Mental Health Referrals on the Gold Coast
Online GP booking link coming soon.
01The pathway
From GP Consultation to Psychological Support
The gap between a GP consultation and a first psychology appointment is where a lot of referrals quietly end. At Nuevo Medical, mental health referrals on the Gold Coast go to a clinical psychologist working in the same building, which removes the step of finding a provider and starting the process again with someone new. Your GP handles the assessment and the referral, and the psychologist can report progress back into the same care plan. Where a referral is more appropriately made externally, to psychiatry or another service, our GPs will arrange that instead. Call 1300 068 386 to book an appointment, or speak with your GP at your next appointment.
02How it works
How the Referral Pathway Works
The pathway is deliberately short, and these are the steps involved.
- 01
GP consultation
Your GP conducts the assessment and discusses whether psychological support is appropriate. This is a clinical decision made with you, not a form filled in.
- 02
Mental health treatment plan
Where indicated, your GP prepares a plan that sets out what the referral is for. The plan records the agreed focus and the number of sessions initially arranged.
- 03
Psychology appointment
Sessions take place at the same centre with a clinical psychologist. The psychologist works within the referral's stated focus.
- 04
GP review
Your GP reviews progress at an agreed point rather than at an unspecified future date. The plan is adjusted, extended or concluded at that review.
03In the room
What the Initial GP Consultation Involves
The first appointment is a conversation rather than a questionnaire. Your GP will ask what's been happening, how long it's been going on and how it's affecting sleep, work and relationships. They'll also ask whether anything similar has occurred before. They'll also ask about physical health, medications and alcohol or other substance use, because these interact with mental health more often than people expect. If you've seen a psychologist or psychiatrist previously, mentioning that helps, as does bringing a list of any current medications. Your GP will then discuss what options are available and what each involves. If a referral is agreed, the plan is prepared during that appointment or a follow-up one, and the psychology booking is made from there. In an emergency, call 000.
04Questions
FAQs
A referral isn't required to see a psychologist privately, but a GP mental health treatment plan is needed to access Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions. A GP assessment also helps clarify what the referral should focus on.
It's a document a GP prepares that sets out the concerns being addressed, the agreed focus of psychological work and the number of sessions initially arranged. It also schedules a review point with the GP.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist registration who can prescribe medication, while a psychologist provides psychological assessment and therapy and does not prescribe. A GP will discuss which is appropriate in a given situation.
05Booking
Book a GP Appointment
- Phone
- 1300 068 386
Online GP booking link coming soon.