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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 Phone Service, where a mental health clinician will complete the initial assessment and subsequent referral into the appropriate service.
Once the appropriate service has been identified, patients can be referred directly.
Download our resource that maps GCPHN commissioned services to the levels of stepped care on our Funded Services Summary.
Contact the Head to Health Phone Service 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 Phone Service 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.
Cura Aged Care – Compassionate Support, Tailored for You
At Cura Aged Care, we’re here to make life better. As a not-for-profit organisation, we specialise in providing compassionate, personalised aged care support that helps you maintain independence at home and stay connected in your community. Serving Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales, we offer a wide range of tailored services, including in-home support, personal care, allied health, nursing, domestic assistance, community transport, wellness services and social connections.
If you or a loved one have been assessed by My Aged Care and have a Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) package, or if you’re seeking additional care, our experienced team is ready to guide you through the process. We focus on your unique needs to deliver care that makes a meaningful difference in your daily life.
At Cura, we celebrate aging with positivity, diversity, and dedication. Our multicultural team speaks over 65 languages, reflecting a rich blend of cultures and ensuring every client feels understood, respected, and supported. Whether it’s care, companionship, or community, we’re committed to enhancing your quality of life with services that make you feel truly at home.
Choose Cura Aged Care for professional, compassionate support that helps you thrive. Call our friendly team today to discover how we can make a difference in your life.
Low to moderate intensity service
Cura Aged Care
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 Medicare Mental Health phone service (formerly Head to Health) 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 Medicare Mental Health between Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm (excluding public holidays) for guidance and support.
Medicare Mental Health (formerly 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.
Medicare Mental Health Phone Service Referral
Referral Forms are available here: Provider Resources – PCCS Global Site
GP/Psychiatrist direct line: 07 3186 4000
Medicare Mental Health Phone Service: 1800 595 212
Medicare Mental Health is for everyone. Anyone of any age – including children, young people and older adults, families and carers – can contact Medicare Mental Health.
Even if you have never sought help before, Medicare Mental Health is here for you.
Yes – there is no cost for using the Medicare Mental 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 Medicare Mental 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 Medicare Mental 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 Medicare Mental 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 Medicare Mental 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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