Mental Health

Mental healthcare has progressed significantly in the last 50 years. More holistic care that’s centred on the patient is now the norm in Australia, which has put physical activity and its benefits firmly in the spotlight.

Physiotherapists’ experience in this area is a relatively new development, so sources of professional support are vital. Joining the Mental Health Physiotherapy group is an easy way to connect with other physiotherapists across Australia who are working in or interested in this area.

Members of the group receive regular emails, which include updates and news, relevant research articles, reflections on professional development and updates on committee activities around the country.

You also have access to a full calendar of lectures and courses relevant to you, allowing you to continue your professional development. All courses (including those co-convened by other national groups) are offered at a discount to group members.

Member benefits include:

• regular e-Updates, including up-to-date information on relevant physiotherapy issues and events
• discounts on PD courses and events organised by the Mental Health Physiotherapy group
• free attendance at lectures organised by the Mental Health Physiotherapy group
• opportunity to be involved in committees in your state or at a national level, including the biannual conference scientific committee
• access to the Facebook group
• APA national groups align with the speciality interest subgroups within the WCPT. Further information can be found here.

About the group

The Mental Health group is a newly formed national group of the APA.

The group was created to ensure the physiotherapy is recognised as an important part of contemporary mental healthcare. The group's aim is to create a culture of physiotherapy in mental healthcare in Australia, based on evidence regarding the benefits of exercise for overall quality of life.

The APA has recently joined International Organisation of Physical Therapists in Mental Health (IOMPTH), a World Confederation of Physical Therapy sub-group, and echoes the group’s sentiment that the contribution of physiotherapists working in this area needs to be brought into the spotlight.

The young status of the group means that there are many opportunities for members to assume leadership positions on state or national level committees or to provide direction through suggestions for projects or professional development activities.

Every two years, the APA conference scientific committee works to produce a high quality program for each area of physiotherapy, including mental health, giving you another opportunity to influence this area of the profession.