Report of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Commentary on an expanded psychologist role and decreased GP/psychiatrist leadership in private multidisciplinary primary mental healthcare

Abstract

Objective

This opinion paper discusses certain recommendations of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention pertaining to psychology, GP and psychiatric professions.

Conclusions

The Committee’s recommendations may compromise patient care by undermining the ability of private sector medical specialists in providing direct clinical treatment and their role in the coordination of multidisciplinary teams. Expanding private psychological therapies without GP and private psychiatry support might increase the reliance on public hospital emergency departments and public sector mental health services for severe disorders and suicidal crises. Psychiatrists and GPs need to engage in more effective policy advocacy with the Australian Government, in order to maintain their roles in leading private sector collaborative multidisciplinary care.