GP Focused Psychological Strategies
Focused Psychological Strategies (FPS) are specific mental health care treatment strategies, derived from evidence based psychological therapies. They have been shown to integrate the best research evidence of clinical effectiveness with general practice clinical expertise.
While FPS are derived from cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy, they are not the same as 'fully fledged' CBT therapy or interpersonal therapy. Rather, FPS consist of a range of specific strategies drawn from CBT and Interpersonal Therapy.
FPS can be provided by a General Practitioner (GP) registered with Medicare Australia as having completed the necessary training.
To become registered for FPS the GP must have completed both Level One Mental Health Skills Training and Level Two Mental Health Skills Training, as accredited by the GPMHSC.
To find more about the required Level Two training programs standards follow the link GPMHSC Mental Health Training Standard
General Practitioners seeking Level Two accreditation within the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care initiative and access to incentive payments must demonstrate knowledge & competence in:
Psycho-education including:
- Motivational interviewing
Cognitive-behavioural Therapy including:
- Behaviour interventions
- Behaviour modifications
- Exposure techniques
- Activity scheduling
Cognitive interventions
- Cognitive therapy
Relaxation strategies
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Controlled breathing
Skills Training
- Problem solving skills and training
- Anger management
- Social skills training
- Communication training
- Stress management
- Parent management training
Interpersonal Therapy (especially for depression)
There is flexibility in the program to include, for example, narrative therapy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
GPs who have attained Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care initiative registration are required to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development in the delivery of mental health services, through engagement with their peers in interactive learning activities.
FPS should be provided as part of an integrated GP Mental Health Care Plan, which may be completed by the General Practitioner providing the FPS, or by another practitioner who has referred the patient for FPS.
Up to six sessions can be provided initially, with a further six sessions available on review by the managing GP (generally the GP who developed the GP Mental Health Care Plan), and each session must have a minimum duration of 30 minutes.
The Medicare Benefits Schedule provides for two time bands:
30 - 40 minutes (item 2721, rebate $82.10, schedule fee $82.10)
40+ minutes (item 2725, rebate $117.55, schedule fee $117.55)
30 - 40 minutes (item 2721, rebate $82.10, schedule fee $82.10)
40+ minutes (item 2725, rebate $117.55, schedule fee $117.55)
Enquiries from general practitioners about training courses available should be directed to:
RACGP Qld Program Coordinator: Ms Dianne Lane
Administrator: Ms Jill Burnett
Administrator: Ms Jill Burnett
PO BOX 1616
COORPAROO DC QLD 4151
COORPAROO DC QLD 4151
Enquiries from general practitioners about prospective applications should be directed to the GPMHSC secretariat:
Contact Ph: 03 8699 0554 or by e-mail
Contact Ph: 03 8699 0554 or by e-mail
Updated: October 2009
