Overview

This eLearning activity has been developed to help support health professionals in delivering non-directive counselling to people experiencing pregnancy-related concerns or issues, in accordance with the requirements for items 81000 and 81005 on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).  

General practitioners can provide MBS non-directive counselling, along with psychologists, social workers, and mental health nurses, with a referral from a GP, following completion of appropriate non-directive pregnancy/perinatal counselling training.   

The activity covers three topics: 

1. Understanding perinatal factors and non-directive counselling.

• Introduction to the perinatal period & defining non-directive counselling

• Non-directive counselling core skills 

2. Non-directive counselling application

3. Evidence-based options and support in decision making processes

Successful completion will meet the mandatory requirements of eligible psychologists and social workers to offer services under the Pregnancy Support Medicare items (MBS item numbers 81000 and 81005). 

Further information about this Medicare Pregnancy Support Counselling service is available here.

Relevant web resources

• Pregnancy support counselling: Medicare funded services
• Medicare benefits schedule

Level of Learning

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

Duration of access

Access to this eLearning activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning 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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this eLearning activity, participants should be able to:

• identify core concepts that encompass the perinatal period and the principals of non-directive counselling,

• recognise and analyse key social, emotional, physical, mental, and environmental issues which may impact individuals in the perinatal period,

• apply appropriate non-directive counselling techniques to support pregnant individuals in a culturally safe, ethical, and sensitive manner, and

• recognise available pregnancy-related legislation, decision-making resources and supports, and apply as necessary. 

Notes

The APS reports completion of this activity by psychologists to Medicare. Other professionals can contact their relevant professional body to enquire how the notification of completion can be reported on their behalf.