Medicare Mental Health Centres partnering with general practices to provide multidisciplinary mental health support

Brisbane North PHN is funding Inner North, Redcliffe, Strathpine and Caboolture Medicare Mental Health Centres to lead a three-year pilot program—Mental Health Care Partners—which is aimed at increasing multidisciplinary mental health care within general practice for people with complex and severe mental health concerns.

Running until 30 June 2029, the pilot will see Medicare Mental Health Centres partner with participating general practices in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region to provide in-reach support, with clinicians and peer workers delivering holistic, person-centred care.

Mental Health Care Partners (MHCP) teams will be based within the Medicare Mental Health Centres and will deliver a blend of clinical and non-clinical supports. GPs remain central to assessment, diagnosis and clinical oversight, with MHCP teams working collaboratively through integrated care plans, case conferencing and structured communication.

Patients participating in Mental Health Care Partners can access the multidisciplinary care and range of services offered through the program for up to two years, with no minimum or maximum session numbers, at no cost.

MMHCs will work with general practice to provide the following supports:

• care coordination and navigation
• case management
• structured psychological interventions
• other/brief interventions
• psychosocial supports
• clinical nursing supports
• social prescribing
• First Nations health supports.

The PHN anticipates the pilot will strengthen patient care by improving access to a range of mental health supports, enhancing navigation, streamlining communication and strengthening continuity of care.