Table 1 Key features of enhanced Indigenous ATAPS services and the general ATAPS initiative
Key feature | General ATAPS | Indigenous Mental Health Service | Indigenous Suicide Prevention Service |
|---|---|---|---|
First introduced | July 2001 | July 2010 | July 2011 |
Primary target group | Australians with high prevalence disorders of mild to moderate severity managed in primary care | Indigenous Australians with high prevalence disorders of mild to moderate severity managed in primary care | Indigenous Australians at moderate risk of suicide or self-harm managed in primary carea |
Mandatory initiative for Medicare Locals | Yes | Yes | No |
Eligible referrers | • GP • Psychiatrist • Mental health professional • Paediatrician | • GP • Psychiatrist • Mental health professionalb • Paediatricianb • Indigenous health organisation / Aboriginal community controlled health serviceb | • GP • Mental health professional • Paediatrician • Emergency department • Hospital ward • Indigenous health organisation / Aboriginal community controlled health service • Drug and alcohol service • Acute mental health team |
Annual session limit | 6–12 (18 in exceptional circumstances) individual and 12 group sessions | 6–12 (18 in exceptional circumstances) individual and 12 group sessions | Unlimited individual sessions during three month period |
Other flexibilities | • Low or no cost to client | • Low or no cost to client • Introduced narrative therapy as a permissible ATAPS intervention • New outreach modality • Sessions can involve the whole family | • Low or no cost to client • No diagnosis or GP mental health treatment plan required at referral • Sessions can involve the whole family • Clinician contacts client within 24 h and provides first session within 72 h of referral (or earlier, as required) |