Mental Health Skills Training (MHST)
Objectives
To provide GP 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.
Requirements
RACGP and/or ACRRM accreditation.
Face-to-face or online structured training activity with predisposing and reinforcing activities.
MHST primary pathway – 6 hours in duration or;
MHST modular pathway (core module and clinical enhancement module) – 7 hours in duration.
Must have carer and consumer involvement in the planning, development, delivery and review of the activity. Representative profiles for current National register members can be viewed on the Mental Health Australia website.
Must have GP involvement in the planning, development, delivery and review of the activity.
For additional information on the requirements for MHST, including the two pathways, download the Mental health training standards 2023-25: a guide for training providers
Application and adjudication process
- Follow the process found at Part 4 of the Mental health standards: A guide for training providers
- Pre-adjudication by the GPMHSC Secretariat.
- Adjudication by the GPMHSC Committee during the committee meeting following submission of final application. See Committee meeting dates for more information.
- The training provider is notified in writing of the adjudication outcome following the committee meeting.
For more information on the application and adjudication process, download the Mental health training standards 2023-25: a guide for training providers
Outcomes
Training provider can use GPMHSC approved logo on advertising and marketing materials.
GPs will be eligible to claim MBS items 2715, 2717 (or non-VR equivalent; 281, 282) upon successful completion of accredited MHST courses.
Action
The GPMHSC is unable to notify a GP’s MHST completion to Medicare Australia 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.