PMHA Principles for Collaboration, Communication and Cooperation between Private Mental Health Service Providers
We have a vision for a mental health system that addresses the need for consumers and carers to have a robust referral pathway and process that promotes better communication between providers of mental health services in the private sector. We are confident that implementation of the Principles will help to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness and their carers.
The PMHA Principles for Collaboration, Communication and Cooperation between Private Mental Health Service Providers (Principles) have been developed through a highly collaborative process. They have been officially recognised as an Accepted Clinical Resource by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and carry the endorsement of the following organisations.
Australian Medical Association
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Australian Psychological Society
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
Australian Association of Social Workers
Occupational Therapy Australia
Australian Private Hospitals Association
Private Healthcare Australia
Private Mental Health Consumer Carer Network (Australia)
Mental Health Professionals Network
General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration
The Principles are an important resource for mental health professionals Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs and CPD events, particularly those that might relate to establishing and working in private practice.
Education and training providers including universities may find the Principles particularly useful for developing and delivering their mental health curricula.
We believe there is scope to build on this work. Feedback on the Principles and suggestions for future work and tools that could support the Principles, should be forwarded to:
The Director
Private Mental Health Alliance
PO Box 6090
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Email: ptaylor@pmha.com.au
Read the PMHA Principles here
On 25 March 2014, the Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN), broadcast a webinar that addressed issues facing consumers who access private mental health services. The webinar’s panel discussion focussed on highlighting ways that practitioners from different mental health disciplines can work together collaboratively to deliver an improved service to consumers. The Principles provided an excellent resource for that discussion. Visit MHPN’s website at http://www.mhpn.org.au for more details about that webinar.