5 Steps to Review Persistent Depression in General Practice
A practical 5-step framework for GPs to review persistent depression — beyond just prescribing SSRIs.
2026-04-02
Mental Health in General Practice: Assessment, MHCP & Structured Documentation
Mental Health in General Practice
Mental health presentations are among the most common and complex consultations in Australian general practice.
From depression and anxiety to trauma, ADHD, and psychosocial stressors, GPs are often the first and most consistent point of care for patients navigating mental health challenges.
This hub brings together practical articles on:
- Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)
- Mental state examination (MSE)
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Structured documentation
- Review and follow-up workflows
- Medicare compliance and item numbers
The goal is simple: help GPs turn complex mental health presentations into clear, structured, and clinically useful care plans that support patient safety and continuity of care.
Below you'll find guides and resources exploring mental health assessment and documentation in general practice.
Articles
5 Steps to Manage Complex Mental Health Patients in General Practice
A structured 5-step approach for Australian GPs to manage complex mental health patients using history, problem definition, goal setting, task planning, and structured care plans.
2026-03-29
Guide to Autism in Australian general practice
A practical, GP-focused guide to autism recognition, assessment pathways, and team-based management in Australian general practice.
2026-03-09
How AI Scribes Are Transforming Mental Health Care Plans
AI scribes and AI agents are changing how GPs create Mental Health Care Plans by capturing history, organising notes, and tracking psychometric tools like K10 and PCL-5 over time.
2026-03-09
More Than Just Depression: Why the Diagnosis Is Often Only the Beginning
Many patients labelled with depression are actually struggling with trauma, neurological conditions, chronic illness, or social hardship. A GP explains why mental health care requires looking beyond a single diagnosis.
2026-03-09
The GP’s Guide to PTSD: assessment, care planning, and follow-up
An Australian GP’s comprehensive guide to PTSD: recognition, screening, MHCP workflows, evidence-based therapies, safety, and AI-enabled documentation.
2026-03-09
What If the Mental Health History Was Done Before the Consult?
GP consults are often consumed by history-taking, yet key details are still missed. What if patients could share their full story safely at home before the appointment?
2026-02-07
Depression in General Practice: A Practical Guide for Australian GPs
A practical guide for Australian GPs on recognising, assessing, and managing depression in general practice, including screening tools, treatment options, and care planning.
2025-02-26
ADHD: A Practical Guide for Australian GPs
A practical GP guide to recognising ADHD in children and adults in Australian general practice, including diagnosis pathways, assessment tools, and treatment options.
2025-02-25
MHCP: 10 Psychology Sessions Guide (Mental Health Care Plan Explained)
A GP explains how to access 10 Medicare psychology sessions through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), including how tools like the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21 PDF) are used.
2025-02-24
How AI Scribes Are Transforming Mental Health Care Plans
Turn complex mental health consults into structured Mental Health Care Plans with AI — without staying back late after clinic.
2025-01-02