The Commonwealth has introduced a new GP Psychiatry Support Line to support GPs to access psychiatrist advice directly.
Local GPs would also be aware SWSPHN commissions Dokotela to deliver Consultant Psychiatry Services across the region.
The two services differ in that the Consultant Psychiatry Service will consult directly with patients (and GPs if the GP wishes), while the support line is for provision of advice to GPs only to support them to treat their patients.
Key differences between the GP Psychiatry Support Line and Consultant Psychiatry Service are explained below.
GP Psychiatry Support Line
The GP Psychiatry Support Line, a free national service linking GPs with qualified psychiatrists, is now available to all GPs across Australia.
GPs can receive instant expert advice regarding the mental healthcare of their patients by calling 1800 161 718 (Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm – excluding public holidays).
The phone-in service can assist GPs with diagnosis, investigation, medication and a safety plan. It also can advise about treatment options, referral pathways and psychosocial issues.
The GP Psychiatry Support Line aims to keep consumers, whose conditions can be treated in primary healthcare under the care of their GP, by supporting the GP.
Benefits of the service include:
- Free phone psychiatry consultation service for GPs providing either specific case advice or general psychiatric inquiries
- Typically a 10-minute consultation
- Report sent to GP within one business day after consultation
- GP capacity building webinars available
- Open eligibility
ProCare Mental Health Services has delivered the support line in partnership with 15 PHNs since 2018.
Previously funded within limited areas for limited use, the service is now funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and can be utilised by all GPs.
GPs must register to access the GP Psychiatry Support Line. It will take two minutes to register online; just make sure you have your AHPRA registration number and practice details on hand.
Find out more about the service by visiting gpsupport.org.au or call 1800 161 718.
Consultant Psychiatry Service
For the past five years, GPs in South Western Sydney have had access to the SWSPHN-funded Consultant Psychiatry Service, delivered by Dokotela, for additional mental health advice and support.
The service has two main objectives:
- Provide psychiatry services for those with severe and persistent mental illness who live, study or work in South Western Sydney
- Support and advice to GPs to build capacity in managing the long-term mental healthcare of these consumers
Eligible consumers must be over 12 years with a severe and persistent mental illness with history of hospitalisation or at risk.
GPs can refer consumers to the Consultant Psychiatry Service via the SWSPHN Mental Health Referral Form which can be downloaded into practice software or online referral form. Reports are sent to the GP after a consultation though GPs can participate in the appointment with the client, if they wish.
GP capacity-building sessions are also available.
To access more information about the Consultant Psychiatry Service, visit the SWSPHN website.