29 September 2026
How to Refer a Patient to a Psychologist in Western Sydney
Learning how to refer a patient to a psychologist requires three things: a clear letter, an initial diagnosis, and an established funding path. GPs can route patients through the Medicare Better Access initiative or the NSW workers compensation system. Providing complete clinical details upfront helps our intake team book appointments without administrative delays.
Key Takeaways
Under Medicare rules, a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) needs a signed and dated referral letter to be valid.
The first Medicare referral letter allows up to 6 sessions; an item 2712 review is needed for 4 more.
SIRA referrals require a current Certificate of Capacity and written approval from the insurer.
We offer bilingual sessions in English and Tagalog for patients in Parramatta, Cumberland, and surrounding areas.
Referral Intake Checklist for General Practitioners
A formal referral letter gives the receiving clinician the context they need before the first appointment. When letters arrive with missing data, our team has to pause intake to contact your practice for updates.
Every referral sent to our clinic needs specific details under Australian health guidelines:
Your full name, practice address, contact phone number, and provider number.
The patient's legal name, date of birth, current address, and direct phone number.
A provisional diagnosis, current symptoms, and functional difficulties at work or home.
Relevant medical history, safety risks, and current medications.
Objective screening scores, such as a K10 or DASS-21 score.
The number of sessions requested, usually the initial allocation of six sessions.
Your signature and the date the treatment plan was completed.
Doctors often ask if a referral must name a specific psychologist. Under Medicare guidelines, a patient may take a valid referral letter to any registered psychologist, even if another provider is written on the document. Addressing the letter to our clinic simply helps us arrange the initial consultation faster.
Navigating Medicare Better Access Referrals
Medicare subsidises psychological care through the Better Access initiative. Under this program, eligible patients can claim rebates for up to 10 subsidised individual sessions per calendar year.
The referral workflow follows three distinct clinical stages:
Initial Plan Preparation (MBS Items 2715 and 2717)
Writing an MHTP is the first step. GPs claim this service using MBS item 2700 or MBS item 2715 for visits between 20 and 39 minutes. Consultations running 40 minutes or longer use MBS item 2701 or MBS item 2717.
Under Medicare Benefits Schedule Note AN.0.56, the doctor assesses the patient, records safety considerations, and completes an outcome tool like the K10.
Drafting the Referral Letter
An MHTP on its own is not a valid referral. Medicare requires either a separate letter or an explicit referral section inside the plan notes.
The first referral letter covers an initial allocation of six sessions. These referral letters do not expire on 31 December. Any unused sessions carry forward into the new calendar year, though the patient remains subject to the standard 10-session annual limit.
Reviewing Progress and Extending Care (MBS Item 2712)
Once the first block of care ends, the psychologist sends a progress report back to your clinic. You can then book your patient for a GP Mental Health Care Plan review (item 2712) to assess their response to therapy.
If the patient needs more support, write a re-referral letter for four additional sessions to reach the 10-session cap. You can review session costs and rebate amounts on our fees and funding page.
Referring Injured Workers Under SIRA NSW
Workplace psychological injuries run under the State Insurance Regulatory Authority system. These claims require different paperwork and direct communication with insurers before care begins.
Our intake team must verify that the insurer has accepted liability before scheduling the initial consultation. Sending the complete claim bundle with your initial letter prevents delays.
Documentation Needed for SIRA Claims
A formal referral letter noting the work-related psychological injury.
A current NSW Workers Compensation Certificate of Capacity signed by the nominated treating doctor.
The patient's accepted workers compensation claim number.
Contact information for the insurer and the assigned case manager.
Written confirmation from the insurer approving the initial consultations.
Approvals and Progress Reporting
Psychologists working with injured workers must be registered as a SIRA-approved psychologist. Clinicians follow gazetted SIRA fee schedules and send progress updates to the insurer and the treating doctor.
Following initial assessments, the psychologist writes an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR). This document outlines the recovery plan, work capacity goals, and session timelines. Practice staff can upload these documents directly via our referrer information page.
Tailored Clinical Approaches for Western Sydney Patients
Western Sydney has a diverse population with distinct healthcare needs. Aligning your patient with the right therapeutic framework helps them stay engaged throughout their care.
Our lead clinician, Sara, holds NMT Phase 1 Certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Developed by Dr Bruce Perry, this approach evaluates developmental history to structure interventions around the neural systems affected by stress. Sara also holds a Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis from Monash University, providing practical support for behavioural regulation.
Demographic data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that over half the residents in the Parramatta and Cumberland areas speak a language other than English at home. We provide bilingual consultations in English and Tagalog, helping Filipino families across Westmead, Parramatta, and Lidcombe access care in their primary language.
Clinical Triage and Emergency Protocols
Private outpatient clinics suit mild, moderate, and stable presentations. Our practice is not set up to manage acute psychiatric crises or immediate safety emergencies.
Routine Outpatient: Suitable for stable patients managing depression, anxiety, work stress, or family adjustments. These clients can wait safely between scheduled sessions.
Urgent Consultation: Applies to patients facing rapid functional drop-offs or acute stress reactions without active self-harm ideation. Call our reception desk directly so we can discuss current openings.
Acute Emergencies: Outpatient therapy is unsafe for patients with active suicidal plans, acute psychosis, or severe self-harm. In these situations, contact the NSW Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511, transfer the patient to the nearest hospital emergency department, and keep them supervised until emergency staff arrive.
Submitting Referrals to Proper Allied Health
We stay in contact with local general practices across Western Sydney. We send written reports after the initial treatment block and at discharge so you have current records for ongoing care.
Practices can submit referral paperwork through three standard channels:
Secure clinical messaging through your practice software.
Encrypted email sent to info@properalliedhealth.com.au.
Postal mail addressed to 12 Caroline Street, Westmead, NSW, 2145.
For questions about wait times, call our administration team on 0412 925 686 or 0423 555 700. Our clinic works by appointment only. For general practice details or location maps, visit our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a patient see a psychologist without a GP referral?
Yes. Patients can book private appointments without a GP referral. A formal referral letter and an MHTP are only needed if the patient plans to claim Medicare rebates.
Does a psychologist referral expire under Medicare?
No. Referral letters do not expire at the end of the calendar year. Any unused sessions carry into the next year, but the patient remains limited to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.
Can an MHTP be sent without a separate referral letter?
No. Medicare guidelines state that a treatment plan by itself is not a referral. The plan must contain a written request for psychological services signed by the GP, or you must attach a separate letter.
How are SIRA workers compensation sessions billed?
We invoice the insurer directly using standard SIRA rates. The patient has no out-of-pocket costs once the insurer approves the referral and subsequent treatment plans.
Connect With Our Westmead Clinic
Send your patient referrals directly to our team to arrange evidence-based psychological care in Western Sydney.