Mental Health Nurse Program
Is a Federally funded program run through Richmond Futures providing Mental Health Nurse support in Tasmania.
The nurse will provide assessments, therapeutic interventions, medication monitoring, mental state assessment, family support, care coordination and referral to appropriate services.
The program is targeted to patients who suffer from a mental illness and are currently being managed by their GP or private Psychiatrist.
Who is eligible for the program?
- You are currently receiving treatment for a mental illness and have a current Mental Health Care Plan
- You are over 18 years of age
- You have symptoms of depression, anxiety or another mental illness
- Your mental illness is affecting your ability to function on a day-to-day basis
- You require assistance to engage with other support services
- Your family, friends or doctor have expressed concern for your wellbeing; and/or
- You have previously been admitted to hospital due to a mental illness
What is a Mental Health Nurse?
Mental Health Nursing is a specialised branch of nursing with a focus on the care of participants with mental health problems.
Mental Health Nurses work alongside individuals and their families, and or carers to assist participants to overcome the symptoms of their illness and to continue their personal recovery.
Mental Health Nurses work with GPs and private Psychiatrists as part of a team providing clinical support to participants who have a current Mental Health Care Plan.
How does the Mental Health Nurse Program fit with other services?
Mental health nursing provides sessions to progress a participant’s mental health and wellbeing goals in collaboration with their doctor and other relevant services.
How we can help
- The team consists of experienced mental health nurses, mental health recovery counsellors and specialist addiction clinicians
- The team provides specialised support to GPs and Psychiatrists by consulting and collaborating with them on the patient’s clinically related needs and goals identified in the Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Team members also coordinate access to and liaise with other health providers and community support agencies
- The MHNP delivers fully funded evidence-based interventions that are person-centred, trauma-informed and strengths-based to support people to take the lead in their mental health recovery
- Referral for the program is via our referral form with a Mental Health Treatment Plan and is open to General Practitioners and Psychiatrists
Services a Mental Health Nurse may provide include:
- Mental health assessment to support the right level of service at the right time
- Mental health monitoring during transitions
- Risk and relapse prevention and management
- Psycho-education about mental health symptoms, strategies and medication
- Integrating physical health care to support mental wellbeing
- Education and motivational interviewing regarding co-occurring substance use
- Recovery-based interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness
- Support to explore self-management resources, programs and online resources
- Collaboration with other health and service providers to support outcomes
How can patients become involved with the program?
Patients need to be referred to the program by their GP or Psychiatrist.
Mental Health Nurse Program Referral Form
To be completed by a GP or Psychiatrist. Please download the form and complete all the sections possible.
Alternatively, please call Richmond Futures on (03) 6228 3344 to speak with one of our staff who can help you with the process.
This program is supported by Primary Health Tasmania under the Australian Government’s Primary Health Networks Program