Referrals guide for GPs
A guide to Mental Health Care Plan Referrals to the READ Clinic (Better Access to Mental Health program) for GPs.
Requirements for referrals
A valid referral is required for any clients who wish to see a psychologist under the Better Access to Mental Health initiative.
This referral can be provided by any GP, it does not have to be the client’s usual GP.
In order for a referral to be valid, the following information must be included:
- The client’s name, date of birth and address
- The client’s symptoms or diagnosis and a statement on whether a mental health treatment plan has been prepared (note the psychologist does not require a copy of the MHTP)
- A list of any current medications
- The number of sessions the client is being referred for (the ‘course of treatment’)
- A statement about whether the client has a Mental Health Treatment Plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan
- The referral must include GP’s provider number, signature and date.
The referral does not have to state the name of the psychologist. Referrals addressed to “Dear Psychologist” or even to another psychologist are still valid.
In urgent situations, a verbal referral provided via a phone call can suffice if it is then followed up with a written referral.
Referrals are valid for the stated number of services, not for a calendar year. Unused services can roll over to the next calendar year, up to a maximum of 10 sessions in any calendar year.
If a referral is incomplete or invalid, our Client Care Team will request the GP to provide clarification.
Medicare rebates can only be processed once we have received a valid referral.
Referrals can be emailed through to support@thereadclinic.com.
GP Reviews
The initial referral allows for a course of treatment of 6 sessions. After the 6th session, the psychologist will provide a progress letter to the GP who will confirm the requirement for the treatment to continue for an additional 4 sessions.
The progress letter provided to GPs by psychologists will include all of the following:
- assessments carried out on the patient and, where relevant, the progress made
- treatments provided
- recommendations on future management of the patient’s disorder.
There is no standard format prescribed by Services Australia/Medicare for the progress report to GPs.
What happens after 10 sessions?
If your patient requires treatment beyond the 10 sessions for which they can claim a Medicare rebate under the Better Access initiative, they are able to continue to see their psychologist as a private paying client, but no Medicare rebate is available.
Have Questions?
Please contact our Client Care Team on (02) 4363 6600 or by email support@thereadclinic.com to discuss any aspect of the GP referral process, or to make a referral.
For more information you can also visit Services Australia – Better Access Initiative (external website).