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The General Practice Mental Health Training Framework

The framework provides an overview of the different levels of training and education recommended by the GPMHSC before GPs can provide different levels of mental health care in general practice (Table 2).. The pathway for GP mental health training and education is shown in Figure 1.

The framework assumes that, having completed undergraduate and pre-vocational training, GPs have achieved entry-level proficiency in the following areas:

  • general clinical skills, including communication, cultural competency and recording of patients’ medical history
  • knowledge of the general aetiology, epidemiology and prevalence of mental illness in the community
  • knowledge of the principles of psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
  • knowledge of common evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Table 2. General Practice Mental Health Training Framework

Level 1: Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)
Action
Complete one of the following:		 Outcomes
You should be able to:		 Recognition
You can access MBS item numbers:
MHST Primary Pathway
  • Targeted at general practice registrars and other doctors entering Australian general practice
  • undertake mental health assessments for common mental illnesses in the context of general practice
and
  • develop and review GP MHTPs
 2715
2717
MHST Modular Pathway
  • Complete a core module and a clinical enhancement module
  • Targeted at GPs who are more experienced or have particular interests
  • undertake mental health assessments for common and more complex mental illnesses / specific population groups within the context of general practice
and
  • develop and review GP MHTPs

Level 2: Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST)
Action Outcomes
You should be able to:		 Recognition
You can access MBS item numbers:
  • Complete FPS ST
    (Prerequisite: Level 1 MHST)
  • provide cognitive behavioural therapy or interpersonal therapy to patients eligible for treatment under the Better Access initiative in the context of general practice
 2721
2723
2725
2727
plus registration with Medicare as a GP provider of FPS

FPS ST, Focussed Psychological Strategies; FPS ST, Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training; GP MHTP, General Practice Mental Health Treatment Plan

Development; MHST, Mental Health Skills Training

Figure 1. GPMHSC-accredited pathway for GP mental health training and education