Mental Health Multidisciplinary Services Program

The Mental Health Multidisciplinary Services Program delivers integrated, coordinated care for people living with severe and/or complex mental health needs in western Victoria. The program involves co-locating mental health clinicians with primary care services to:

• enhance coordination of care
• improve communication between providers
• build interprofessional capability within primary care settings
• provide seamless support for service users.

The Australian Government selected Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) as one of several PHNs to support setting up mental health multidisciplinary services in general practices and/or Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to complement services delivered under the Government’s Better Access initiative.

How the Mental Health Multidisciplinary Services Program works

By working alongside primary care providers, mental health clinicians employed under the program work as care coordinators to help ensure people with complex mental health needs are safely supported and managed within their local community. The program offers structured, intensive clinical care for up to two years, depending on individual needs. Services are delivered using:

• structured psychological support
• a person-centred framework
• a trauma-informed approach.

The mental health clinicians or care coordinators focus on:

• collaborating with GPs and primary care providers
• coordinating their work with existing mental health and social services
• supporting individuals to build sustainable formal and informal support networks
• ensuring a smooth and successful transition out of the program.

Which patients can access mental health multidisciplinary services

The program is designed for people who:

• have severe and/or complex mental health needs
• experience episodic or persistent mental illness
• are significantly impacted in their day-to-day lives
• may be experiencing social or environmental stressors related to their mental health.

Service providers in western Victoria

WVPHN has commissioned two providers to support general practices and ACCOs in western Victoria wishing to participate in the program.  For more information including referral pathways and further details on eligibility criteria, contact the provider in your region.