| Term or phrase |
GPMHSC definition |
| Better Access initiative |
An Australian Government initiative that gives Medicare rebates to eligible people so they can access mental health services from GPs, other medical practitioners, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.3 |
| Carer |
A person who provides, or has provided, ongoing personal care, support, advocacy and/or assistance to a person with a mental illness, in a non-professional role. Receiving government or Centrelink benefit payments (such as a carer payment or allowance) does not exclude a person from being considered a carer. |
| Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) |
A focused approach that is based on the concept that thoughts influence feelings and behaviours, and that subsequent behaviours and emotions can influence cognitions.4 |
| Consumer |
A person who has personal experience of mental illness and of their recovery journey, and who has accessed mental health services. |
| Continuing professional development (CPD) |
The means by which members of a profession maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and develop the personal qualities required in their professional lives.5 |
| Course content |
The educational content, specific to relevant learning outcomes, that GPMHSC-accredited training providers need to deliver in a course accredited by the GPMHSC. |
| Interpersonal therapy (IPT) |
A brief, structured approach that addresses interpersonal issues. The underlying assumption of IPT is that causes of depression and psychological distress can often be traced to aspects of the patient’s social functioning (relationships and social roles).6 |
| Learning outcomes |
What learners or participants will be able to demonstrate after completing GPMHSC-accredited training. |
| Medicare |
Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. Also known as Services Australia (Medicare). |
| Mental disorder |
The term used by the Better Access initiative to refer to mental illness. See Mental illness. |
| Mental illness |
A clinically diagnosable disorder, subjectively experienced by a person, that significantly interferes with their cognitive, emotional or social abilities.7 |
| Personal lived experience |
First-hand perspectives gained from experiences of mental health challenges, the use of services, diagnosis and recovery.8 |
| Predisposing component |
Mandatory educational component of a course that participants complete before the delivery of the course. Examples include reading |
| Trauma informed care |
Trauma-informed care is an approach to healthcare that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into practice, aiming to create safe, supportive environments that avoid re-traumatisation and promote healing.9 |