Information for referrers
Spoken Word Psychology is an online clinical psychology practice for adults, based in Melbourne's west and working with GPs across Australia. Thank you for considering us for your patient.
Who we see
Adults (18+) with persistent anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, emotional suppression, relationship difficulties, and complex or developmental trauma. We often work well with patients whose presenting concern is clearly connected to earlier life experience, even when they haven't made that link themselves.
Therapy includes evidence-based approaches such as Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, ACT and mindfulness-based work, matched to the patient.
How to refer
Medicare Better Access and rebates
Medicare Better Access: patients need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a valid referral letter from their GP.
Address the referral to Spoken Word Psychology, or to a named psychologist.
REFERRAL REQUIREMENTS
A valid referral letter includes:
Date of referral
Patient's name, date of birth and address
Reasons for attending psychological treatment (symptoms or a diagnosis are acceptable)
List of current medications
Any relevant history and risk information
A statement confirming whether the patient has had a Mental Health Treatment Plan or a Psychiatrist Assessment and Management Plan prepared
The number of sessions being referred for
Referrer's name, provider number and practice address
Signature of the referring practitioner (electronic signatures are acceptable)
SESSION AND MEDICARE LIMITS
For individual therapy, a maximum of 6 sessions can be referred in the initial course of treatment
A further 4 sessions can be referred within the same calendar year in a subsequent referral
Referrals do not expire and may be used in later years
Patients can also contact us directly amd arrange their referral through you afterwards.
Patients paying privately don't need a referral and can book directly.
What you can expect from us
Acknowledgement of your referral within 2 business days
A letter to you confirming your patient has attended their first appointment, a progress report after the initial course of sessions, and a final report when treatment ends
Contact with you, with the patient's consent, if a clinical concern arises
Is telehealth suitable for your patient?
We provide online outpatient therapy. It isn't suitable for acute psychiatric crisis, active psychosis, patients who need in-person medical monitoring, or patients at high or imminent risk of harm to themselves or others. If you have concerns about your patient's current risk, please include the details in the referral, so we can tell you whether online therapy is appropriate. For urgent needs, please use your local crisis assessment team or Triple Zero (000). Spoken Word Psychology is not an emergency service.
Fees and rebates
See our Fees page for session fees and Medicare rebates.