Mental Health Services

Referral Information

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.

Referrals accepted on identified referral form, letter from clinician, fax or e-mail, any phone referrals must also follow up with written confirmation.

Outpatient Mental Health

Outpatient services and the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Scheme

The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Scheme under Medicare make provisions for 12 individual and 12 Group sessions if a person is on a GP mental health plan.

These services have associated consulting items available under the Medicare Benefits Schedule. People accessing outpatient treatment services at Sentiens would normally have a referral from their GP to see a psychiatrist or allied health practitioner.

Steps

GP Mental Health Plan
Referral to allied health

Then, the client is entitled to the 12 individual plus 12 group sessions used collectively with an Occupational Therapist or (Clinical or other) Psychologist.

In order to claim the Medicare rebates for Psychology and OT, there must be a referral by the GP as part of the Mental Health Plan. Alternatively, a psychiatrist can also prepare the right documentation to be eligible for the Medicare rebate.

Clinical Psychology

The Sentiens Psychology team offer a specialised clinical program for adults who are experiencing a wide range of psychological  issues. These may include, amongst others:

Psychiatry

Sentiens is hub of psychiatric expertise in Perth. We are proud to have a number of experienced psychiatrists with a range of professional interests. Psychiatrists are medically-trained mental health professionals, specialising in prescibing psychiatric medications as part of the treatment team.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists work with clients to maximise functional independence, achieve goals, and facilitate coping with lifestyle challenges. There is a focus on role development and lifestyle satisfaction through engagement in meaningful occupation, and participation in the community.

Sentiens Health