Recognising When Your Patient May Need Psychological Support — and How to Make a Smooth Referral
As a GP, you’re often the first to recognise when a patient’s distress extends beyond what can be managed in the consulting room. Knowing when…
As a GP, you’re often the first to recognise when a patient’s distress extends beyond what can be managed in the consulting room. Knowing when and how to refer for psychological support can make all the difference — ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate care while keeping you connected in the treatment loop.
At Regenerative Psychology, we work closely with GPs across rural, regional, and remote Australia to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based psychological care. Here’s a quick guide to identifying when a referral may be warranted, and how to make the process seamless for you and your patients.
When to Consider a Referral
Psychological support can be beneficial in a wide range of presentations, including:
- Persistent anxiety, depression, or adjustment difficulties not improving with brief GP-led care
- Trauma, grief, or major life transitions such as relationship breakdown or loss
- Workplace stress, burnout, or psychosocial risk factors, particularly in rural or isolated contexts
- Recurrent self-harm ideation or risk factors requiring ongoing therapeutic monitoring
- Complex presentations involving chronic pain, health anxiety, or co-occurring mental and physical illness
- Neurodiversity assessments for adults seeking clarity around ADHD or Autism
- Firearms risk assessments
We provide care for adolescents (16+) and adults, with telehealth services available Australia-wide to ensure accessibility for rural and remote clients.
Making a Smooth Referral
Referrals can be sent via email, fax, or our portal — whatever fits best with your clinic’s workflow.
We accept Medicare, DVA, Workers Compensation, CTP/insurance, and private referrals.
To help us triage efficiently and provide the best clinical match, please include:
- Reason for referral and presenting symptoms
- Relevant mental health history, medications, and risk considerations
- Other services involved in care (psychiatry, allied health, support networks)
- Any previous psychological or psychiatric reports, if available
- Contact details and preferred appointment times for the patient
- View our specific guides for different types of referral requirements at the bottom of the page here.
Once received, our Director, Lauren Barrett, reviews each referral for suitability and allocation to the most appropriate clinician. Our administration team then contacts the patient directly to finalise intake paperwork and schedule their first appointment.
What GPs Can Expect After Referring
- Triage and allocation – Referrals are reviewed promptly and matched to clinicians based on experience and client needs.
- Initial appointment – The first session focuses on understanding the patient’s background, goals, and preferences for therapy.
- Collaborative communication – As per Medicare guidelines, and with patient consent, we provide summary updates or progress reports and welcome liaison regarding medication, treatment planning, or shared care.
- Risk management – Should acute risk arise, we contact you or relevant crisis services immediately to ensure continuity of care.
Our team values transparent, respectful communication with referrers and appreciates the trust you place in us when referring your patients.
Specialised Referrals
- Firearms Risk Assessments – A GP referral outlining clinical history, medications, and reason for assessment is required.
- Workers Compensation, CTP, and insurance referrals – Please include claim details and insurer information.
- Neurodiversity Assessments (ADHD/Autism) – Available via telehealth for adults. Reports and summary-letter options are offered, though medication-related assessments should involve a psychiatrist.
Our Commitment
At Regenerative Psychology, our clinicians provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based care. We understand the complexities of rural life and strive to make mental health support more accessible, responsive, and practical for both patients and their referring doctors.
How to Refer
Our portal: https://regenerativepsychology.com.au/for-referrers/ – this portal links directly to our practice management software allowing secure entry of information for action by our team.
📧 Email: hello@regenerativepsychology.com.au
📞 Phone: 02 5016 1101
📠 Fax: 02 9049 5087
📬 Mail: PO Box 82, Holbrook NSW 2644
To learn more about our clinicians and services, visit www.regenerativepsychology.com.au.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you in supporting your patients’ wellbeing.
