A free program supporting General Practitioners and patients connect with alcohol and other drug services.
The GP Assist Program works with GPs across the South Eastern Melbourne catchment to link patients to appropriate alcohol and other drug services and provide short-term support until patients are engaged with the services they need.
Where is this service provided?
The free program is available across all ten local government areas in south east Melbourne:
- Glen Eira
- Port Phillip
- Mornington Peninsula
- Casey
- Stonnington
- Greater Dandenong
- Kingston
- Bayside
- Cardinia
- Frankston.
Who is eligible?
Anyone over the age of 16 living in the South Eastern Melbourne catchment.
How does the program work?
GPs and patients work together to complete the five-minute ASSIST tool, which helps identify the risks associated with substance use and explore options for change.
The GP Assist Program workers can also assist with completing this tool with patients upon request.
If a patient is deemed medium or high risk of harm, the GP can send a referral to connect the patient with a GP Assist worker.
What support is provided?
On referral, the GP Assist Program completes an intake and assessment process, helping patients understand their needs and goals for alcohol and drug treatment.
Patients are then connected with relevant services, including counselling, residential rehabilitation, and other appropriate services.
What is the ASSIST tool?
The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a 5-10 minute questionnaire that screens for risky levels of substance use in adults.
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The GP Assist Program is delivered by Windana
and funded by South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network.
