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WNSW PHN is delivering training sessions to help general practitioners, GP Registrars and clinicians understand how to use the Initial Assessment and Referral – Decision Support Tool. This training will provide you with all the information you need to use the tool in a way that suits your practice.

What is IAR?

The IAR-DST provides support to clinicians regarding how to respond to people when they first ask for mental health support in primary care settings. By using a standardised, evidence-based approach to categorise mental health levels, patients can be connected to the most appropriate local care.

Why use the tool?

• The tool will be used by all Commonwealth-funded mental health services and promotes a shared language surrounding treatment needs, and supports clinicians’ choice of referral for mental health consumers.
• Identify and communicate the essential information from your mental health assessment that is critical for referral and decision-making.
• Redefines the stepped-care approach to mental health care by recommending a level of care based on the least intensive intervention that will likely lead to the most possible gain for mental health consumers.
• Estimates or confirms mental health treatment needs within five defined levels of care while encouraging consumer-supported choice and decision-making.

Learn more about IAR-DST here.

Register