REFERRAL INFORMATION FOR DOCTORS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
 

How do I send a referral to PsychHelp? 

Fax: (07) 3540 8136

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 1300 14 HELP (1300 14 4357)

 

What happens when I send a referral to PsychHelp?

  1. We send a text message to your patient on the day we receive the referral which introduces our service.  We let them know we will be contacting them within the next 48 hours.  This reassures your patient that we have received their referral and ensures they feel comfortable receiving a phone call from us.  Your patient is also provided with the PsychHelp contact details and they have the option of contacting PsychHelp if they would prefer.
  2. Within 48 hours we contact your patient by phone to introduce PsychHelp and to discuss booking an initial appointment with a telehealth psychologist of their choice. This phone call also provides an opportunity for the PsychHelp client support staff to answer questions, discuss funding options, review the PsychHelp Terms and Conditions, and assist your patient with accessing the PsychHelp service and video platform.
  3. Once an appointment is booked your patient receives an appointment booking confirmation via email with the online video link included. All patients also receive a Welcome Pack with detailed information about PsychHelp including state specific mental health crisis numbers.
  4. Once the initial appointment has been completed our telehealth psychologist will complete a referral acceptance letter and this will be faxed to you.
  5. At the conclusion of the approved number of sessions for your referral our telehealth psychologist will complete a treatment summary with recommendations and this may include a request for a re-referral for additional sessions.
  6. If your patient does not book an initial appointment, disengages from therapy or completes therapy you will also receive a referral closure letter. All patients are welcome to be re-referred to PsychHelp when and if they are ready to re-engage.
  7. We are happy to work closely with GP’s and other treating health professionals to ensure your patients get the most comprehensive service possible.

 

What do I need to include in a referral?

For a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for Better Access telehealth psychological treatment Medicare requires you to include the following information:

  • Date of referral
  • Clients Name
  • Clients DOB
  • Clients Address
  • Diagnosis
  • Request For Services
  • Number of Sessions
  • Referring Practitioners Name
  • Referring Practitioners Provider Number
  • Referring Practitioners Signature

Privately paying patients and those seeking a Medicare rebate can book through the PsychHelp website by clicking into the profile of a telehealth psychologist on the PsychHelp website. Bulk billed patients and those that need additional assistance with appointments should contact us at the number above to book an appointment.

 

What types of referrals does PsychHelp accept?

You are welcome to refer your patients under Private Health Funds, NDIS, Work Cover, and DVA.  You can also refer your patients under an eating disorder plan.  If your patients are wanting to pay privately no referral is required but a referral is appreciated to ensure continuity of care. If there are any questions regarding the suitability or the acceptance of a referral for one of your patients you are welcome to contact us via Ph: 1300 14 4357 to discuss this referral.

 

Does PsychHelp accept Bulk Billed Patients?

Currently all Australians with a valid Mental Health Care Plan are eligible to access 10 Medicare funded telehealth psychology appointments in a calendar year.  To be considered for bulk billed telehealth psychology appointments PsychHelp requires that the patient hold a valid health care card, pension card or be experiencing financial hardship. If your patient is experiencing financial hardship, please advise them to contact PsychHelp to discuss their situation.  For bulk billed telehealth psychology appointments there will be no cost for the appointment as we will bill Medicare directly; however the patient will need to provide their payment details as part of our cancellation policy.

 

How much are your gap fees for Medicare Rebate patients?

At PsychHelp each telehealth psychologist sets their own fee and this means that gap fees vary across our team. This is something that we discuss with your patient in our first phone call to them.  You can find our psychologists fees by clicking on their individual profile.  When booking an appointment with our clinicians via the PsychHelp website patients will need to select the Medicare Rebate option for the relevant clinician they have chosen. In this instance there will be an out of pocket expense or gap fee.

 

Full Fee-Paying Patients

Please get these patients to book through our website or to contact us by phone or email. A referral is appreciated; however, it is not necessary. When booking an appointment with our telehealth psychologists via the PsychHelp website patients will need to select the Assessment/Therapy option.

Need More Information?

The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration has created a range of resources to assist GP’s with Mental Health Care Plans.  At this website you will find information and templates.  Please go to the following link GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Note:

PsychHelp is not set up as a crisis service. For more information and frequently asked questions please visit the FAQ page or contact PsychHelp at support@localhost or contact us at 1300 14 HELP (1300 14 4357).