Information for GPs

Collaborative care involving GPs and psychologists provides significant benefits for improving patients’ mental health outcomes.

How do I refer a patient to see an Ahead psychologist?

There are 3 possible referral options:

1. Medicare

Under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative, patients with a current GP Mental Health Care Plan registered with Medicare (item no. 2710) can claim a rebate. There is a limit of 12 individual sessions per person per calendar year. A review by the referring doctor is required after the first 6 sessions

2.  Private referral

GPs may refer their patients privately to see an Ahead psychologist. In this case the patient bears the full cost of the consultation. If the patient has private health insurance that includes extras cover for psychology services they might be eligible for a rebate.

3. Initiatives funded by divisions of General Practice

Some divisions of General Practice manage local initiatives to assist patients with mental health conditions who would otherwise be unable to access the services of a private psychologist due to financially disadvantaged. Check with your own local division of General Practice to see what might be available.

Which patients are suitable?

Patients who are most suited to treatment by a psychologist in a general practice setting are those whose problems can be resolved in 6 to 12 sessions.

The most common mental health complaints that fit this criteria are depression and anxiety disorders including panic disorder.

These disorders may be triggered or maintained by other presenting issues such as poor anger management, ineffective stress management, difficulties in personal relationships, or alcohol and drug addiction.

Not all patients are suitable candidates for treatment by a psychologist.  In particular patients with debilitating and/or long-term chronic mental health problems and those with suicidal tendencies are unlikely to benefit and require specialised mental health care. 

Case example
Julie, a 37-year-old teacher and mother of two children, was referred by her GP to a psychologist for a severe panic disorder.

Her first attack came out of the blue at a family party and led to her admission to hospital.

She experienced severe palpitations, raising concern about a heart condition, but tests were negative.

While on extended sick leave from work, her GP referred her to a psychologist for six sessions of treatment where she gained an understanding of the symptoms of panic and learned to recognise and counteract the signs of stress contributing to her episodes.

A long lead-up of cumulative distress and tension, including bereavement and financial pressures, had led to her condition, and this was explored. She was taught techniques to manage stress more effectively, to balance commitments and to set limits on demands.

She had planned to quit her job but she returned to work within weeks. She received four treatments over two months and had two follow-up sessions.