FOCUS Mental Health Services and Programs
FOCUS (formerly GPAHT) provides short term focused psychological therapy for patients at various locations throughout the region. FOCUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sunshine Coast Division of General Practice and amongst other work is responsible for all Divisional clinical service delivery. FOCUS is a team of Psychologists, Counsellors, Nurses, Social Workers & administrative staff who offer services from 9 locations on the Sunshine Coast including Maroochydore, Nambour, Gympie, Tin Can Bay, Tewantin, Currimundi, Maleny, Moololah and Landsborough.FOCUS provides a range of patient centred services including:
Adult Psychiatry Practice
Dr Dhushan Illesignhe now providing adult psychiatry services out of our new premises on 25 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore
Aged Care Access Program
The provision of a range of allied health services to residents of Aged Care Facilities
Climate Change Support Program
Provision of crisis support for people suffering the effects of climate change, liaison with service agencies to ensure smooth referral process, health promotion
Discoveries Program
Discoveries is a free 12-week program for women who have survived childhood sexual abuse. This is not a "tell all" group, but rather a supportive group in which participants learn to build strengths. CLICK HERE for more details and information on how to register.
Dual diagnosis
In recognition of the issues of the comorbidity of mental health and substance abuse, Focus provides a series of professional development opportunities for health professionals
Groups
Mental Health Nursing
Provision of mental health nurses to work in general practice to support patients with complex mental health needs.
Mental health service
individual and group psychological therapies and counselling for adults and adolescents referred by their GP. In particular we deal with depression, anxiety, managing stress, pain, anger, relationship breakdown, grief & loss, Illness, trauma, adjustment to change and loss of self confidence.
Partners in Depression
Partners in Depression is a free six-week program that aims to address the information and support needs of anyone who lives with or loves someone experiencing depression. CLICK HERE for more information and details on how to register.
Pre and post natal counselling
The provision of individual and group psychological therapies for women experiencing pre or post natal depression referred by their GP.
Self harm/suicide
Intensive short term individual support for people at risk of suicide or self harm referred by their GP. A 2710 is not required.
Substance abuse service
Individual and group counselling for people managing the effects of alcohol and drug substance abuse. No GP referral is required for this service.
Towards A Happier Life
Towards A Happier Life is a free eight-session mindfulness-based program designed to assist people with alcohol dependence and depression and/or anxiety. CLICK HERE for more details.
Youth alcohol and drug service
Individual and group support for young people managing the effects of drug and alcohol abuse as well as education programs to prevent young people’s over use of alcohol and drugs. No GP referral is required for this service.In addition we partner with a number of government and non government agencies to improve coordination and optimise the use of local resources, undertake health promotion and provide clinical education and professional development. Partners include Qld government agencies, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Youth services, Indigenous services, NGOs particularly in the mental health and substance abuse fields. We are working with the Health Foundation on the development of a Wellness Centre to provide information and services for people and agencies managing mental health issues.