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Referral Requirements under the Better Access Initiative


In addition to an eligible patient having a mental health diagnosis and a mental health treatment plan (MHTP), a patient must have a valid referral to receive Better Access mental health treatment services.

Mental health treatment services are generally provided in two courses of treatment per year (if required). Depending on the patient’s needs and following the initial course of individual treatment (involving up to 6 services on the initial referral), patient’s can return to their GP or PMP who will undertake a review of a patients MHTP and assess if their patient needs further treatment.

These limits do not apply to group therapy services. Up to 10 group therapy services can be specified in a single referral. Patients may also receive a referral for a course of individual mental health treatment services and group therapy mental health treatment services at the same time.

You can read more about the requirements here.