Flexible support for people with mild to moderate mental illness 

What are API Services?

Accessible Psychological Interventions (API) services include a range of short term psychological interventions. These are available in individual, family and group formats and are matched to people’s needs.

Interventions include:

• cognitive-behavioural therapy
• skills training
• psycho-education
• relaxation strategies
• other evidence-based interventions.

API services can be delivered by clinical psychologists, psychologists, mental health social workers, occupational therapists and mental health nurses.

Who are API services for?

API services are for people who:

• Live or work in the SEMPHN catchment, and
• Have a health care card or can’t afford or access similar services. 
• have an assessment and diagnosis of mild-moderate mental illness* (except for children under 12 or people at risk of suicide), such as mild depression or anxiety, and
• are expected to benefit from the provision of API services.  

*If a person does not have a confirmed diagnosis, an assessment will be conducted and a clinical diagnosis determined by the API provider confirming eligibility for the service.

Referrals for API services are particularly encouraged for people in the following groups:

Who can refer to API services?

Referrals can be made by anyone including GPs and other primary health providers, schools, social services, other organisations and self-referral. 

How to refer to API services

GPs can fax referrals and GP Mental Health Treatment Plan to 1300 354 053 or call 1800 862 363 for priority assistance.

Referrals can be made to:

• SEMPHN Mental Health Intake phone (business hours only): 1800 862 363 
• Fax: 1300 354 053

Referral forms (including medical software templates) are available on the SEMPHN Mental Health Intake page. Other referral forms are accepted if they contain the required information.

Consent is needed for clients to receive services. 

API services do not provide after-hours or emergency mental health advice or support.  In case of emergency, call 000.

More information

• Download the API Brochure for GPs and health professionals Brochure for GPs and health professionals
• Call SEMPHN Mental Health Intake on 1800 862 363 during business hours or visit here.
• For information about Partners In Recovery (PIR) visit here.
• For information about Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) visit here. 
  
• Our Stepped Care Model brochure gives an overview of the model.

Background to mental health changes 

SEMPHN plays an important yet limited part in the primary mental health system.

In line with mental health reform across Australia, SEMPHN released its Mental Health Stepped Care Model in 2016. 

The model was informed by:

• findings of the National Mental Health Commission’s review
• evidence-based best practice
• consultation with stakeholders including consumers, health professionals and service providers
• extensive data analysis.

We are using the Stepped Care Model to guide the commissioning of new flexible services in our region for people with mild/moderate and severe/complex mental health needs.

Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) and the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) were phased out in early 2018.