Additional support for bushfire affected communities
Date published: 2009-06-04 10:19:04
Access to Psychological Services (ATAPS)
ATAPS services are normally only available if a GP has referred a patient who has been diagnosed with a mental disorder and who has a GP Mental Health Care Plan developed.
In view of the particular needs of communities affected by the Victorian bushfires, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has advised the Divisions of General Practice that individuals can now be referred by a Victorian Department of Human Services Case Manager for ATAPS before a GP Mental Health Care Plan is developed.
Furthermore, the maximum number of services available under ATAPS per calendar year will not be capped at 12 sessions for those affected by the bushfires.
More details on ATAPS for those affected by the bushfires are available online.
In addition, Commonwealth Government has also announced additional funding would go to volunteer resource centres, counselling and organisations supporting young people affected by the fires (see the media release for further information).
For more information, please contact:
Denise Ferrier
Tel: (613) 9096 8372
Web: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/34314E39B0D1EDE6CA25759E000F4082/$File/nr042.pdf
Email: Denise.Ferrier@dhs.vic.gov.au
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