Your patients can now see a psychologist with the help of Medicare.
Mt Barker Psychology is committed to providing quality comprehensive mental health services to the Mt Barker region. Below: patient eligibility, specialist treatment scope, modalities, the four-step referral process, and downloadable outcome tools and templates.
Most common mental health problems are eligible under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. It is easy to arrange for your patients.
All Mt Barker Psychology practitioners are registered with Medicare. This practice is committed to providing quality comprehensive mental health services to the Mt Barker region. Medicare rebates can vary depending on length of session provided by the psychologist.
Who you can refer.
At present, this practice can accept referrals through the Medicare Better Access to Mental Health Care Scheme for patients with the following disorders who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their mental health needs.
For patients with persistent problems.
In addition to treating patients with a wide variety of problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and interpersonal difficulties, Andrea Sangster also treats patients who have persistent psychological problems.
For many GPs, specialist assistance is not always easy to find for patients with these problems. This practice offers a specialist treatment service for such patients.
Specific specialist areas
Evidence-based treatment.
Mt Barker Psychology is committed to evidence-based practice and uses scientifically supported treatment modalities. We work with clients to bring them to a state of readiness for change whilst improving their self-relatedness. Patients are offered a compassionate and confidential service.
Four steps to a referral.
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1
Form the view that the patient is experiencing an eligible disorder
Confirm the patient is experiencing an eligible disorder and would benefit from a structured approach to treatment.
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2
Complete a GP Mental Health Care Plan
There is no set format, however there are some minimum requirements. A K10 or DASS score forwarded with the referral is helpful. The initial referral enables the patient to receive Medicare rebates for their first 6 sessions with the psychologist.
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3
Make a written referral to Mt Barker Psychology
A written referral is required for those patients who qualify for Medicare rebates under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. A Mental Health Plan must be lodged with Medicare prior to the patient making an appointment.
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4
Review progress with a GP Mental Health Care Review
Usually conducted after the patient has received their first six sessions, or at other relevant times. We will send a brief progress report to assist your review. Following review the patient may continue with further sessions if necessary.
K10 and DASS-21 downloads.
Unless clinically inappropriate, an outcome measurement tool should be utilised to evaluate symptoms during the assessment and review of the GP Mental Health Care Plan. Two commonly used and easily administered tools are available below.
K10 — Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
10 items measuring non-specific psychological distress. About 2 minutes to complete and 1 minute to score. Higher scores indicate increased distress and greater likelihood of a mental disorder.
Download K10 (PDF)DASS-21 — Depression Anxiety Stress Scale
21-item abbreviated DASS measuring depression, anxiety and stress. Approximately 2 to 4 minutes to complete. Maximum score per subscale is 42; higher scores indicate greater difficulty in that area.
DASS courtesy of psy.unsw.edu.au
Templates and reference material for GPs.
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GP Mental Health Care Plan Template
An easy-to-use template that meets the minimum requirements.
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GP Mental Health Care Plan Flow Chart
Developed by the Australian Divisions of General Practice. Illustrates the process for developing a Mental Health Care Plan, including information on Mental Health Medicare Items.
Further reading and resources.
health.gov.au
Australian Government Department of Health. A-Z index, fact sheets and templates relating to Mental Health and GP Allied Health Medicare Items.
primarymentalhealth.com.au
Australian General Practice Network. GP resources, education material, and FAQs on the Better Access initiative.
gpcare.org
Joint program between the Australian Government and the World Health Collaboration Centre, St Vincent's Hospital. Practical information on recognising and treating common mental health disorders.
Take the first step.
Call us during normal business hours, or send us a message and a Client Care staff member will get back to you to answer questions or book an appointment.