The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program is a non-MBS incentive program that allows eligible organisations (PGPN) to engage credentialed Mental Health Nurses (MHN) within their practice to assist GPs in the provision of coordinated clinical care for patients with severe mental disorders. The Mental Health Nurse (MHN) will work in collaboration with the GP and the patient in the general practice. The patient can receive an unlimited number of sessions within a two year period at no charge.
The MHN can support the GP with assistance in:
• the formulation of a GP Mental Health Care Plan (items 2710 )
• medication monitoring, education and review;
• Regular monitoring of mental state: full Mental State Assessment, Risk Assessment, HoNOS, K10
• Co-ordination of clinical services with psychiatrists and allied health workers
• Facilitating linkages with community, social programs and resources
• Ongoing counselling with evidence based modes of therapy
• Family therapy/ work/psycho education where required
• Assistance in co-ordination of case conferences
Patient Eligibility Criteria
GP identification of a patient who has a diagnosis of a mental disorder that, causes significant disablement to the patient's social, personal and occupational wellbeing, has experienced or is at risk of requiring hospitalization
• is expected to require continuing treatment over the next 2 years
• has a diagnosis which can include high prevalence disorders (Depression and/or Anxiety) as well as Bi-Polar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorder, or indeed from the Personality Disorder Clusters.
What does a GP practice need to provide?
• A room from which the Mental Health Nurse can work per session (3.5 hours)
• Access to clinical software, access to patient file or current mental health plan
• Administrative support for appointments bookings
Referral process
A GP refers to the MHN via a GP Mental Health Care Plan and with the written consent of the Patient Insert referral pathway doc.
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Nurse & Family Therapist
3 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Nurses/Family Therapists are available to assist GPs with the management of children and adolescents from 0 to 18 years.
These clinicians come with many years of experience as mental health nurses, working in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health area, & a variety of treatment modalities including, individual therapy and counselling, play therapy, dyad therapy, single session assessment and therapy, family therapy, parenting skills, case management, and group therapy. A provider also has experience in infant and parent relationship bonding and PND group therapy (PAIRS).
Contact Yolande Maltman for further information on this program on 9708 8019 or via email
MHNIP Medicare Claim Form information (excel spreadsheet)
MNNIP Medicare Claim Form Leaflet
For a copy of the MHNIP excel spreadsheet or further information on it, please contact Rose