Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST)

About this Course

Developed by a dynamic collaboration of a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a mental health nurse and a GP, this course offers a unique and comprehensive holistic understanding of mental health treatment.

Focussed Psychological Strategies are specific mental health treatments derived from evidence-based psychological therapies.

By taking this course you will elevate your knowledge acquired through Level 1 mental health skills training (MHST) and learn specialised skills that can revolutionise the way you approach treatment for a wide range of common mental health illnesses.

• Develop the competence to deliver evidence-based psychological interventions, including:
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT): Covering both behavioural and cognitive interventions, seamlessly integrated within the Better Access initiative
  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills, including psychoeducation
  • Motivational Interviewing Skills: Comprising problem-solving and stress management techniques.
• Gain valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living with mental illness so you can provide more empathetic and effective care
• Acknowledge the perspectives and needs of non-professional caregivers who play a crucial role in supporting those living with mental health challenges
• Understand the value of regular professional supervision with a more experienced mental health professional and of completing other professional development in order to maintain and extend your skills in the provision of FPS
• Earn 26 CPD hours and claim Medicare items 2721, 2723, 2725 and 2727.

The FPS ST Course aligns with the 2023-25 General Practice Mental Health Framework, adhering to the current ‘best practice’ standards. Additionally, the learning outcomes of this program closely mirror the prevailing curricula for Australian General Health Practice: Mental Health, as outlined by the RACGP, and ACCRM’s Generalist curriculum for mental health.

Training Subsidy

The GPMHSC is offering GPs a training subsidy to cover part of the cost of completing accredited FPS ST.

Eligible GPs will be reimbursed $600 once they complete the course and register as GP providers of FPS with Services Australia.

Limited subsidies are available so we encourage you to complete the course as soon as possible.

Learn more about eligibility for the GPMHSC subsidy.

Course Developers

Dr Sanil Rege

Dr Sanil Rege, a Consultant Psychiatrist and educator, is the founder of Psych Scene, the leading provider of mental health education in Australia and globally.

Sanil has specialist psychiatry qualifications from the UK and Australia. He is both a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) (MRCPsych) and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP).

Dr Kimberly O’Keefe

Dr Kimberly O’Keefe is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in Women’s Mental Health and providing evidence-based interventions for perinatal mental health conditions, eating disorders, mood disorders and anxiety.  Dr O’Keefe has expertise in the provision of CBT, IPT and DBT.

Dr O’Keefe implements an eclectic treatment approach to provide clients with tailored psychological support.

CPD Accreditation

This course is CPD accredited with the RACGP, ACRRM and GPMHSC for the 2023-2025 triennium.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP):

• Educational Activities: 16.5 hours
• Measuring Outcomes: 4 hours
• Reviewing Performance: 5.5 hours

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM):

• Educational Activities: 16.5 hours
• Measuring Outcomes: 4 hours
• Reviewing Performance: 5.5 hours

Eligibility to access the item numbers 2721, 2723, 2725 and 2727 is subject to approval by Medicare.

Ongoing Requirements

To maintain registration with Medicare Australia as a FPS provider, GPs are required to complete at least one FPS CPD course every triennium (beginning after the first triennium in which FPS ST was completed). This will ensure continues use of MBS items that relate to the provision of FPS.