GPs in our region can access a free psychiatry advice line to help manage the care of patients with mental health concerns. The GP Psychiatry Support Line gives GPs direct and timely access to a psychiatrist, allowing patients whose conditions are treatable within primary care, to stay under the care of their GP.
How to use this service
- To access this service GPs must register. Once registered, you can use the service as many times as you need.
- Registration takes two minutes and you will need your AHPRA Registration Number and practice details.
- To save time, you can pre-register online at GPsupport.org.au
- Alternatively, the first time you call the service, your details will be registered
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GPs call 1800 16 17 18 for advice about a patient (Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm).
- GP provides overview of issue to the operator who will identify a suitable psychiatrist to assist.
- If a psychiatrist is not immediately available, a time will be scheduled for a psychiatrist to call back. The service guarantees a response within 24 hours.
- Calls usually take 15-20 minutes and patients are not identified.
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The psychiatrist documents the call and recommends course of action.
- A summary of what was discussed is sent to the GP via secure messaging.
This service is a resource for GPs only to seek psychiatric expertise to support patients with mental health concerns. This is not a triage, referral or emergency service. For emergencies, please call 000.
This service is provided by ProCare, and jointly funded by eight PHNs. To further support GPs, ProCare provide free pre-recorded webinars on various mental health topics.
