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Referral Process

Secure, clear ways to refer so your patients access the right mental health services faster.

We welcome referrals from GPs, psychiatrists and other treating clinicians across Canberra, the ACT, and surrounding regions.

Our team is here to support you through the referral process and help determine the most appropriate level of care for your patient — whether that's an inpatient admission, structured day program, or hospital-in-the-home service.

How to refer

Through our online Referral form

Quick and convenient – submit directly through our website
Online form

Via HealthLink

Fastest and most secure – direct from your practice software
EDI: dphospit

Download a physical referral form

Printable option – complete and return by fax or email
Download

What to Include in Your Referral

To process referrals efficiently, please ensure the following information is included: 

Referrer Information

  • Full name
  • Practice name and address
  • Phone number and fax number (if appropriate)
  • Email address
  • Medicare provider number 

Patient Information

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Phone (preferably mobile)
  • Email
  • Medicare number  
  • Health insurance details & level of cover
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status
  • Support needs (e.g. mobility, disability, cultural safety) 

Clinical information

  • Name of Specialist you are referring to
  • Services requested i.e.
    • Hospital admission
    • Day program/s
    • Outpatient appointment
    • RTMS Suitability assessment
    • Other
  • Current medications
  • Reason for referral  
    • Mental state
    • Psychiatric history  
  • Goals of admission
  • Presenting problem, including:
    • Physical examination findings, height, weight, BMI
    • Diagnosis/provisional diagnosis (if known)
    • Management and treatment
    • Impact on patient
  • Current medical history
  • Past inpatient admissions
  • Current psychologist and/or psychiatrist
  • Relevant investigations and results (Such as ECG & Brain MRI) 

Step-by-Step Referral Process

To have your patient admitted to our hospital for an overnight stay, day program or attend our private practice please follow our simple process below.

Step 1 Assess your patient  

Does your patient need a specialist mental health admission and is not in acute crisis or actively suicidal? Note: If your patient is in acute crisis or actively suicidal, please contact your local Emergency Department  

Step 2 Confirm funding / payment pathway

Check whether patient has Private Health Insurance, DVA status, WorkCover, or can self-fund. Knowing this early avoids delays.

Step 3 Submit the referral

Use one of the options above. Ensure all required information is included: patient demographics, contact, insurance, medication/allergies, past investigations, reason for referral, urgency, GP provider number.

Step 4 Eligibility & Scheduling

Our Admissions & Assessment Team reviews the referral, confirms eligibility, and lets you know if there are any out-of-pocket costs.  

Step 5 Confirmation  

Once accepted, you’ll receive confirmation of admission or appointment date, and your patient will be allocated a psychiatrist.

What Helps Us Help Your Practice

  • Gather all relevant test results / imaging in advance
  • Clearly label urgency (with supporting clinical detail if urgent)
  • Include GP’s provider number and preferred contact method
  • For online/submitted referrals, double-check all required fields are filled

Need Support?

If you’re unsure which referral pathway is best, or need help with the forms or software, feel free to contact our Admissions Team at 1800 961 391 or dkn.admissions@imh.com.au. 

We’re here to help make this process smoother.