What is the Mental Health Program?
The program aims to enhance communication between GPs and the public health system (Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drug Services ACT), Psychologists and encourage the treatment of mental health in primary care. The program includes support for ATAPS, Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program and Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD).
What does the Mental Health Program do?
- Practice visits to provide information on ATAPS (Access to Allied Psychological Services), templates for Mental Health Outcome Tools and Mental Health Treatment Plans, links and resources on our website and education events.
- Develop and enhance linkages and shared care partnerships between GPs and other public and private mental health service providers and agencies in the community.
- Provide opportunities for GPs to enhance their mental health knowledge and skills.
- Support GPs in their care of people with mental illness in the primary care setting.
- Foster collaboration and cooperation between GPs and other mental health providers in the ACT.
How can the Mental Health Program help you?
- Practice visits including ATAPS induction by the Mental Health Program Officer or Team Leader.
- Encourage GPs to complete Mental Health Treatment Plans for patients where appropriate.
- Encourage GPs to complete Mental Health Skills Training (6 hours, category 1) either online or through an event hosted by ACTML.
What has the Mental Health Program achieved?
- The program is overseen by the award-winning Mental Health Advisory Committee including GP Adviser Dr Brenda Tait, a Psychologist, a consumer and a carer representative.
- Supported Credentialed Mental Health Nurses to establish practice in the ACT.
Who can help you?
Rosemary Agnew
Mental Health Team Leader
(02) 6287 8099
Lauren Anthes
Mental Health Program Officer
Joanne Gunn
Mental Health Administration support (ATAPS vouchers)