More school psychologists better GP training will improve mental health system report
Beefing up the number of psychologists in schools, reviewing basic mental health training for GPs and expanding online services are among measures recommended to help bring the mental health sector out of crisis.
The final report of Federal Parliamentâs select committee on mental health and suicide prevention, released on Monday evening, made 44 recommendations to improve the system, which it said was at a tipping point.
Several of the reportâs recommendations focused on improving online mental health services, including by funding more research on best digital practices and a rapid expansion of virtual care.Credit:iStock
It comes as states, territories and the federal government continue to negotiate over the national mental health and suicide plan, which is meant to be finalised within a month.
Liberal MP Dr Fiona Martin, who chairs the committee, said the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and climate change on Australiansâ mental health meant urgent action was needed.
âThese factors have created an unprecedented demand for services that has brought the sector to a tipping point,â she said. âThe committeeâs recommendations are an opportunity to decisively and comprehensively address both the fundamental shortfalls of the sector and this new crisis.â
The report recommended increasing the number of postgraduate psychology places as well as an independent review of school counselling programs, including the national school chaplaincy program. It said the Commonwealth and state governments should work together to increase the ratio of school psychologists to a minimum of one full-time equivalent for every 500 students.
Several of the reportâs recommendations focused on improving online mental health services, including by funding more research on best digital practices and a rapid expansion of virtual care.
It also called for increased funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led and culturally appropriate models of care in mental health and suicide prevention services.
The basic level of skill required of GPs in mental health care should be reviewed by the Commonwealth, the Medical Board of Australia and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and GPs should be enticed to access continued mental health training, it said.
âThese recommendations seek to ensure that more people can access the care they need
in more ways and in a faster and more cost-efficient manner,â Dr Martin said. âThey will allow mental health care practitioners to meet growing demand through improved resource allocation, processes, training, and use of technology.â
The report also highlighted the need for more acknowledgement of the importance of mental health through a permanent standing committee on mental health and suicide prevention in the next Parliament, and making sure the deputy medical officer for mental health could advise the government and actively participate in crisis meetings.
âLooking forward, the committee would like to see mental health and suicide prevention given the same recognition as physical health both within the health sector and by policymakers,â the report said.
The final report is set to be tabled later this month during the final sitting weeks of the year.
Dr Martin, who is also a psychologist, said the report was âwell placedâ to be part of a solid policy response from the government.
âThere is a material risk in not acting on these recommendations that directly effects the mental health outcomes of those currently seeking and receiving care, and the ability of the sector to cope with the ongoing surge in demand.â
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