Mental Health
Aims
In line with the National Mental Health Strategy, Sutherland Division of General Practice supports GPs and their staff to provide early intervention and optimal care for patients with mental health disorders with a view to achieving the best possible health outcomes and reducing the impact of mental disorder on individuals, families and communities.
Steering Committee
The program is guided by a committee consisting of the following members:
GP Members: Dr M Moore, Dr S Wilkins, Dr S Petche (from May 07)
Sutherland Division of Mental Health: Dr N Babidge (Senior Psychiatrist); P Cowell (Clinical Psychologist, ATAPS program)
Sutherland Division of General Practice: Gillian Minto Program Officer and Yvonne Rowling CEO
Strategies
- GP Education
Provision of information and resources on government programs eg Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative
Provision of mental health training of interest to all GPs, to those with specific areas of interest eg cognitive behavioural therapy, and to practice staff.
- Collaboration
Collaborate with Sutherland Division of Mental Health to provide psychological services via the ATAPS program
Collaborate with Area Mental Health Service to enhance patient care
Work with other organizations with an interest in mental health to improve services in the community eg membership of Sutherland Shire Suicide Safety Network, participation in Youth Network.
- Information/Resources
Provide information to the community about the GP’s role in management of mental health
Provide information to GPs on other mental health services provided in the community to enhance patient care
Maintain a directory of mental health service providers.
Resources
For a complete list of Mental Health Resources please go to the Resource Centre of go to the following links:
Resources for GPs
Resources for your patients
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