What is a mental health care plan?

Developing and reviewing a GP MHTP 

GP Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs):
 

• provide continuity of care for people with a mental illness
• provide a structured framework for GPs to undertake assessment, early intervention and management of patients with mental disorders
• assist with coordination of care and provide a referral pathway to allied mental health service providers
• allow the GP to actively involve the patient and carer, where possible, in their care.

When a GP uses an MHTP template, such as those developed by the GPMHSC, they can be guided through important questions and prompts when discussing a patient' mental health issues

The assessment of a patient must include:
 

• recording the patient’s informed consent to proceed with developing a GP MHTP
• relevant history (biological, psychological, social), including the presenting complaint
• assessment of current and previous medication
• conducting a mental health state examination
• assessing associated risk and any comorbidity
• making a diagnosis and/or formulation
• administering an outcome measurement tool, except where it is considered clinically inappropriate.

This also includes a risk assessment, indicating severity of psychological distress and whether the patient experiences thoughts of suicide, self-harm or harm to others.

The next step is to discuss with a patient their treatment plan. This must include:
 

• discussing the assessment with the patient including the diagnosis and/or formulation and any issues associated with diagnosis
• identifying and discussing referral and treatment options and appropriate support services with the patient
• agreeing on goals with the patient including what should be achieved by treatment and what actions the patient will take
• provision of psycho-education
• a plan for relapse prevention and/or crisis intervention if appropriate at this stage
• making arrangements for referrals, treatment support services, review and follow up.

The referral may be to a psychologist for sessions or a psychiatrist for opinion, planning and treatment. There should also be discussion with any carer/support person for an identified role if needed. Medication might be considered if and when these treatments are not proving successful.

It should be noted that the referral letter is separate from the MHTP. It is important to provide a referral letter with a request for psychological treatment to the allied health professional to ensure a valid referral.

The MHTP can be provided to the patient, with the referral letter going to the allied health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, occupational therapist or GP FPS Provider). It is up to the patient as to whether the MHTP is provided to this health professional.

The initial referral should be for up to six sessions with a psychologist, followed by a GP review of the plan and outcomes from treatment. At this point a report is provided to the referring GP for information on progress of the plan.

Reviewing a patient’s progress is an important part of ensuring continuity of mental healthcare and best outcomes. This enables access to a further four sessions.

Review of a GP MHTP must include:
 

• recording the patient’s informed consent to proceed with the review service
• re-administration of the outcome measurement tool used during the assessment, unless considered clinically inappropriate
• review of the patient’s progress towards the goals as outlined in the treatment plan
• modification of the documented GP MHTP if required
• checking, reinforcing and expanding the psycho-education
• a plan for crisis intervention and/or for relapse prevention, if appropriate and if not previously provided.

It is important that the MHTP and treatment sessions move towards an improved outcome in wellbeing, rather than creating a reliance on a new health professional. While GP MHTPs can be time consuming, they are important part of ensuring the role of the GP in the holistic care of their patient.

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Downloads

NWMPHN-Mental-Health-Treatment-Plan-2022.pdf