About the AST
Embark on a journey in mental health with Advanced Specialised Training (AST) as part of the ACRRM Fellowship program.
With mental health conditions accounting for up to 30% of general practice presentations, there's a pressing need for specialised care in rural and remote areas. This AST addresses this urgency by equipping Rural Generalists to diagnose and manage acute and chronic mental health conditions locally.
Tailored to the unique challenges of rural and remote settings, the Mental Health AST ensures that you're prepared to navigate treatment variations, collaborate with local mental health teams, and address the dynamics of small communities.
Choose an AST in Mental Health and become a skilled advocate for mental health, making a tangible impact where it's needed most.
Curriculum highlights / credentials
A Rural Generalist who completes the AST in Mental Health can:
- work independently as a senior medical officer in a rural hospital
- work without local specialist mental health support
- work as part of an on-site team with other skilled medical, nursing and allied health practitioners
- provide primary and secondary and emergency care
- diagnose and manage common acute and chronic mental health conditions
- diagnose and manage less common or more complex, acute and chronic mental health conditions with consideration of clinical services capability
- provide an advisory resource in mental health to other Rural Generalists
- maximize the effectiveness of specialist outreach and telemedicine services in their communities
- assist in training Rural Generalists
- assist in the development, provision and promotion of mental health services
- engage in, foster, and encourage research
- develop health policies and procedures for mental health services.
Where you can complete this AST
Training must be completed in an ACRRM training post accredited in mental health which you can browse below.
I use my AST in Mental Health every single day as a Rural Generalist, whether it be in the practice, emergency, on the ward or in my roles as an educator, mentor/supervisor, advocate and health service leader. The training I received has allowed me to make a real difference in my community by improving access and acceptability of mental healthcare, locally. My favourite part of what I do is the GP psychotherapy and Clinical Art Therapy as part of my GP work. I did not know the Mental Health AST role could be so diverse!
Dr Ebonney van der Meer
Got a question about training?
You can call us on 1800 223 226 or contact the training team.