MENTAL HEALTH SCRIPT - (Formerly MAHS & BOiMH)

The West Vic Division of General Practice uses unique local knowledge to support all GPs in our region.

We use our extensive understanding of what it is general practices need to better serve their patients. In 2000 we developed the Mental Health Script service to address a regional service gap for patients diagnosed with a non serious mental illness.

The Mental Health Script service provides GPs with a central referral point. Patients are linked with a suitable clinician, either a Psychologist, Social Worker or Counsellor for six sessions of counselling.

All clinicians are either employed or sub contracted by the Division and have:

· Local knowledge and an understanding of rural issues

· Registration with their appropriate national body and regular supervision and professional development

How do GPs refer?

Referrals are GP initiated and must be made using the Mental Health Script Assessment and Plan available from the Division.

Referrals for counselling are expedited by a detailed and informed assessment. This enables patients to be linked with an appropriate clinician quickly and saves the clinician time in assessing the patient's needs.

Completing this referral template meets the requirements of a Mental Health Care Plan.

All referrals are sent by the practice to the Division’s Horsham office by fax or email.

If the referral meets service requiremnets and funding guidelines a suitable clinician is identified for six counselling sessions.

Who can be referred?

The demand for this service is high, GPs are therefore requested to refer only those patients who are committed to the process and who cannot afford private counselling.

What does it cost ?

This service is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing and patients will not be charged for the counselling they receive.

GP communication


GPs will receive confirmation that their referral has been accepted by the service. Written feedback to the referring GP is provided by the counsellor at the conclusion of the six sessions.

Can a patient receive more counselling?


Following a review of the patient after their first six counselling sessions, GPs can authorise a further six counselling sessions. The clinician will recommend to a GP if they believe their patient would benefit from further sessions. Patients can access a maximum of twelve sessions per year.

What can the patient expect?

Our clinicians provide counselling to encourage the patients to self manage their mental health issues.

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