Level 1 - Self Management
Definition
This level of care generally involves accessing evidence-informed, appropriate, and culturally safe resources and other forms of self-help. For children and some adolescents, the resources may be targeted at parents/caregivers and other key supports (including teachers) to support the child or adolescent in managing any distress or symptoms and maintaining functioning without the direct involvement or support of a mental health professional or service. Where resources are directed at a child or adolescent, they may require considerable parent/caregiver assistance and encouragement to engage with and understand self-management recommendations.
Self-management resources and activities are not limited to online resources but also include attending a self-management activity in person (e.g., an information or education session), reading a printed resource, listening to audio tracks and podcasts, and watching a recording or video, etc. Resources can be focused on addressing current mental health symptoms or distress, preventing the onset of symptoms, or enhancing and maintaining wellbeing.
Children, adolescents, older adults, and other people may require assistance, prompting, and encouragement from a support person, caregiver, or family member to engage with and understand self-management recommendations, particularly if resources are hosted online and the person is not familiar with navigating websites. Assistance to access, print or listen to the resource or attend a self-management activity may be required.
Resources that promote positive child mental health are also likely to be appropriate (e.g., resources focused on warm and responsive parenting and creating a positive environment for infant and child brain development).
Care environment
Self-management resources are easily accessible and available online, via telephone, in written or audio form, or in the community. Generally, people requiring Level 1 care alone may not seek out assistance with mental health symptoms or psychological distress in primary care. The person may present for assistance with difficulty sleeping, managing stress, maintaining healthy behaviours, or parenting for example. If so, this provides an opportunity for interventions aimed at promoting wellbeing, preventing illness, and intervening early to prevent escalation in difficulties.
Self-management resources can be made available and more easily accessible in integrated settings (e.g., child and family centres, educational and vocational settings, community centres, aged care services, pharmacies, and general practice).
Core mental health treatment/intervention services
If a person does present to primary care and requires Level 1 care, this care is typically focused on encouraging and guiding the person to access high quality information, resources, and self-guided programs. The person can then access those resources themselves, or with the assistance of their parent or caregiver, but may also include facilitating access to support from another person/people (e.g., providing information to the person’s school or support worker).
Mental health treatment/intervention services at Level 1 include:
Psychoeducation (written and verbal forms) and information via a GP or pharmacist for the person and their parent/caregiver.
Self-guided mental health programs (which tend to be online, in books or “how to” guides or in group format) focused on promoting positive wellbeing, preventing difficulties, and acting early on signs of stress, distress or deteriorating mental health. Positive parenting programs are also included.
Regular monitoring, with the capability to step up into a higher level of care if required.
Other health services that may be required
A comprehensive physical health assessment and ongoing integrated management of physical health issues via a GP.
Health promotion, lifestyle interventions and social prescribing (e.g., sleep hygiene, social exercise programs).
Support services
Community, social, leisure, and recreational supports aimed at enhancing protective factors and minimising risk factors for mental health and wellbeing.
Supports targeting situational stressors, such as housing, legal support, financial support, relationship counselling parental/family focused education and support, and support for grief and loss.
Formal and informal individual and group peer support for the person or their parent/caregiver (including online peer support forums and chats).
Services and support focussed on connections with community and culture.
Care coordination services, service navigation, and advocacy.
Referral criteria
A person suitable for this level of care typically has minimal or no concerns relating to harm and is usually experiencing mild symptoms/low levels of distress. Where distress is present, this may be in response to a stressful environment or stressful event.
Symptoms have typically been present for a short time (less than three months for children and adolescents and less than six months for adults and older adults, but this may vary). The person is generally functioning well. Where the person has accessed services before, they are likely to have had a moderate to excellent response to the previous service experience.
A person struggling with motivation and engagement or who is experiencing other barriers to self-management (such as financial barriers, language barriers, transport barriers) should not be referred to this level of care if these barriers prevent the person from engaging in self-management strategies.