The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Scheme under Medicare make provisions for 12 individual and 12 Group sessions if a person is on a GP mental health plan.

These services have associated consulting items available under the Medicare Benefits Schedule. People accessing outpatient treatment services at Sentiens would normally have a referral from their GP to see a psychiatrist or allied health practitioner.

Steps

1. GP Mental Health Plan
2. Referral to allied health

Then, the client is entitled to the 12 individual plus 12 group sessions used collectively with an Occupational Therapist or (Clinical or other) Psychologist.

In order to claim the Medicare rebates for Psychology and OT, there must be a referral by the GP as part of the Mental Health Plan. Alternatively, a psychiatrist can also prepare the right documentation to be eligible for the Medicare rebate.

We offer a number of group and the Infrapsych online mental health programs for our clients. Sentiens develops clinical programs for web delivery and group-based psychological and mental health programs. We have an extended content network through partnership with other web-providers.

• Reducing Stress & Achieving Emotional Balance
• Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviours
• Mindfulness-Based Wellness

Sentiens Day Hospital Program

The day hospital provides:

• A supportive and caring environment during periods of acute distress;
• Self-management programs with continual monitoring through case management; and
• Flexible evidence-based treatment programs that deliver optimal results.

Treatment aims to:

• improve long-term outcomes;
• provide alternatives to overnight hospital stays;
• Provide a supportive clinician/patient relationship;
• Reduce the impact of a mental health diagnosis;
• Provide effective strategies for people to manage themselves;
• Prevent relapse and help people manage difficult times;
• Provide ongoing measurement and monitoring of illness;
• Encourage family/carer support; and
• Consumer participation.

Early acute treatment

Early intervention makes a substantial difference to longer-term outcomes. In addition to an early proactive response, the ongoing management of conditions is highly important. This involves monitoring the patient and providing structured programs that access the person’s fundamental attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about their health.