Youth mental health competencies in regional general practice

General practitioners (GPs) are key health professionals for referrals to mental health specialists. Youth mental health issues are particularly challenging, requiring a competent assessment and understanding of appropriate referral pathways. We surveyed local GPs about their understanding of youth mental health problems and needs to competently look after young patients.

GPs working in the Hunter region were contacted via email, fax and post over a 6-month period in 2019.

Seventy-five GPs participated. They reported 577 of 1698 (34%) of young people seen 2 weeks prior to being surveyed presented with a mental health problem. Predominantly, referrals were to private practice psychologists and Headspace. Almost a third (31%) reported having limited understanding of 'at-risk mental state' and are 'not always comfortable' when facing a young person with a mental health problem. Nearly all (95%) expressed interest in attending specialised training. GPs identified treatment costs, scarce access to psychiatrists and limited patient engagement as the main obstacles to help young people.

Effective treatment of a mental health problem relies on early identification. GPs are seeing young people on a regular basis but don't feel well equipped for this task and are keen to up-skill, which needs to be addressed by targeted training.