The Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) Program is administered by Divisions of General Practice throughout Australia. See Brochure Here.

ATAPS enables GPs to refer consumers via the Mental Health Treatment Plan to allied health professionals who deliver focussed psychological strategies, including psycho-education; cognitive behavioural therapy (including behavioural interventions, cognitive interventions, relaxation strategies and skills training); and interpersonal therapy.

The aim of the program is to target those groups who are not receiving adequate primary mental health services, including the following:

•    Youth
•    People with co-morbid mental health and substance use problems
•    Homeless people
•    Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples
•    People of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
•    Perinatal depression
•    Financially disadvantaged

Through ATAPS, patients are eligible for a maximum of 12 sessions per calendar year - six time- limited sessions of 50 minutes with an option for a further six sessions following a mental health review by the referring GP.

In addition, the referring practitioner may consider that in exceptional circumstances the patient may require an additional six individual focussed psychological strategies above those already provided (up to a maximum total of 18 individual services per patient per calendar year). Exceptional circumstances are defined as a significant change in the patient's clinical condition or care circumstances which make it appropriate and necessary to increase the maximum number of services. It is up to the referring practitioner to determine that the patient meets these requirements. In these cases a new referral should be provided, and exceptional circumstances noted in that referral.

GP partners Adelaide has a Services Provision Form made up of mainly Clinical Psychologists who are able to see eligible clients.

GP partners Adelaide also has a Preferred Provider Panel made up of mainly Clinical Psychologists who are able to see eligible clients

For any referral to a Mental Health Program, please fax the Mental Health Treatment Plan through to 8227 2220.