Helping create a common language in mental health

July 22, 2022

Australia wide, the Department of Health (DoH) is introducing the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool – known and referred to as the IAR-DST.

Guided by your own assessment and clinical judgement, the tool provides a consistent way for clinicians to deliberate their decisions when matching a person’s mental health needs with the right level of service intensity, at the right time.

The DoH is aiming to train 20,000 GPs nationwide in the IAR-DST, knowing that most people’s first call for help when they experience mental health issues is to talk with their GP.

IAR-DST training will be delivered to a range of mental health professionals starting in September 2022 and a small cohort of GP Training will commence in October 2022.

Widespread uptake of the IAR-DST aims to create nationwide common language across the mental health sector about what level of service intensity a person requires (Level 1 through to Level 5, based on the Stepped Care Model).

If you are interested in learning more, please email Natalie Eckberg (IAR Training and Support Officer) or Peri Boztepe (IAR Project Manager) at IAR-DST@semphn.org.au

Latest news

Supporting dementia prevention in primary care

August 12, 2026
Throughout July and August, all Australians aged 50 will receive a letter about reducing their dementia risk. Some patients may bring the letter or a dementia risk assessment report to appointments to ask questions or seek support.

Mental Health & Better Access Quality Improvement - Activity 5

August 7, 2026
The purpose of this activity is to ensure patients with a mental health diagnosis (particularly high-risk mental health patients, e.g. bipolar disorder and a Mental Health Treatment Plan) that require phone (level C or D) and/or videoconference longer appointments (level C, D or E) are identified and proactively offered MyMedicare registration supporting continuity of care and improved outcomes.

First Peoples’ Healing Program: A support group for First Nations carers

August 5, 2026
Are you a First Nations carer supporting a loved one affected by alcohol, other drugs, or mental health challenges? Join Windana’s free monthly First Peoples’ Carers Program, funded by SEMPHN, and connect with others in a safe and supportive space.