Mental Health Nursing

What is the MHNIP Program?

The Mental Health Nursing Incentive Program (MHNIP) is a Medicare funded program that aims to provide coordinated care for clients of GPs and Private Psychiatrists, by offering clinical support, routine outcome measurements and medication management to clients with mental health disorders by credentialed mental health nurses.

The mental health nurse assists in the development of Mental Health Treatment Plans, providing assessment and therapeutic interventions for people with a severe mental illness, providing regular reviews of each client’s mental state, liaising with family and carers as appropriate and helping people to understand their mental health challenges. 

Who fits the eligibility criteria?

Those:

• who are currently receiving treatment for a significant mental illness and have a mental health treatment plan.
• whose family, friends or GP is expressing concern for their wellbeing.
• who have previously been hospitalised for the treatment of a mental illness.
• who are at risk of hospitalisation without mental health treatment and follow-up.
• whose mental illness is affecting their ability to function on a day to day basis.
• who require assistance to access and engage other mental health support services.

What is the referral process?

General practitioners and private psychiatrists may engage mental health nurses through the use of a MHNIP Referral Form to refer an eligible client to the service.

The referral requires consent from the GP and client to involve the mental health nurse and receive services from the Capricornia Division of General Practice. A more specific consent is obtained from the client at the first appointment with the mental health nurse.

• Referral Form PDF Version
• Referral Form Practice Software
• Wait Times

For more information please contact the Referral Process Coordinator. Alternatively, enquiries can be faxed or emailed to 07 4921 7739 or referrals@capdivgp.com.