training on the IAR and the effective use of the IAR-DST and how it can be implemented into your practice.
Training is designed for the health workforce involved in the mental health assessment and referral process including general practitioners (GPs), GP registrars, other clinicians, intake teams and mental health service providers.