Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)
Objectives
To provide education and training in the assessment, treatment, planning and review of mental health issues commonly presented in general practice.
Key learning outcomes
- Identify and manage treatment for mental health issues experienced by consumers
- Develop and review an evidence-based and needs-based GP mental health treatment plan, in consultation with consumers and carers
- Incorporate perspectives and needs of consumers, carers and others in their network to inform subsequent care
- Identify local services and resources that safeguard consumer safety and assist in providing holistic mental healthcare
- Use appropriate MBS item numbers relating to the provision of mental healthcare.
Prerequisites
Valid Medicare Provider number/s issued by the Australian Government Department of Human Services.
Requirements
You can complete MHST by fulfilling one of the following pathways:
- MHST primary pathway, or;
- MHST modular pathway.
The MHST primary pathway is a six-hour(at minimum) activity that can be completed online or face-to-face. It is designed for general practice registrars and other medical practitioners entering Australian general practice.
To satisfy the requirements of the MHST modular pathway, GPs must complete one Core Module (minimum three hours) and one Clinical Enhancement Module (mimimum four hours). The MHST modular pathway is designed for more experienced GPs who assess, treat and manage complex mental health issues in their practices.
For additional information on the specific requirements for MHST pathways, download the Mental health training standards 2023–25: a guide for general practitioners.
View accredited RACGP courses here.
View accredited ACRRM courses here.
MBS item numbers
Vocationally Registered (VR) GPs who complete the requirements of MHST may be eligible to claim at a higher MBS rebate.
2715 – GP Mental Health treatment plan lasting at least 20 minutes
2717 – GP Mental Health treatment plan lasting at least 40 minutes.
As of July 1 2018, non-VR GPs who complete the requirements of MHST may be eligible to claim MBS items 281, 282.
For more information on mental health MBS item numbers, please visit MBS online.
Action
The GPMHSC is unable to notify Medicare Australia of your MHST completion without a Medicare provider number.
RACGP members – GPs need to ensure the GPMHSC has a record of their Medicare provider number. Ensure your MHST is reported to Medicare: a resource for GPs provides additional information on how to update your Medicare Provider Number via the RACGP website. Alternatively, GPs can inform the GPMHSC of their Medicare provider number by emailing gpmhsc@racgp.org.au or calling 03 8699 0556.
ACRRM members – GPs need to ensure that ACRRM have a record of their Medicare provider number by emailing pdp@acrrm.org.au or calling 1800 223 226.
Non-RACGP and non-ACRRM members – GPs are advised to email the following to gpmhsc@racgp.org.au
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Medicare provider number
- Contact number
- Practice address or preferred address
- MHST certificate of completion