The challenges and successes of psychological service delivery to rural South West Queensland

Abstract

General Practitioners and mental health clinicians recognise and acknowledge the expertise of psychologists in the diagnosis and management of the full range of mental health problems. This presentation highlights the challenges of recruiting and retaining sufficient numbers of psychologists by a particular service provider, while also outlining a particularly effective strategy implemented over the past decade. Continuing difficulties are identified with some options suggested as part solutions. Data is presented illustrating the scope of the challenges faced: nature and extent of mental health problems; scale of demand and geographic are covered; comparative research involving other service providers. The organisation has been recruiting and employing qualified and experienced psychologists for South West Queensland region for the past 13 years. The challenge to the organisation to offer effective and continuous services hinges on the difficulties of recruitment and retention of staff in these areas. The practice of sponsoring psychologists from abroad, who meet the standards of the Australian Psychological Society as well as the Queensland Board of Psychology, has proven to be an effective strategy. This has allowed for effective service delivery in this region as described by the community, GPs and consumers in a recent survey. Service delivery remains a challenge due to numerous reasons to be explored. Of particular note is the challenge of managing a situation in which overseastrained psychologists with a particular cultural orientation are required to serve an ever changing multi-cultural population in the South West Queensland region. A future based exploration of ways to support these psychologists—personally and professionally — whilst delivering an effective service within this multicultural environment is outlined.