Access to Psychological ServicesMental Health Within Australia, one in five people experience a mental health issue at any time, however less than 40% of people will seek help. Of those who do seek help 75 % will do so from their GP.
85% of the population visit their GP every year, with mental health being the
second most common general practice co-morbidity.
GP's provide more than 10 million mental health consultations per year and 3.4 million of these are for depression.
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The Rockingham Kwinana Division of General Practice prides itself on both the provision of education and information to our GP’s and practice staff, and the delivery of individual and group counseling services to our community.
Rockingham Kwinana Division of General Practice currently has 2 core mental health service delivery programs. These are:
The Better Access + Counselling Program and the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Program
What is the RKDGP Counselling Program?
The Rockingham Kwinana Division of General Practice (RKDGP) Better Access + Counselling Program is a project being run by RKDGP. The program provides short term (12 sessions), with a further six sessions becoming available in extenuating circumstances. The Better Access + program is affordable counselling which will be delivered by professional psychologists. The service is be located at a number of the general practice surgeries within the Divisionas well as the Division offices.
Please note - this is NOT a crisis/emergency or after-hours service and there may be a short waiting period for your counselling.
How Long Does Counselling Last?
Your GP will initially refer you for up to six counselling appointments. At the end of these six sessions, you and your counsellor will discuss the possibility of a further six appointments and your counsellor will make a written recommendation to your GP. You are encouraged to see your GP at the end of the six counselling appointments to discuss this with him/her. If you and your GP agree that a further six counselling appointments will be helpful for you, your GP will write another referral letter for you.
What happens if you miss an appointment?
It is important that you give your counsellor at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to attend an appointment. If you do not attend a scheduled appointment or cancel an appointment at short notice you will be charged a Non-Attendance fee of $40 (unless there are extenuating circumstances) The missed appointment will also count as one of your 6 - 12 counselling sessions.
How is your privacy protected?
As the counselling program is funded by the Government of Australia there is a requirement for it to be evaluated, This means that some socio-demographic details (e.g. your year of birth, gender, postcode, income, education) and general information about your mental health condition and treatment will be collected, and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the beginning and end of each appointment. All data will be "de-identified", which means that your name and any other identifying information not be recorded on the evaluation forms by your GP and Counsellor and will not be seen by the evaluators. Personal information -such as your name, address, phone number, and specific information about your condition and the treatment you are receiving -is confidential between you, your GP and your counsellor. The privacy of any information collected about you for evaluation purposes is protected by law and these details will be securely stored. If you do not wish to provide any information for evaluation purposes, please advise your GP and your counsellor. This will not prevent you from participating in the program.
Better Outcomes in Mental Health Suicide Program
This program has been designed to provide assistance to individuals who have presented at the Emergency Department for suicidal ideations or attempted suicide for the first time. Patients who have presented to their GP's in a crises, experiencing strong suicidal thoughts for the first time.
Youth GP Counselling Service
Operating within the school terms, this program provides assessment and intervention to young people (up to 16 years) who require support around their mental health. Delivered by RKDGP in collaboration with the Town of Kwinana and Kwinana Industries Council.
Residential Aged Care Counselling Service
The aim of this program is to provide Rockingham and Kwinana aged care facility residents, immediate family/primary careers and residential aged care staff with access to counselling services and support. This free service is aimed at supporting people with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment, grief and loss.
How to Access one of Our Services
If you are experiencing mental health problems or require counseling for issues that you have difficulty dealing with, consult your General Practitioner and ask about our services. Your General Practitoner will complete the necessary referral forms and refer you to most appropriate program that we currently offer.
Any concerns or questions?
If you are not happy with the counsellor that you have been referred to and wish to see someone else, you are encouraged to speak with your GP about this. If you are concerned about any aspect of the referral process or the overall service provided, or if you have any questions about the Program Manager on; 08 9439 9500.
What do you do now?
1. Your GP will forward the referral paperwork to the counsellor and you will be notified when an appointment becomes available.
2. When you meet with your counsellor for the first time you will complete a consent form.
3. Ensure that you attend the scheduled appointments or provide at least 24 hour notice if you cannot attend.
4. After your sixth session of counselling (or at the termination of treatment if this occurs earlier than sixth session). arrange a review appointment with your GP.
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