Referrals can be sent by email, fax, HealthLink or via secure online upload

On receipt, referrals are triaged and matched to the most appropriate available clinician. We will contact the patient to arrange an appointment. If you have a preference for a specific clinician, please name them in the referral, otherwise referrals are matched to the most appropriate available clinician based on the clinical presentation.

What to include

• Patient name, date of birth and contact details
• Medicare or DVA number
• Your provider number, signature and the date
• Reason for referral and relevant history, including risk
• Current medications and allergies
• Relevant medical history, reports and treatments

Referrals under ADF, DVA, workers compensation or other third parties also need the relevant card number, claim number and insurer details.

Service-specific guidance

• TMS referrals: clearly indicate TMS as the requested treatment and include a summary of antidepressant trials (each agent, dose, duration and outcome), as this determines Medicare eligibility.

  Please also note any history of seizures or epilepsy, or metal or implanted devices in or near the head, which affect suitability.

• Esketamine referrals: indicate Esketamine as the requested treatment and include the same antidepressant history, along with any relevant medical history that may affect eligibility.

  Please also note any relevant cardiovascular or blood pressure history, as this affects eligibility and monitoring.

• ADHD assessment referrals: include developmental history where available, any school reports, and previous cognitive or educational assessments.
• Item 291 referrals: state clearly that item 291 is requested so the psychiatrist knows the GP will retain management under their written plan.

Urgent referrals

If your patient requires urgent assessment, please call the clinic to discuss triage rather than relying on the referral process alone.

Mind Connections does not provide emergency or acute psychiatric services. If your patient is in acute crisis or presenting active risk to self or others, direct them to the nearest emergency department or call 000, and consider involving the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) for community mental health team assessment.