Primary Integrated Care Supports Integrated Mental Health Support for a Stronger Community

Primary Integrated Care Supports (PICS) Mental Health Nurses and Peer Workers provide evidence based clinical mental health services, links to health and psychosocial supports. We work alongside clients in primary health care settings and the community, to meet the needs of people who experience severe and enduring mental health concerns living in the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) region.
The role of the Mental Health Nurse is to provide clinical care and coordination. Nurses develop collaborative care plans with other providers, including GPs and psychiatrists, with family and carers, other health and community services, and PICS Peer Workers. Mental Health Nurses support clients with reviewing mental health and wellbeing, supporting self-management of mental and physical health, monitoring compliance with medication and developing links with their community. PICS Peer Workers provide recovery-oriented, strengths-based support to access community and health services, engage with their community and achieve their psychosocial goals. PICS is a person-centered service. This provides the flexibility to support people to access the supports and services they need, so when they are discharged to the care of their GP, they stay well living in the community. PICS, above all, support developing therapeutic and psychosocially supportive relationships with PICS clients and their support network.
PICS is funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN. The Primary Health Networks Program is an Australian Government Initiative.