06 February 2026
The IAR Guidance (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is designed to establish a national, standardised approach to conducting initial mental health assessments, and support general practitioners and other health professionals to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.
The IAR and the IAR-DST are an Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging initiative bringing together information from various sources, including Australian and international evidence and advice from various leading experts.
There are two options to complete the training, either via online training sessions or an eLearning module.
Online live workshops available
Learning outcomes of these sessions:
- Discuss the principles underpinning the national approach to stepped care.
- Summarise the IAR development process.
- Explain the use of the IAR Guidance in practice settings to generate a recommended level of care.
- List the levels of care in relation to available regional services
- Identify the principles related to clinical decision making and consumer choice
This is an RACGP and ACRRM approved event and a certificate of attendance will be issued to self-report your CPD hours as below.
GPs can register here for upcoming online training sessions on using the IAR Tool.
eLearning module available
Alternatively, a self-paced eLearning module (view here) has been designed for health professionals who are suitably qualified and experienced in mental health assessment and/or treatment.
This flexible online format enables health professionals and intake interviewers/care navigators, including non-clinical staff, to complete training at a time and place that suits their operational needs.
View further details on the eLearning module via the video below.
