Authorised Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs)

AMHPs in WA

The purpose of the Authorised Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) role is to assess and refer a person suspected of having a mental illness for examination by a psychiatrist.

The Mental Health Act 2014 requires the Chief Psychiatrist to designate as an AMHP any mental health practitioner who in the opinion of the Chief Psychiatrist has qualifications, training and experience appropriate to the role.

The AMHP Program has a number of objective components:

• To provide a training program to mental health practitioners nominated to be Authorised under the Mental Health Act 2014
• To provide ongoing education to Authorised Mental Health Practitioners
• To provide a support and advisory service to Authorised Mental Health Practitioners in their clinical practice
• A help desk responding to Authorised Mental Health Practitioner’s concerns and queries
• To monitor and audit the activities of Authorised Mental Health Practitioners

This program is focused on ensuring people requiring referral for an examination by a psychiatrist receive a high quality assessment (timely, lawful and professional) by trained and professionally supported mental health practitioners.

This program has been in operation since 1998 and includes formal review of skills workshops and an on-call consultant to support and advise Authorised Mental Health Practitioners.

Queries about the Chief Psychiatrist’s AMHP Program can be directed to amhp@ocp.wa.gov.au.

Official notices about AMHPs can be found via the Government Gazette.

Requirements and expectation

Annual Clinical Supervision approved by the Chief Psychiatrist

Clinical Supervision is recognised by the Chief Psychiatrist as having a focus on professional growth and practice improvement of the AMHP. It is recommended that supervision meetings are facilitated on a regular monthly basis for at least one hour. There are a number of different clinical supervision formats of which two are outlined below:

• Individual supervision: one-on-one clinical supervision meeting which may be held face-to-face or using media such as telephone or videoconferencing;
• Peer group supervision: more than two clinicians are included in the clinical supervision process for the discussion of key clinical issues in order to provide solutions for difficult clinical scenarios. The participants learn better/alternative ways to manage professional problems and reduce stress.

All mental health clinicians have a responsibility to seek clinical supervision as outlined in the Professional Code of Conduct of their employer and by their professional group. Please refer to your relevant college or board regarding these standards.

Documentation that relates to confidential information shared by clinicians during clinical supervision may be accessed by third parties in some circumstances. Third parties may access confidential information pursuant to a subpoena, a search warrant, in disclosure requirements of a criminal case, Freedom of Information Act 1992 or under the Coroner’s Act 1996.

If you are selected for audit you will be required to submit a Clinical Supervision Schedule form providing evidence of completing your clinical supervision.

AMHP forms

• AMHP Request for Initial Training
• AMHP Change of Name
• AMHP Change/Add Additional Workplace
• AMHP Request for Revocation
• Clinical Supervision Schedule
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Record
• AMHP Organisational Sponsor List

Forms can be emailed to amhp@ocp.wa.gov.au.

Become an AMHP

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 they 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.
• 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:
   1. Referring Practitioner’s eLearning Package (RELP)
      (certificate must be dated within the last 12 months)
   2. Clinician’s eLearning Package (CELP)
      (certificate must be dated within the last 12 months)
   3. Mental Health Professional Online Development (MHPOD) Learning Portal:
      (existing certificates of completion will be accepted)
      1. Mental health assessment and mental health status examination
      2. Risk assessment and management
      3. Working with people who are experiencing suicidal ideation or behaviour
      4. Working with people when they self harm
      5. Reflective practice, professional supervision, self care and wellbeing
4. Complete the AMHP Nomination Form for Initial Training ensuring the following:
   1. your full name as per AHPRA
   2. all certificates showing completion of prerequisite training are attached
   3. is signed by the organisational sponsor
5. Send your application (with evidence of completed prerequisite training) to amhp@ocp.wa.gov.au 
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.

Training calendar

The OCP runs regular training for AMHPs and other clinicians seeking to expand their understanding of the Mental Health Act 2014.

There are typically two AMHP intakes per calendar year and over a dozen AMHP refresher courses for existing AMHPs looking to maintain their registration.

Visit the training calendar for dates.

Register of AMHPs

Under the Mental Health Act 2014, the Chief Psychiatrist must maintain a register of person who are or have been designated as Authorised Mental Health Practitioners.

The register includes Authorisations and Revocations and is updated when required and coincides with the publication of the Government Gazette.

• View the Register of Authorised Mental Health Practitioners