GPs on the front line of mental health care

Did you know that more than 12 per cent of GP encounters in Australia are for mental health-related presentations?

In this episode of HealthCert’s GP Insights podcast, Paul Elmslie (CEO & Founder of HealthCert Education) talks with Dr Joe Kosterich (GP, speaker, author, media presenter, and health industry consultant with a special interest in mental health) about the role of the general practitioner at the forefront of mental health management.

In the podcast, Paul and Joe discuss:

• Common mental health conditions GPs encounter.
• The current mental health burden in Australia.
• The role of the GP in managing mental health issues in the primary care setting.
• The process for ensuring patients presenting for the first time with a mental health concern receive the right support, from initial consultation to ongoing care.
• How GPs collaborate with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals.
• How telehealth has impacted mental health consultations, especially post-pandemic.
• The main challenges for patients in accessing mental health care.
• The biggest challenges for GPs when dealing with mental health presentations.
• Advice for GPs who would like to pursue a special interest in mental health.