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FOR REFERRING PRACTITIONERS

Referral Information for GPs and Other Medical Practitioners

Thank you for considering Sureen De Silva Therapy for your patient’s mental health care.

I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW) and AASW member, providing individual counselling and focussed psychological strategies via telehealth to clients located anywhere in Australia.

I work with adults (18+) and teenagers aged 15–17 (with parental/guardian consent), with a particular focus on:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression and low mood
  • Trauma and PTSD (including EMDR therapy)
  • ADHD and neurodivergence
  • Grief, loss, and life transitions

Sessions are 50 minutes, delivered via secure video (Halaxy Telehealth or Zoom for Healthcare). I do not provide in-person sessions, medication management, formal psychological testing, or crisis support.

How to Refer

To refer a patient under the Medicare Better Access scheme you must:

1. Complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

Also called a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (item 2715/2717). Let your patient know you are referring them to an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker for focussed psychological strategies.

  • Patient name,
  • Date of birth,
  • Contact details,
  • Medicare number,
  • Presenting concerns,
  • Relevant medical/mental health history,
  • Current medications,
  • Risk information, and
  • Any specific goals or considerations.

Sureen De Silva, AMHSW. Please note that referrals should specify telehealth delivery.

Send the referral to info@sureendesilvatherapy.com.au or via your preferred secure messaging system.
Patients are also welcome to self-refer as private (self-funded) clients without a referral. A referral is only required to access Medicare rebates.

Medicare Details

Medicare Provider Number: 3079821L

Provider Type: Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)

Scheme: Better Access to Mental Health Care

Relevant Medicare item numbers (telehealth):

  • 91176 — Individual videoconference session, 50 minutes or more (standard session — this is the item most clients will be billed under)
  • 91175 — Individual videoconference session, at least 20 but less than 50 minutes
  • 91188 — Individual phone session, 50 minutes or more
  • 91187 — Individual phone session, at least 20 but less than 50 minutes

Patients are entitled to up to 10 individual Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year (January–December) under the Better Access scheme. An initial 6 sessions are available with the first referral. After 6 sessions, if the GP reviews progress and deems it appropriate, a further 4 sessions can be referred.

I will provide written reports to you as required under the Medicare Better Access scheme — typically after the first 6 sessions or at the conclusion of treatment.

What to Expect

Once I receive your referral:

  • I will contact your patient within 2 business days to arrange an initial appointment
  • Your patient will receive a Client Information & Consent Pack to review and sign prior to their first session
  • Sessions are conducted via Halaxy Telehealth (secure video) or Zoom for Healthcare
  • A Medicare rebate claim is submitted on the patient’s behalf following each session via Halaxy
  • You will receive a written report in line with Medicare requirements

Outside My Scope

To ensure every client receives the most appropriate care, the following presentations are currently outside the scope of this practice:

  • Children under 15 years of age
  • Clients currently in crisis, experiencing active suicidal ideation, or requiring immediate psychiatric assessment
  • Clients experiencing family violence who require specialist DV support
  • Clients with active, severe eating disorders requiring medical monitoring
  • Clients with primary substance dependence requiring detoxification
  • Clients presenting with acute psychosis or mania
  • Clients requiring forensic or court-mandated assessments
  • Clients located outside Australia
 

If a referral falls outside my scope, I will let you know promptly and, where possible, suggest alternative services.