The 2018 International Mental Health Conference is almost upon us again, this year the conference will be held over the 8th – 10th August at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
This annual conference is now in its 19th year and continues to be the pinnacle event in the mental health industry. The Conference provides an invaluable opportunity to build relationships and to share knowledge, research and latest policies.
Dr Lyn O'Grady, Manager, Strategic Projects, Australian Psychological Society joins us at the conference to discuss 'Low Intensity Mental Health Services Within Stepped Care Approaches’.‘
Abstract
Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have increased flexibility to use funding to commission regionally delivered primary mental health services suited to local needs. This includes low intensity mental health services for early intervention. These services are targeted to people with, or at risk of, mild mental illness.
This presentation will provide an overview of the literature related to low intensity services within a stepped care primary mental health care model, including defining features of these services, the evidence in relation to different types of low intensity services and some of the key considerations for low intensity service delivery.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has been funded by the Australian Government to develop recommendations for preferred approaches for the accreditation of the low intensity workforce that will inform future commissioning by PHNs and future training arrangements to support the low intensity workforce. The need for accreditation to ensure that best practice quality and safety standards are implemented has been recognised as a critical need to assist PHNs and others in ensuring the best client outcomes are achieved. Mental health practitioners providing or referring to low intensity service providers will be well supported by such an accreditation process.
The APS is working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Australian Association of Social Workers, Occupational Therapy Australia, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses, Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and PHNs.
Biography
Dr. Lyn O'Grady is a Community Psychologist who is employed by the Australian Psychological Society in the role of Manager, Strategic Projects. This role is currently focused on a number of national mental health reform projects in collaboration with mental health professional groups and stakeholders. Lyn has previously managed the KidsMatter project for the Society, worked as a school psychologist and with parents within the community sector. She recently completed a Master of Suicidology. Lyn is also a registered supervisor of psychology interns.
For further information on the 19th International Mental Health Conference and to secure your spot please visit anzmh.asn.au/conference