The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (DST) helps general practitioners and clinicians to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.
The IAR Guidance (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is designed to establish a national, standardised approach to conducting initial mental health assessments, and support general practitioners and other health professionals to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.
The IAR and the IAR-DST are an Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging initiative bringing together information from various sources, including Australian and international evidence and advice from various leading experts.
There are currently two options available for IAR-DST training:
- eLearning Module
A self-paced eLearning module has been designed for health professionals who are suitably qualified and experienced in mental health assessment and/or treatment. This flexible online format enables health professionals and intake interviewers/care navigators, including non-clinical staff, to complete training at a time and place that suits their operational needs. - Online live workshop
The workshop will be facilitated by an experienced IAR Training and Support Officer (TSO) from the National TSO Network. The first component of the workshop will focus on an introduction to the IAR and the development of the suite of guidance documentation, including stepped care in Australia. The second component of the workshop is an interactive practical activity.
For further information, email PrimaryCareLearning@wapha.org.au