Overview

The APS hosts this webinar with the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.

The webinar equips psychology professionals with strategies to enhance referral networks and improve patient outcomes through stronger collaboration with general practitioners (GPs). 

The aim is to provide actionable tools for fostering professional partnerships, while also helping psychologists understand the referral process from a GP’s perspective, enhancing collaboration and patient care.

It covers:

• Building effective referral networks: Practical strategies for strengthening partnerships with general practices to increase patient referrals.

• Optimising mental health consultations: Key elements of thorough GP mental health consultations and how they enhance patient readiness for therapy.

• Obstacles and limitations in general practice: Insights into common challenges GPs face, such as time constraints, limited follow-up capacity, and balancing mental health care with broader patient needs.

• Improving patient outcomes through collaboration: The long-term benefits of coordinated care between psychologists and GPs.

• Leveraging adjunct resources: How structured programs and resources can support patients during wait times and improve therapy outcomes.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity Details

On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this on-demand activity, participants should be able to:

• strengthen referral networks and develop practical strategies to build and sustain effective referral relationships with General Practitioners (GPs), enhancing patient flow and practice growth,

• optimise mental health consultations by understanding the key components of comprehensive GP mental health consultations and how these contribute to better patient preparation and long-term therapeutic outcomes,

• leverage adjunct mental health resources, and

• identify and integrate structured resources, such as online resources and self-help programs, to provide immediate support for patients, improving therapy readiness and long-term clinical outcomes.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Shiromi Wimalaguna

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Shiromi Wimalaguna has been a doctor for 15 years. She obtained her medical degree from Melbourne's prestigious Monash University and completed her internship and residency at Alfred Health. After completing her specialist training and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, she advanced her skills and completed further training in psychological strategies, subsequently establishing a high-school mental wellbeing program.
Dr. Shiromi is passionate about mental health and feels privileged to help patients who courageously step into her office to seek help. Dr. Shiromi is a strong advocate for empowering her patients to stay informed and engaged, paving the way for accelerated progress and better health outcomes.
She is the Founder and CEO of The Cloud GP. Their signature course is an online, self-directed mental health program that helps patients overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety while they wait to see a psychologist. The Cloud GP's mission is to provide access to timely, evidence-based GP-led mental health support for all Australians.