The Integrated Primary Mental Health Service (IPMHS) is a unique primary mental health care partnership between NHW and the North East Victorian Division of General Practice. The IPMHS comprises the Victorian State Government Primary Mental Health & Early Intervention Initiative and the Commonwealth Government More Allied Health Service and Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care Initiatives.
In North East Victoria the above three Federal and State initiatives were combined to provide an integrated service delivery model. This involved combing both Federal and state policy and service systems, integrating both service delivery and service management. The IPMHS model incorporates the employment and co-location of 5 mental health clinicians in regional GP practices, with the aim of improving health outcomes for people at risk of, or experiencing, high prevalence mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The IPMHS provides a range of clinical, education, health promotion and community development services across the 33,000 sq kms of the service area. IPMHS service highlights include:
- Successful merger of State and Commonwealth primary mental health funding to enhance service capacity and depth over large rural area.
- Delivery of evidence based mental health care. Health outcomes reported by both clinicians and patients indicate that interventions provided by clinicians improve symptomatology and overall wellbeing.
- High levels of satisfaction with service from GP's and clients.
- Cost effective delivery of direct mental health care services to 2173 people since commencement in 2003.
- IPMHS co-locates mental health professionals in 26 of the 28 regional GP clinics, at least one day per fortnight.
- Following referral from the GP, these clinicians provide a comprehensive mental health assessment, a range of counselling services for people experiencing anxiety, depression and related problems. Advice and recommendations to the referring general practitioner regarding treatment and support are also provided.
- The IPMHS also provides a range of health promotion activities and education and training events for both health professionals and the community. This includes the Mental Health First Aid program and the ASSIST suicide prevention program. For further information about these services please contact the IPMHS office.
Information for Clients
All of us, at some time in our lives, will feel 'depressed'. We may feel 'blue' or sad, anxious, pessimistic, or want to 'give up'. These feelings usually last for a few hours or up to several days. If these symptoms are more severe and last for several weeks, it is important to seek help Depression and anxiety are common conditions which decrease our enjoyment of life, and our capacity to think, feel and respond to people around us. If you feel that you or a family member or friend may be suffering from depression and anxiety, it is important to seek help. Your GP can provide information, treatment and support. Part of the plan of care may include referral for counselling support to an IPMHS mental health clinician located in the GP practice.
Integrated Primary Mental Health Website
Some websites which provide credible information about depression and anxiety include:
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/
http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
http://www.anu.edu.au/cmhr/
http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/
What IPMHS can Offer your organisation brochure (126 KB)
IPMHS Consumer Information Brochure (151 KB)
