Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST)

Supporting consistent mental health assessment and referral across Australia

The National Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Training Program supports health professionals to understand and apply the Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) Framework and the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) in practice.

The IAR Framework promotes a consistent, evidence-informed approach to mental health assessment and referral across primary care settings. The IAR-DST assists health professionals to determine the most appropriate level of care based on an individual’s needs, supporting referral decisions within Australia’s stepped care approach.

Through practical, interactive training, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to apply the IAR Framework in a range of clinical and service settings.

Read more about IAR-DST training.

Who Should Attend?

The training is suitable for professionals involved in mental health assessment, care planning, intake, triage, navigation and referral, including:

• General practitioners
• Psychologists
• Mental health clinicians
• Intake and assessment teams
• Care navigators
• Allied health professionals
• Commissioned service providers
• Other members of the mental health and primary care workforce

What You’ll Learn

Participants will:

• Build understanding of the IAR Framework and its role within stepped care
• Learn how to use the IAR Decision Support Tool in practice
• Explore case studies and practical application scenarios
• Strengthen confidence in assessment and referral decision-making
• Gain access to supporting resources and implementation guidance

Training Overview

Training is delivered online and includes:

• An introduction to the IAR Framework and supporting guidance
• Practical application of the IAR-DST
• Interactive discussion and case-based learning
• Opportunities for questions and peer learning

Sessions are approximately two hours in duration. Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of attendance.

GPs who attend IAR-DST training are eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

Register Now

Training sessions are offered regularly throughout the year.

Find a session here