A referral to Sentiens is required for all patients who wish to access mental health services. The only exception applies for patients who only seek individual psychological services or wish to pay the full out of pocket cost without a Medicare or private health fund rebate which is very expensive.
Self referral
This is only acceptable for clinical psychology and occupational therapy services and this is to be paid for in full.
Referrals from Family and Friends
The patient must be seen by a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist for assessment and referral.
General Practitioner
Able to refer patients to either acute care programs, individual or group therapy or psycho-educational programs but an accredited psychiatrist must still be involved in the process to complete the admission.
Psychiatrists
- Able to refer patients to acute care programs, individual or group therapy or psycho-educational programs
Community Mental Health centres’ and welfare agencies
All prospective patients must:
- Be seen by a General Practitioner or medical officer Medicare rebate may apply
- Patients can independently refer to psychological services, private health insurance ancillary benefits and Medicare benefits may apply
- Patients can be referred through the Extended Primary Care service for Psychological, Mental health Nursing and Occupational Therapy short term focused therapy sessions and
Better Access to Mental Health Scheme
If you wish to access psychology services or occupational therapy, your GP must refer you to Sentiens Clinic having completed the GP Mental Health Plan so that you can claim the 12 sessions for psychological interventions under Medicare.
Sentiens is licensed as a Day Hospital by the Department of Health Western Australia. Day hospital services provide an alternative or complementary service to inpatient psychiatric care. Some private health benefits are provided for these expanding services.
