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How to Become an AMHP

3 Jun 2016

This information is for mental health practitioners (Senior Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, Clinical Psychologist or Occupational Therapist with at least 3 years’ experience in the management of people with mental illness) who wish to apply, with the approval of the responsible delegate, to be authorised by the Chief Psychiatrist as an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP).

To be authorised by the Chief Psychiatrist a mental health practitioner must demonstrate that he or she can meet the required competency necessary to be an AMHP.

Competencies for an AMHP

  • AMHPs must be competent mental health practitioners with advanced skills in the assessment, management and treatment of people experiencing mental illness.
  • Competency is obtained through clinical experience, education, training and supervision, and is demonstrated in the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the AMHP.
  • AMHPs should have a good understanding of the AMHP role and function, and a detailed knowledge of the Mental Health Act 2014 (the Act).
  • Supervision of practice and continuing professional development must be undertaken by all AMHPs as part of maintaining contemporary knowledge and a high standard of clinical practice.

The Chief Psychiatrist will designate as AMHPs only those mental health practitioners who, in the opinion of the Chief Psychiatrist, have the requisite qualifications, training and experience for the performance of the functions as detailed in the Act.

Each mental health region, service and AMHP line manager is required to support and facilitate supervision of practice and on-going education for all AMHPs operating within their service.

Process for Authorisation

1.  Read the AMHP Requirements and Expectations

2.  Seek initial approval for nomination from mental health service manager

3.  Complete the prerequisites for training:

a)  Referring Practitioner’s eLearning Package (RELP)
(certificate must be dated within the last 12 months)

b)  Clinician’s eLearning Package (CELP)
(certificate must be dated within the last 12 months)

c) Mental Health Professional Online Development (MHPOD) Learning Portal:
(existing certificates of completion will be accepted)

  • Mental health assessment and mental health status examination
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Working with people who are experiencing suicidal ideation or behaviour
  • Working with people when they self harm
  • Supervision and self-care in mental health services

4.  Complete the AMHP Nomination Form for Initial Training ensuring the following:

  • your full name as per AHPRA
  • all certificates showing completion of prerequisite training are attached
  • is signed by the organisational sponsor (see AMHP Organisational Sponsor List).

5.  Send your application (with evidence of completed prerequisite training) to amhp@ocp.wa.gov.au 

Please ensure that your application form is completed correctly and in full.  Incomplete forms will be returned.

Applications received without attached certificates showing completion of prerequisite training will be returned.

Applications will only be accepted when the above conditions are met and the application is approved by an organisational sponsor.

6.  If your nomination has been accepted by the OCP, you will be notified by email that you have secured a place on the AMHP training course.

7.  The OCP Trainer will be in contact closer to the date with specific information about the AMHP Training.

8.  On completion of day two of the AMHP Training, you will be given a Request for Authorisation form to complete and return to the Trainers. Please note incorrect forms will delay Gazettal.

9.  When all requirements have been met the Chief Psychiatrist will arrange the necessary documentation for the State Law Publisher requesting your name to be included in the Government Gazette as an Authorised Mental Health Practitioner.

Applicants should note that Mental Health Act 2014 Approved forms are legal documents and subject to both compliance with the requirements of the Act and requests under Freedom of Information legislation.

Please see our Education and Training Events page for further details about AMHP training.

 

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