A Federal Government plan to create Headspace-style centres for adults could disrupt patient care by taking mental health treatment away from general practice, the RACGP says.

Last year the government announced it would spend $114.5 million creating eight walk-in adult mental health centres across Australia, with one set up in each state and territory. 

It promised the centres would be a “highly visible” entry point to the mental health system for adults in psychological distress.

Patients wouldn’t need to book appointments, there would be no out-of-pocket costs and each centre would be able to connect patients to services and offer immediate care, it said at the time.