As a member of the Sirens Of Silence Charity you can access a myriad of specialised support services designed to provide assistance to Emergency Services Personnel both past and present.
We have access to a network of private and confidential professional and peer support services for you and your family who not only provide support but have intimate knowledge of the complexities and challenges faced by Emergency Services Personnel.
Once approved you may be eligible for professional treatment through our 'Professional Treatment Reimbursement Program'.
For further information or to apply for assistance through our 'Professional Treatment Reimbursement Program' email usdirect for more information.
General Practitioners (GPs)
For many people developing a mental illness, their GP will be the professional they first turn to for help. A GP can recognise symptoms of a mental illness developing and provide the following types of help:
Look for a possible physical cause
Explain the illness and how the person can best be helped
Prescribe medication if needed
Refer the person to a psychologist or allied health professional who can help the person learn ways of coping with and overcoming the illness
Refer the person to a psychiatrist, particularly if the symptoms are severe or long lasting
Link the person to community supports.
Source: Mental Health First Aid Manual - Third Edition; Betty Kitchener AM, Professor Anthony Jorm and Dr Claire Kelly
Mental Health Care Plans
A mental health care plan explains the support provided by each member of your healthcare team and when treatment should be provided. Your care plan might also include what to do in a crisis or to prevent relapse.
It identifies what type of health care you need, and spells out what you and your GP have agreed you are aiming to achieve. It also may refer you to local or specialised mental health services.
Importantly - If you have a mental health care plan, you will be entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual or 10 group appointments with some allied mental health services in a year. That means for certain psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, you are also entitled to Medicare rebates for 10 individual or support group sessions in a year.
Your GP can give you a referral to allied mental health services in your area. You can’t get Medicare rebates for all 10 sessions in one go. After the first 6 appointments, you need to see your doctor again for a mental health plan review and another referral.
The Mental Health Care Plan is part of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically-diagnosed mental disorder.
