Saturday, July 31, 2010

Access to Allied Psychological Services – ATAPs

The GP Network administers the Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) voucher/brokerage system to support patient referral to low cost psychological services.

Specifically the GP Network:

Improves referral pathways between GPs and psychologists providing appropriate waiting times, information accessibility and affordability for patients with mental health issues.

Provides resource materials, ongoing training and networking opportunities for GPs and psychologists.
Disseminates training opportunities for ongoing ‘Level 2’ GPs registered with Medicare to provide Focused Psychological Strategies.
Advocates general practice issues to national and state governments and peak bodies.
Provides annual interactive networking opportunities.
Ensures stringent review of psychologists applying to register with the program.

What’s On Offer?

ATAPs vouchers
• Enable GPs to refer to psychological and other allied health services to support their patients with high prevalent mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and stress.
• This low cost service is run through a brokerage system and fees can be waived entirely if required by the patient’s situation.

GP and Psychologist partnership
• Reciprocal feedback mechanisms are built into the ATAPS system to ensure a sound communication approach to patient mental health treatment.

Easy ATAPS referral processes
• Enable patients to receive concentrated time, expertise and affordable mental health counseling from psychologists – only $10 per session up to 12 sessions

Networking opportunities
• GPs and psychologists registered with the program meet face to face each year to discuss case scenarios, observe different styles of patient management and form partnerships.

GPs: Contact the Mental Heath Program Coordinator to register or complete the
Expression of Interest Form

Approved ATAPS Provider Directory (Psychologists & Social Workers)
This directory lists providers who have undergone a peer review process and agree to receive referrals through the ATAPS program.