Complete FPS Skills Training and be rewarded
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is offering GPs a training subsidy that covers part of the cost of completing accredited Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST).
FPS are specific mental healthcare treatment strategies, derived from evidence-based psychological therapies. They include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, psychoeducation and relaxation strategies. GPs skilled in FPS are better equipped to manage and support individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
The delivery of FPS by GPs, particularly in rural and remote locations, gives people access to affordable and cost-effective psychological interventions where there’s a shortage or lack of psychologists and psychiatrists.
Eligible GPs will be reimbursed $600 once they complete the requirements for FPS ST and register as GP providers of FPS with Services Australia.
The GPMHSC cannot hold in advance a training subsidy place or guarantee the $600 subsidy will be available at the time of paying for and enrolling in an accredited FPS ST, as there are a limited number of subsidies.
We encourage all GPs, particularly GPs in training and GPs practising in rural and remote MMM3–7 locations to apply for this subsidy.
To be eligible for the FPS training subsidy, you must:
- Applicants must be currently working as a general practitioner (GP) in training or a GP in Australia.
- Applicants must complete accredited FPS ST from 1 August 2021
- Be registered as a GP provider of FPS with Services Australia (Medicare) after 1 August 2021.
- Prerequisites for the FPS training subsidy are payment and successful completion of accredited FPS ST. GPs must also be registered with Services Australia as a GP provider of FPS in the 2023–25 triennium.
- Applicants must pay for the FPS ST and attach evidence of payment (eg tax invoice or receipt) as part of their application to receive the subsidy.
- GPs who have previously completed FPS ST will not be eligible to access the FPS training subsidy.
- GPs will only be able to receive the FPS training subsidy once.
- Applicants who have or intend to received other FPS training grants, scholarships or other funded subsidies that relate to FPS ST will not be eligible for the FPS training subsidy.
- Applicants currently enrolled or intend to take part in the Rural Workforce Agency (RWAV) FPS ST sponsorship programs will not be eligible for the FPS training subsidy.
The GPMHSC encourages all GPs to apply, particularly GPs in training and GPs working in rural and remote MMM3–7 locations.
- Enrol in accredited FPS ST and pay the cost of training.
- Attend the training and complete the requirements for FPS ST.
- Complete the application to register as a GP provider of FPS with Services Australia (Medicare) email it to gpmhsc@racgp.org.au
- Await confirmation from the GPMHSC of your eligibility as a GP provider of FPS.
- Complete the online FPS training subsidy application form. Ensure you are submitting all required documentation, including documentation that verifies your bank account details (screenshot of bank statement, bank deposit slip, signed and stamped letter from your bank, letter from your accountant confirming your bank details)
- Await confirmation of your eligibility to receive the FPS training subsidy claim from the GPMHSC within 10 business days.
- Check your nominated bank account for a reimbursement of $600 within 6 - 8 weeks of the date the GPMHSC confirms your eligibility to receive the training subsidy.
- The GPMHSC is funded by the Federal Department of Health. To enable both the GPMHSC and the Federal Department of Health to meet their contractual requirements, both organisations will be regularly sharing information consistent with the purposes of assessing eligibility, delivery and reporting the outcomes of the FPS training subsidy program.
- Information sharing will be strictly monitored and will not include applicants’ private information.
