Primary mental health-care model in rural Tasmania: outcomes for patients.

Community and doctor concern over the disproportionately high suicide rate in a rural area of Tasmania resulted in a project employing a mental health worker to provide counselling, educate patients and the public about mental illness, improve the skills of local health workers, liaise with other counselling agencies and undertake research into mental health in the area. Figures on mental health problems in the area and the positive effects of the project on access to treatment and improvement in symptoms and functioning are presented. The results from this inexpensive, shared care/attachment model point to its potential application in primary care in other areas of Australia.