According to the Black Dog Institute, in 2007 only about one third of those experiencing some mental health difficulties (1 in 5 Australians) have received access to some sort of professional support. Online therapies are an essential clinical tool to help overcome access barriers like stigma, time constraints, costs/availability for treatment.
GPs are perfectly positioned to support patients access to these services. In practice a large number of GP consultations are related to mild-to-moderate mental health conditions. The PHN is offering support for 10 practices to implement an innovative service developed by the Black Dog Institute that will help GPs to facilitate access to online, electronic Mental health services (eMH).
This service will promote early identification and easy access to free and effective online therapies that are consistent with the stepped model of mental healthcare. Interested practices can submit their applications until Sunday, 20 May.
Similar trials have been conducted into other regions in Australia with great results for patients.
For more information around the trial, please consult the PHN tenderlink page.
You can download a cheat sheet to guide you through the registration and application submission process here.
For any questions please email Marco Salvador on msalvador@ourphn.org.au.