17 July 2024
The meeting focused on exploring future collaboration opportunities, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the understanding of the role and scope of counsellors within the mental health sector.
During the meeting, Sophie Keramidopoulos, PACFA’s Head of Practice, delivered a comprehensive presentation to the MHPN team, aimed at increasing their awareness of the critical contributions counsellors make to the mental health workforce. This presentation underscored the importance of counsellors in providing essential mental health support and highlighted the diverse skills and expertise they bring to the sector.
The partnership between PACFA and MHPN, formalised in 2022, continues to thrive. This agreement signifies our mutual commitment to achieving positive mental health outcomes for Australians through collaboration, education, and promotion. Under this agreement, PACFA and MHPN aim to encourage greater utilisation of counsellors and psychotherapists where appropriate within the mental health workforce.
MHPN plays a vital role in supporting interdisciplinary mental health networks across Australia, including metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote areas. They produce interactive webinars featuring case-based panel discussions and Q&A sessions by leading experts, as well as podcasts on topics such as trauma and resilience, life transitions, and eating disorders.
Maintaining strong relationships with organizations like MHPN is crucial for the credibility and visibility of our members. By working together, we can enhance the recognition of counsellors and psychotherapists within the mental health sector and ensure they are adequately represented and utilized in delivering comprehensive mental health care.
PACFA remains committed to fostering such collaborations to support our members and advance the mental health profession. We look forward to continued partnership with MHPN and other key stakeholders to achieve our shared goals.