About Interdisciplinary Practitioner Networks

Funded by the Federal Government, MHPN’s National Networks Program aims to support practitioners from a range of disciplines to work together better, with the ultimate aim of improving collaborative care practices to achieve better outcomes for consumers.

It does this by setting up and supporting interdisciplinary mental health practitioner networks throughout metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia. Networks meet regularly and provide high-quality, free professional development, peer support and networking opportunities to their members.

There are currently more than 350 MHPN Networks that meet in-person and online all over Australia. There is no cost to join a network. See what's available near you.

What is a MHPN Network?

Networks provide a forum where practitioners from a particular region or with a shared interest in a particular field of mental health can meet regularly.

Network meetings provide the opportunity for:
  • peer support
  • interdisciplinary professional development
  • fostering professional relationships
  • sharing knowledge about local services
  • reinforcing a collaborative approach
  • identifying emerging issues or trends
  • improving referral pathways.
MHPN Networks are established and led by volunteer Network Coordinators and remain self-determined in content and membership. Membership is made up of a range of professions with a focus on improving collaborative care. Upon meeting MHPN’s eligibility criteria, each network receives administrative, financial, and strategic support from a dedicated MHPN Project Officer. 

There are two primary types of MHPN Networks: Local Networks and State/National Networks.
Local Networks

Locally-based Networks connect mental health practitioners in a particular area or region with an aim to help practitioners:
 
  • engage in free interdisciplinary professional development
  • access regular peer support
  • build and strengthen local referral pathways
  • share knowledge about local services and resources
  • gain expertise in specific topics.

Network types include, but are not limited to: 

  • General mental health (cover a range of issues and topics relevant to their local area)
  • Specific interest groups (bring together practitioners with a shared interest in a particular field like child mental health, suicide prevention or perinatal mental health, and often involve organisational partnerships.)
  • Peer support (primarily meet to engage in peer support)
  • Balint groups (use a particular methodology to explore issues).
Local networks generally meet face-to-face in their area, but sometimes meet online via Zoom or Teams as needed.
 
State/National Networks


State-wide and National Networks connect mental health practitioners with a shared interest in a particular specialty or field of focus on a state and national level. These networks aim to help practitioners:

  • connect regularly with practitioners in their field
  • engage in free interdisciplinary professional development
  • share knowledge of relevant services and resources
  • build on expertise in the field of focus
  • improve collaborative care practices and referral pathways in a particular field.
 State/National Networks meet online via Zoom or Teams, and generally have a partnership with a peak body organisation in the relevant field.

Find a network near you

Connect with practitioners in your area or who share your interests by joining a MHPN Network.

Start a new network

No existing network near you, or in your field? Apply today to start a new network with our support.
 

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Email

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