Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS)
ATAPS enables GPs under the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOiMHC) program to refer consumers to allied health professionals who deliver focussed psychological strategies.
Through ATAPS, patients are eligible for a maximum of 12 sessions per calendar year - six time-limited sessions with an option for a further six sessions following a mental health review by the referring GP. Sessions can be individual and/or group therapy sessions.
ATAPS aims to provide patients with assistance for short-term intervention. If further sessions are required it may mean that the patient needs a longer term program to meet his/her needs.
Patients are not to be referred for treatment through Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medical Benefits Schedule (Better Access) Program and ATAPS at the same time. Treatment through both Better Access and ATAPS may occur within one calendar year, provided the total number of individual or group services provided under both programs does not exceed the maximum allowable in a calendar year.