Training case managers to deliver focused psychological strategies

Abstract

Anxiety and mood disorders are prevalent in the Australian community and can be functionally disabling. Access to treatment for these disorders can be difficult, particularly in rural areas where there is limited availability of specialist mental health practitioners such as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. One way to address this problem is to improve the skills of local mental health practitioners in recognizing and providing treatment for these disorders. This paper describes a program that aimed to enhance access to psychological treatment for depression and anxiety by improving the skills of rural mental health case managers through training and education and support by psychia..