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Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN
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Each referral is matched to a consultant psychiatrist suited to the patient's presentation, drawn from Dokotela's panel of consultant psychiatrists. The program supports adults with severe and complex mental illness, and the psychiatrist sets out a treatment plan for the patient and their GP.
Appointments are held by video from home, or from the referring practice if that is easier. A Clinical Care Coordinator supports the patient from referral through to the appointment and follow-up, and there is no cost to the patient.
The GP keeps clinical responsibility and remains the primary care provider. After the assessment, the psychiatrist returns a shared care plan so care can continue locally, and the Clinical Care Coordinator keeps the GP updated at each stage.
Who can the specialists help?
- Adults aged 18 to 64 living in the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN region.
- Adults experiencing severe and complex mental illness.
- Patients referred by Goondiwindi Medical Centre, Chinchilla Medical Practice, HelloDr Esk or Gatton Medical Centre, where the referring GP keeps clinical responsibility.
What are the exclusions?
- Referrals are accepted only from Goondiwindi Medical Centre, Chinchilla Medical Practice, HelloDr Esk and Gatton Medical Centre. Referrals from other practices in the region cannot be accepted at this stage.
- The program is for treatment and management only. Standalone reports, including medicolegal, WorkCover, insurance or court documentation, are not provided.
- Patients currently engaged with public psychiatry services, including those on a public psychiatry waitlist, are not eligible.
I am eligible. How do I apply?
GPs and referrers at participating practices can send referrals to referrals@dokotela.com.au, by HealthLink EDI (Dokotela) or by fax to (02) 8569 1844. Please mark the referral for the Country Care Connect program and include the reason for referral, relevant clinical background and current medications.
How it works
Referral
Referrals are made by staff at Goondiwindi Medical Centre, Chinchilla Medical Practice, HelloDr Esk and Gatton Medical Centre using the Country Care Connect referral form. Our Clinical Care Coordination team reviews each referral within 2 business days. A Clinical Care Coordinator then contacts the patient to gather background information before the psychiatrist assessment. After the assessment, the psychiatrist sends a shared care plan back to the GP so care can continue locally.
Book Your Intake Call
You will receive an SMS from Dokotela to book an intake call with one of the Clinical Care Coordinators.
Intake Call
During this call, your Clinical Care Coordinator will assist in preparing you for your psychiatry session, gather information about your treatment goals, complete relevant diagnostic tools, and schedule an appointment with your psychiatrist. This process is designed to ensure you feel informed, supported, and ready for the next steps in your care.
Preparing For Your Session
Think about whether you’d like to bring along family members, friends, or other mental health professionals who are part of your support network.
Psychiatry Appointment
In your session, your psychiatrist will complete a detailed assessment, discuss possible diagnoses and work with you on a treatment plan. They’ll also coordinate with any other clinicians you’re seeing, including your GP, to ensure your care is well-managed.
Visit your GP
After your appointment, your GP will receive a summary of your treatment plan. It's important to review this with them, as they may have additional resources or supports to offer based on the psychiatrist's recommendations. Your GP can also manage your ongoing care, including prescribing medication once you're no longer required to have regular psychiatry sessions.
Follow-up Support
Your Clinical Care Coordinator will arrange a check-in to see how you’re progressing, answer any questions, and schedule your next review with the psychiatrist if needed.
Review Appointment with Psychiatrist
Your psychiatrist will review your progress, answer questions, and adjust the plan if needed based on your feedback.
Feel Better
With a solid support system and personalised treatment plan, you’re on a path to improved mental health.
Still have questions? Contact us.
Already a patient through Country Care Connect?
We’ve got all the details outlined so you know exactly how it works for existing patients. Just click the link below for an easy step-by-step process.
