Mental health training standards 2023–25: A guide for training providers

Mental health training standards 2023–25

The Mental health training standards 2023–25: A guide for training providers is a document for training providers wishing to find out about:

• the specific training that GPs must complete to be eligible to access general practice mental health care MBS item numbers under the Better Access initiative
• the learning outcomes and course content requirements for GPMHSC-accredited training
• how to apply for accreditation of courses you develop, and what to do after accreditation
• details of ongoing mental health education and training recommended for GPs.

This guide may also be useful for regional training providers who are interested in developing and integrating GPMHSC-accredited mental health courses as part of general practice registrar training.

Changes from the previous edition

This edition is shorter and provides clearer and more concise information about the requirements of GP mental health training and education.

For example:

• the processes and procedures outlining the requirements of registering with Medicare have been streamlined,
• there is a concise list of recommended mental health topics you can refer to when searching for and selecting courses in mental health CPD and FPS CPD.

This edition includes:

• lists of useful resources throughout the document
• a glossary that defines important and relevant terms and phrases as they are used in the Standards.

Alignment with best practice relating to mental health care

After a review of the General Practice Mental Health Training Framework, the Standards now more closely align with best practice relating to the provision of mental health care in general practice.
 

Revised learning outcomes for accredited training in mental health

The learning outcomes of the accredited training in mental health have been revised so that they now align with the learning outcomes and competencies, as outlined in the RACGP curriculum and syllabus for Australian general practice: Mental health, and ACRRM’s Rural Generalist Curriculum for Mental Health.

The learning outcomes relating to practice systems and strategies to provide safe and holistic mental health care now include topics relating to GPs’ self-care and wellbeing.