A GP framework for child mental health assessment (5-12 years)

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• outline the key strengths and vulnerabilities which influence child mental health
• prioritise the key engagement skills required as part of a child mental health assessment
• assess common mental health difficulties in children aged 5-12
• develop a comprehensive management plan related to common child mental health difficulties.

The course will use a child mental health consultation guide to walk you through the key phases and skills required during assessment and management.

The Guide outlines four distinct phases:

• CONNECT: Listen and prioritise
• EXPLORE: Assess and formulate
• PLAN: Plan and manage
• COLLABORATE: Follow up and review

This course has been specifically designed for GPs. It recognises the realities of general practice, the broad context of doctor-patient relationships, and the array of circumstances that GPs work in.

The course incorporates an understanding of:

• the important role GPs play in a child mental health assessment
• the pressures and complexities that GPs face
• the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule, with focus on the Better Access Scheme
• the benefits and challenges of long-term continuity of comprehensive family care.

It is estimated that this course will take you six hours to complete, including reading material and watching videos.

You can undertake the course across multiple sessions at your own pace. The last screen you visit before logging off will be bookmarked and you will have the option of returning to that screen when you next log in.

As you work through the course, it is important to be aware of your own emotional responses. Please follow the self-care tips below and seek help if needed:

• We do not recommend undertaking the entire course in one sitting. Give yourself some breaks. Even if you feel that you don’t need a break, it’s a good idea to take one anyway and come back later.
• Be aware of your emotions as you progress through the course and take action if you are starting to feel stressed or worried about your emotional reaction.
• Be aware of your emotional responses after you complete the course.

If you find you are struggling please seek help, visit the RACGP ‘Mental health resources for GPs’, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263.

For the purpose of this course, the term parent encompasses the biological and adoptive parents of a child, as well as individuals who take up a primary or shared responsibility in raising that child.

Social and emotional wellbeing refers to the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. It incorporates behavioural and emotional strengths and is a facet of child development¹.

In broad terms, social and emotional wellbeing is the foundation for physical and mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a holistic concept which results from a network of relationships between individuals, family, kin and Community. It also recognises the importance of connection to Land, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and how these affect the individual².

Social and emotional development involves the development of skills required to:

• identify and understand one’s feelings
• read and understand the emotional states of other people
• manage strong emotions and express them safely
• regulate behaviour
• develop empathy
• establish and maintain relationships³.

This course draws on the latest research, clinical insights, and the lived experience of our child and family partners. We’d like to thank the professionals and families who played an integral role in shaping this course, generously offering their time, wisdom and unique perspectives.

Watch the following video for a quick guide on how to navigate Emerging Minds Learning courses.