One of SWSPHN’s core functions is to work with community, service providers and others to design and commission a range of mental health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services tailored to the unique needs of the South Western Sydney community.
SWSPHN’s Mental Health Central Intake Line exists to ensure that when GPs and other healthcare providers refer patients to these commissioned services, there is a standardised initial assessment which supports the treatment choices for that patient.
We take a closer look at the Central Intake Line – 1300 797 746 – in this month’s Under the Microscope.
Stepped care approach to providing mental healthcare
Stepped care is a model of evidence-based mental healthcare delivery where the service intensity is matched to individual need/severity of the mental illness, ensuring the right service is delivered at the right place, at the right time.
The ideal intervention is the least intensive and least intrusive.
Importantly, the decision is driven by a person-centred, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Patient outcomes are monitored so that patients can step-up or step-down between services as appropriate. Learn more about the mental health services we commission
The stepped care approach is underpinned by 10 comprehensive key principles for effective and inclusive service provision. Learn more about the 10 principles
The Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) has been developed to support a stepped care model in primary care. It is a useful tool to support GPs and other clinicians in recommending the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health assistance.
Learn more about the IAR-DST and view available IAR workshops
What does our Central Intake team do?
SWSPHN’s Mental Health Intake Officers are available to liaise with GPs and other health professionals to discuss and review SWSPHN mental health and AOD referrals. This includes providing information on the different services available and eligibility requirements, who can refer and how they refer. The Intake Officers provide support over the phone and answer queries via email if appropriate.
Once a referral has been received, the Intake Officers ensure all the information needed is provided, before processing and allocating the referral.
Referrals are processed within three business days and allocated to the appropriate mental health service providers. The service providers then contact the patient within five business days of notification and an appointment is scheduled within one month. This timeframe can vary depending on the volume of referrals and service capacity.
How do you refer your patients to our commissioned services?
There are two ways GPs can refer their patient to a SWSPHN-funded mental health service.
- Use the Mental Health Central Intake template within your practice software. The Central Intake team will forward the referral to the appropriate service or service selected by the GP.
- Complete the online Mental Health Smart Referral Form (please note, this form is not compatible with GP software). Appropriate documentation must be attached to both faxed referrals and online referrals made through the smart form.
Where possible, GPs are asked to send a copy of the Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) for their patient with the referral. This will enable the patient access to the full number of sessions corresponding to the service.
- Access the Adult Mental Health Treatment Plan
- Access the Child Mental Health Treatment Plan
Clinical Suicide Prevention Service referrals
GPs can refer to the Clinical Suicide Prevention Service by completing the SWSPHN Clinical Suicide Prevention Referral Form. Referrals to the service are treated with priority and processed within 24 (business) hours of receipt, with the patient receiving a call from a clinician within this time frame.
Submit these forms to HealthLink: swsphnmh; fax: 02 4623 1796.
- For support making a referral, phone SWSPHN’s Mental Health Central Intake on: 1300 797 746.
- It is important to note, this is not a crisis service. In an emergency, please call 000 (Triple 0).