Level 3 - Moderate Intensity Services¶

Definition¶

Moderate intensity services generally provide structured, reasonably frequent, and intensive interventions (e.g., a defined number of psychological sessions delivered regularly).

Care environment¶

Typically, community locations (e.g., consulting rooms), outreach into residential environments (e.g., aged care facilities, schools) or if appropriate, via telephone or videoconference (e.g., for people in remote communities), and clinician assisted e-therapies.

Core clinical services¶

A comprehensive psychological assessment (if not already undertaken) is required for all individuals suited to this level of care.

Evidence-based psychological interventions provided by a mental health clinician.

Active GP management, mental health assessment (and development of a MHTP).

Other clinical interventions that may be required¶

community based psychiatry.

clinical care coordination services within primary care (if more than 2 services are involved in providing care).

Support services¶

Additional services, if needed, are focussed on:

community supports (including peer support and social participation support).

assistance to access support and advice relating to known environmental stressors.

lifestyle interventions (e.g., nutrition, sleep, exercise, meaningful social connections).

Referral criteria¶

A person requiring this level of care is likely to be experiencing mild to moderate symptoms/distress (that would meet criteria for a diagnosis). Symptoms have typically been present for 6 months or more (but this may vary). Initial assessment would usually indicate problems present in risk of harm, functioning or impact of co-existing conditions but not at very severe levels, which should trigger consideration of a referral to Level 5. People experiencing moderate to severe symptoms with mild to moderate problems associated with Risk, Functioning and Impact of Co-existing Conditions are usually suitable for this level of care.

Using the Initial Assessment Rating Glossary to support decision making¶

Individuals suited to this level of care may have been rated during the initial assessment as having:

Mild or lesser Symptom Severity and Distress (score ≤ 1) but with complexity indicated by significant problems on Risk of Harm or Functioning (scores ≥ 2) or Impact of Co-existing Conditions (score ≥ 2)

OR

Moderate Symptom Severity and Distress (score = 2) with associated moderate or higher problems on any other Primary Domain (Risk of Harm, Functioning, Impact of Co-existing Conditions, scores ≥ 2)

OR

Severe Symptom Severity and Distress (score = 3) but problems on all other Primary Domain (Risk of Harm, Functioning, Impact of Co-existing Conditions) are mild or less (all scores ≤ 1).