Focused psychological strategies (FPS): Reimbursement available for GPs

Funded through the Better Access Initiative and managed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) sets the standards for mental health training, develops resources to assist GPs in delivering mental health care, and aids in the development of mental health policy for general practice.

GPMHSC accredits both Level 1 Mental Health Skills Training (MHST) and Level 2 Focused Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST). Learn more about the training on the GMPHSC website.

What is level 2 Focused Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST), and why is it relevant for GPs?

Focused psychological strategies (FPS) are mental health treatment strategies that allow GPs to be better equipped to support people experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

GPs who have undertaken FPS Skills Training (FPS ST) give patients greater access to mental health services, particularly when immediate access to a psychologist or psychiatrist is unavailable.

GPs interested in learning FPS skills can complete level 2 accredited FPS skills training activities, and register as a provider of FPS with Medicare, allowing access to item numbers 2725 and 2727.

Learn more about the training on the GMPHSC website.

Reimbursement available for GPs

The GPMHSC is currently providing a $600 reimbursement to GPs who have undertaken GPMHSC accredited FPS ST and have completed their registration with Services Australia.

To learn more about the $600 FPS subsidy, please see the GPMHSC website.