Quick Reference: Which Patients Benefit Most From Treatment by a Psychologist

ByLauren

As a GP, you’re often the first port of call for patients experiencing mental health concerns. With busy clinics and complex presentations, it can be…

As a GP, you’re often the first port of call for patients experiencing mental health concerns. With busy clinics and complex presentations, it can be challenging to know when psychological treatment should be the next step. This quick reference guide is designed to save you time and support confident, effective decision-making, helping you identify which patients are most likely to benefit from seeing a psychologist.

Key Indicators for Referral to a Psychologist

Not sure if your patient needs more than what you can offer in a primary care setting? Use this checklist to guide your decision:

  1. Persistent or Severe Symptoms
    Has your patient’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress persisted despite your initial interventions? If symptoms are ongoing or particularly severe, specialist psychological input can make a significant difference.
  2. Functional Impairment
    Are mental health symptoms interfering with daily life? If your patient is struggling to maintain work, school, relationships, or daily routines, psychological treatment can help restore function and quality of life.
  3. Complex Presentations
    Is your patient dealing with more than one mental health issue at once? For example, someone with both anxiety and ADHD, or chronic stress combined with sleep problems, may benefit from the tailored, multi-modal approaches psychologists provide.
  4. Behavioural or Emotional Dysregulation
    Does your patient experience emotional swings, anger outbursts, or difficulty coping with stress? Psychologists are trained to help patients develop healthier coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
  5. High Risk or Safety Concerns
    Are there concerns about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or severe anxiety impacting safety? Prompt referral ensures your patient gets the support and risk management they need.
  6. Need for Evidence-Based Interventions
    Would your patient benefit from structured therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-informed care? Psychologists are equipped to deliver these evidence-based treatments.
  7. Patient Readiness and Motivation
    Is your patient open to engaging in therapy and making changes? Motivation is a strong predictor of positive outcomes in psychological treatment.
  8. Limited GP Capacity to Deliver Specialised Therapy
    Do you have limited time or resources to provide ongoing psychological support? If so, referring to a psychologist ensures your patient receives the care they need, while you focus on their broader health.

Benefits of Timely Referral

Making the right referral at the right time can transform your patient’s journey. Here’s why:

  • Improved Symptom Management: Early access to psychological care can help patients manage symptoms more effectively, often preventing escalation.
  • Reduced Risk of Chronic Mental Health Issues: Timely intervention lowers the likelihood of problems becoming long-term or more severe.
  • Shared Care and Communication: Psychologists work collaboratively with GPs, providing updates and reports so you stay in the loop about your patient’s progress.
  • Efficient Use of Your Time: With a psychologist managing the psychological aspects, you can focus on your patient’s physical health and overall wellbeing.

Practical Tips for GPs

Streamline your referral process with these simple steps:

  • Easy Referrals: Use our online referral form for quick, secure submissions. Alternatively you can email or fax (02 9049 5087) us.
  • Include Key Information: A brief summary of symptoms, relevant history, and any previous interventions helps us tailor care to your patient’s needs.
  • Offer Flexible Options: For patients in rural areas or with busy schedules, telehealth and after-hours appointments are available.
  • Quick Reference Tool: Print our “Psychologist Referral Quick Checklist” and keep it handy in your clinic for fast decision-making.

If your patient meets any of these criteria, a psychologist can provide the support they need.
Refer your patient to Regenerative Psychology here, or download our GP referral guide for your clinic.

Visual Checklist (For Printing or Quick Glance)

□ Persistent or severe symptoms
□ Functional impairment in daily life
□ Complex presentation (multiple conditions)
□ Emotional or behavioral dysregulation
□ High risk or safety concerns
□ Needs evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, etc.)
□ Patient is motivated for therapy, or open to exploring it's uses
□ Limited GP capacity for ongoing support

Our Expertise

At Regenerative Psychology, our team offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and neurodivergence support. We’re committed to working collaboratively with GPs to achieve the best outcomes for your patients.

Save time, support your patients, and improve outcomes, refer today or keep our checklist handy for your next consult.

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