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To receive important alerts and updates from Gold Coast Primary Health Network, please submit the form below.
GCPHN commissions a range of services to meet different needs in the region, at no cost to patients, and based on an evidence-based stepped care framework. The services comprise a range of interventions, from the least to the most intensive, across 5 levels of care, which can be matched to a person’s needs.
A stepped care approach to mental health services offers a range of tiers or ‘steps’ of service to meet the diverse needs of clients.
The primary objective of stepped care is to use the least intensive treatment option to meet the person’s needs, to avoid the risks associated with underservicing and overservicing, leading to a poor care experience and drop out of care.
For more information on stepped care please refer to Department of Health reference material: Primary Health Networks (PHN) primary mental health care guidance – stepped care | Australian Government Department of Health
To match a person to an appropriate level of care, an initial assessment is achieved by completing the Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) with the patient or referring the patient to the Head to Health service, where a mental health clinician will complete the initial assessment and subsequent referral into the appropriate service.
Head to Health on 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm)
The Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) has been developed by the Department of Health and Aged Care to help clinicians confidently refer patients to the appropriate level of care within stepped care.
The IAR-DST assessment is undertaken using eight initial assessment domains that are used to match clients to one of five appropriate levels of care. The eight domains help to distil essential assessment information and identify key signals (i.e., red flags) that are critical for decision making.
Use the IAR-DST: The tool can be accessed at IAR-DST.Online.
Get trained in IAR-DST: GCPHN provides online training and support to assist GPs and other clinicians in using the IAR-DST in their everyday practice. Learn more and register for a training.
Head to Health provides a central entry point for patients, (not in crisis), requiring mental
health service navigation and support. The service is available to patients, GPs,
psychiatrists, and other health professionals.
Arrange contact with the service by:
For service enquiries or more information:
The below services are valuable resources for GPs and other clinicians seeking general information, advice, or service navigation to find appropriate support services for their patients. Please read the below descriptions carefully to determine which services can also be accessed by consumers.
The Community Pathway Connector is a service which provides a culturally safe connection point and referral service for people who have specific culturally and linguistically diverse needs.
The CURA Community Pathway Connector is a culturally safe connection point and referral service to assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, regardless of birthplace or permanent residency and visa status. It provides 0ne-on-one support to navigate the services system, working with interpreters and linking with cultural awareness education, as needed.
Low to moderate intensity service
CURA Community Services Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast
Any source, including GP or self-referrals. GPs can refer by calling or emailing:
If you are unsure if this service is right for your patient, you can refer to Head to Health on 1800 595 212 between Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5pm (except public holidays). For more information visit Head to Health Phone Service.
The Community Pathway Connector is a service which provides a culturally safe connection point and referral service for people who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person (or their family members/spouse/carer).
A culturally safe connection point and referral service, to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through tailored information and one-on-one support to navigate the services system.
Low to moderate intensity service
Krurungal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
Any source, including GP or self-referrals. GPs can refer by calling or emailing:
If you are unsure if this service is right for your patient, you can refer to Head to Health on 1800 595 212 between Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5pm (except public holidays). For more information visit Head to Health Phone Service.
The Head to Health phone service offers a free, confidential, and friendly mental health assessment and referral service for consumers, their families, carers, GPs, and health professionals. Anyone who is unsure where to seek appropriate support (for themselves or someone they care for) can call Head to Health between Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm (excluding public holidays) for guidance and support.
Head to Health phone service is a welcoming and accessible central entry point for people (not in crisis) requiring support to the mental health care system, for the services and information they need.
GPs and healthcare professionals can use this service for advice on service availability and as well as for patient referrals.
Head To Health Phone Service Referral
GP/Psychiatrist direct line: 07 3186 4000
Head to Health is for everyone. Anyone of any age – including children, young people and older adults, families and carers – can contact Head to Health.
Even if you have never sought help before, Head to Health is here for you.
Yes – there is no cost for using the Head to Health phone service (1800 595 212).
First, a trained mental health clinician will speak to you about your concerns to identify the support you need. They will then work with you to identify your recovery goals and connect you to services to help you meet them.
The Head to Health phone service takes a holistic approach to your mental health, whether you have experienced mental ill-health or if this is the first time you have reached out for support. Your Head to Health phone service clinician is there to help you understand the type of support you need and will draw upon their knowledge of the broad range of services available to identify which one best suits your individual needs.
With your consent, they can also work with your GP to keep them informed about the support services recommended for you.
With your consent, the Head to Health phone service can share all or parts of any advice and referrals with your GP or other health care providers. If you prefer not to have them shared with your current health providers, that is also fine.
However, we encourage you to discuss any additional advice or support you receive from the Head to Health phone service with your GP or other health providers because coordinating your care and reducing duplication is in your best interest.
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