Who we are

Mission statement

 

The GPMHSC strives to ensure optimal mental health for the Australian population by ensuring that GPs receive high quality education and training in mental health.

Governance

 

The GPMHSC is a multidisciplinary body funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the MBS (Better Access) initiative. The GPMHSC is managed by the RACGP.

Membership

 

The GPMHSC includes representatives from general practice, psychiatry, psychology and the community. The RACGP provides secretariat services and chairs the GPMHSC Committee.

Committee members are nominated by:

• The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
• The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
• The Australian Psychological Society (APS) and;
• Mental Health Australia (consumer and carer representatives).

 

The role of the GPMHSC

 

The GPMHSC:

• establishes standards for GP training in mental health in relation to the Better Access initiative
• accredits training activities related to general practice mental healthcare
• promotes accredited general practice training in mental health that aims to develop GPs’ knowledge of and skills in detecting and treating mental illness
• promotes the uptake of MBS mental health items under the Better Access initiative
• develops resources to support GPs to provide mental health services
• regularly updates the general practice sector about current mental health issues
• contributes to the development of policy for general practice and mental health.

 

The role of the GPMHSC Secretariat

 

The GPMHSC Secretariat:

• pre-adjudicates skills training activities before the GPMHSC Committee completes a formal adjudication
• pre-adjudicates applications from GPs who wish to be exempt from skills training activities
• adjudicates Mental Health CPD (MH CPD) in accordance with the GPMHSC’s training standards
• reports the details of GPs who are eligible to claim Better Access MBS item numbers to Medicare Australia
• develops supporting resources about primary mental healthcare and the Better Access initiative for GPs and training providers
• provides support to the GPMHSC Committee and Chair
• responds to general enquiries from GPs, practice managers, training providers, Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and other stakeholders about GPMHSC accredited training and the Better Access initiative
• provides ongoing communication, marketing and support to help promote the work of the GPMHSC.