A new look Brisbane MIND model

From 1 July 2019 Brisbane MIND will change to deliver more targeted and specialist psychological services to people from underserviced population groups.

The refocused Brisbane MIND model responds to key recommendations from a review of psychological services undertaken by Brisbane North PHN in 2018. The model has been co-designed by consumers and carers, service providers, primary care practitioners and other stakeholders.

The refocused model delivers short-term psychological therapies for people with moderate mental illness from specific population groups and those at risk of suicide. Eligible people must demonstrate financial hardship and experience barriers to accessing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) based psychological intervention.

The new program targets nine underserviced population groups prioritised in the Brisbane North PHN’s Health Needs Assessment:

1. children (0 – 11)
2. young people (12 – 25)
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
4. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations
5. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer/Questioning
6. residents of aged care facilities
7. people who have experienced trauma and abuse
8. people at risk of suicide
9. geographically isolated communities (e.g. Bribie Island, Kilcoy and surrounds).

Specialist providers will deliver psychological services that respond to the specific needs of these underserviced groups. Evidence-based psychological services will be delivered as part of a wider range of wrap around services and supports for the individual. Providers will have greater flexibility to meet the needs of their clients (e.g. outreach, telehealth, groups, care coordination). Further information on the providers delivering these services will be communicated in June.

Changes to referral submission
From 1 July 2019, GPs and other referrers will be required to submit referrals through Brisbane MIND Plus Redicase GP Integrator or HealthPathways. Old referral forms that are sent via fax or Medical Objects will no longer be accepted.

The current Brisbane MIND program will continue accepting referrals up until 30 June 2019. To ensure continuity of services, existing clients of Brisbane MIND who have not yet completed their course of treatment on 30 June 2019, can continue to access treatment under the existing program until 31 December 2019 with their current provider.

For further information about the new program and how to refer, please contact Stephen Giles on 07 3490 3426 or stephen.giles@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.