Mental Health Referral
In an emergency, call 000. This is not a crisis service. For 24/7 crisis support: call Lifeline 13 11 14.
Medicare Mental Health
One phone number, one online form. Medicare Mental Health assesses your patient/consumer and connects them to the right level of care across the North Coast, usually within 7 days. You stay informed at every step.
Refer now
Call with your patient/consumer
1800 595 212
24/7 Phone Service
A phone handover counts as a referral, the Medicare Mental Health team can fill any referral gaps.
Or refer online
Secure form for healthcare professionals. HealthLink is available for GPs.
How referral works
1. Assess
Use the IAR-DST alongside your clinical judgment to gauge the level of care your patient needs. A Mental Health Treatment Plan, or any other supplementary documentation can be attached, but is not required.
2. Refer
Submit the online referral form (or via HealthLink), or call 1800 595 212 with your patient for a phone handover. Patients can also self-refer by phone or online.
3. Handover
If an assessment has not yet been completed, the intake team completes assessment and referral. With your patient’s consent, reports the outcome back to you and any nominated support person.
Medicare Mental Health refer to both Healthy North Coast commissioned services and other community, tertiary and allied health services.
Some of these services include:
- Medicare Mental Health Centres
- headspace Centres
- Psychosocial Support Program (Mission Australia)
- Way Back Support Service
- Psychological Therapies in Residential Aged Care
- Healthy Hub Connect (Youth Enhanced Service, Healthy Minds, Choice of Mind)
- Creative Therapies
Which Level of Care?
Level
Who it suits
What they receive
1. Self-management
Mild symptoms, functioning well, no risk
Free digital tools and self-help resources. No referral needed.
2. Low intensity
Mild symptoms for less than 6 months, minimal risk
Short, structured support online, by phone or face to face.
3. Moderate intensity
Mild to moderate symptoms for 6 months or more, or a diagnosed condition
Psychological assessment and regular clinical sessions, with community psychiatry where needed.
4. High intensity
Diagnosed condition with significant symptoms affecting daily functioning
Intensive multidisciplinary care with care coordination, including mental health nursing.
5. Specialist and acute
Severe symptoms, or significant risk of suicide or harm
Specialist and acute care through state services, including assertive outreach.
Free telepsychiatry
Level 3 and above
Free specialist psychiatric assessment for patients with severe or persistent mental health needs, delivered by Dokotela through the Healthy North Coast Telepsychiatry Program.
- Who can refer: GPs, Healthy North Coast commissioned providers, and participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
- How to refer: Use the Dokotela referral form, addressed to “Dokotela Specialists”, and state “Healthy North Coast Telepsychiatry Program” in the referral.
- Questions: hncphn@dokotela.com.au
Stream Eligibility
Pathway 1
GP Referral Stream
✓ Completed a current IAR-DST indicating a severe and persistent mental health condition, with a derived level of care 4 or above
✓ Holds a valid Health Care Card or equivalent concession card
✓ Clear clinical indication that psychiatric assessment or intervention is required
✓ Resides within the North Coast NSW region
✓ Is aged 12 years or over
Pathway 2
Healthy North Coast Commissioned Service Referral Stream
✓ Consumer is actively engaged with a Healthy North Coast-commissioned service
✓ Completed an IAR-DST within the last 3 months indicating a severe and persistent mental health condition, with a derived level of care 3 or above
✓ Consumer demonstrates a clinical need for psychiatric assessment or intervention
✓ Has a GP referral addressed to the Healthy North Coast Telepsychiatry Program (Dokotela)
✓ Is aged 12 years or over
Pathway 3
ACCHO GP Referral Stream
✓ Consumer is actively engaged with an ACCHO service
✓ Completed an IAR-DST within the last 3 months indicating a severe and persistent mental health condition, with a derived level of care 3 or above
✓ Consumer demonstrates a clinical need for psychiatric assessment or intervention
✓ Has a GP referral addressed to the Healthy North Coast Telepsychiatry Program (Dokotela)
✓ Is aged 12 years or over
Eligibility is confirmed at intake. Referrals that do not meet criteria may be declined with guidance on alternatives.
Tools and Resources
IAR-DST training
Free training for GPs and health professionals on using the decision-support tool. Required for online referrals.
Stepped Care Guide
The current directory of mental health services available across North Coast NSW, by level of care.
Patient self-help
Point patients 18+ to the Medicare Mental Health quiz and free online resources. No referral needed.
Service providers: join the directory
Register your service in the Medicare Mental Health referral directory so the intake team can match consumers to you.
Contacts at a glance
Intake and referrals
1800 595 212
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
Crisis support
000 / Lifeline 13 11 14
24 hours, 7 days