Communicate with patients presenting with mental health concerns in a sensitive and non-judgemental way that considers their life stage, education, previous experiences, belief systems and cultural context. Consider the specific concerns of:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
LGBTIQ+ people
patients living in rural and remote areas
people living with disability
children and adolescents
elderly patients.
Use communication strategies to manage distress, de-escalate emotionally charged situations, manage acute stress and grief reactions and provide emotional support.
Use language appropriate to the education and understanding of patients and carers to explain behavioural treatments for common mental health presentations. These may include:
managing the sleep–wake cycle and sleep hygiene
the benefits of physical activity, good nutrition and reducing alcohol and other drugs
planning activities and scheduling pleasant events
relaxation techniques and mindfulness meditation
plans to prevent relapse.
Recognise psychiatric emergencies, such as an acutely psychotic patient or a patient at high risk of suicide and be aware of local resources and services to manage the emergency safely.
Undertake a risk assessment for patients presenting with mental health concerns that includes:
risky behaviours (eg drug and alcohol use, dangerous driving, disordered eating)
deliberate self-harm
suicidality (suicidal ideation, intent, plans and means)
potential harm from others (eg domestic violence)
potential harm to others.
Take a thorough biopsychosocial history, undertake a mental state examination and a general examination, and where appropriate, use screening and assessment tools to identify mental health conditions. Work with patients and carers to develop a management plan that aligns with the patient’s personal and cultural values, and that considers non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies and referral to appropriate services and supports. Mental health conditions include:
grief and complicated grief
adjustment disorder
anxiety disorders:
generalised anxiety disorder
panic disorder
hyperventilation
acute stress disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder
phobic disorders, including agoraphobia and social anxiety
obsessive compulsive disorder
mood disorders:
major depression
bipolar disorder
antenatal/perinatal/post-natal depression
complex mental health disorders, including:
personality disorders
complex post-traumatic stress disorder
somatoform disorders
medically unexplained illness
psychotic disorders such as:
drug-induced psychosis
schizophrenia
schizoaffective disorder
eating disorders and related conditions, including:
anorexia nervosa
bulimia
body dysmorphia.
Through history and examination, identify mental health and behavioural disorders in children and work with the child and parents/caregivers to develop a management plan and referral to appropriate services, supports and resources. Disorders include:
anxiety and mood disorders
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders
autism spectrum disorder
conduct disorders.
Be familiar with e-mental health resources, identify patients who may benefit from using them and support them to use the programs.
Develop a comprehensive mental health treatment plan for patients who meet Medicare criteria that facilitates a team approach to care and includes appropriate behavioural, psychological and pharmacological strategies as well as safety-netting and review-planning.
Demonstrate awareness of the medico-legal issues of confidentiality and consent as they apply to patients with mental health disorders.
Complete an assessment order/certification for an involuntary admission for a patient with a serious mental health disorder in accordance with the relevant state legislation, in appropriate circumstances.