Support for GP's, Paediatricians and Psychiatrists Referral Process To ensure that clients are seen by a clinician with appropriate expertise, availability and other factors that could affect rapport, the practice manager conducts a brief telephone interview with each client referred to the practice. Clients referred to the practice are allocated a Psychologist and we contact you following the initial appointment. If you feel strongly that a particular client should be seen by a specific clinician, then please let us know and we will do everything possible to accommodate your request. We aim to return all calls in under 24 hours. Medicare If you think that a patient is suitable for referral under the Better Access, Mental Health Care Plan items, but are uncertain of the process involved, the following information may be of assistance. Medicare Mental Health Care item numbers GP items 2710 - Preparation of MHCP (Valid for 2 years – 2nd anniversary of inception) 2712 - Review of MHCP 2713 - GP Mental Health Care Consultation Psychiatrist items 296-299 Paediatrician items 104 – 109 (specialist paediatrician) or 110 – 131 (consultant paediatrician) Psychoologist items Eligible Clinical Psychologists: 80000- 80020 Eligible Psychologists: 80100 – 80120 Eligibility All patients with a mental disorder, including with comorbidity are eligible to receive treatment under the Better Access scheme. A mental disorder is defined as a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individual’s cognitive, emotional or social abilities and includes the following: • Chronic psychotic disorder • Acute psychotic disorders • Schizophrenia • Bipolar disorders • Phobic disorders • Generalised Anxiety Disorder • Adjustment disorders • Unexplained somatic complaints • Obsessive compulsive disorder • Conduct disorders • Bereavement disorders • Post traumatic stress disorders • Eating disorders • Panic disorders • Mixed anxiety and depression • Dissociative (conversion) disorder • Neurasthenia • Mental Disorder NOS • Sleep problems • Hyperkinetic (Attention deficit) disorders • Alcohol use disorders • Drug use disorders • Depression • Sexual disorders • Enuresis (non organic) Approved Treatments - Evidence Based Therapies • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy • Behavioural interventions (exposure, activity scheduling, mindfulness based CT) • Cognitive interventions (behavioural experiments, cognitive challenging) • Relaxation strategies • Progressive muscle relaxation • Skills training • Problem solving skills training • Anger management • Social skills training • Communication training • Time management • Parent management training • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT; especially for depression) • Narrative Therapy Limits to services Medicare rebates are available for up to 10 individual and 10 group services per calendar year. The referral (2710) is valid for 2 years from date of referral. Structure of treatment Provided in sets of 6 + extra 4 sessions if GP reviews as appropriate (2712). Reporting requirements for Mental Health Care Providers At the end of the 6th and 10th session OR on completion of the course of treatment, the psychologist must provide a written report to the referring medical practitioner. The written report should include information on assessments carried out on the patient, treatment provided and recommendations on future management of the patient’s disorder. | 
