What Happens in an Assessment

How do I access mental health care for myself or someone I am concerned about? The first point of contact is to telephone your local mental health care provider.

Depending on where you live, this will either be a community or hospital based Triage service (like emergency), Consultation Liaison service (assessment by mental health staff) or Intake Officer (person on duty).

Check your local phone book for details. As most mental health care providers don't have TTY machines you will need to access them via the Australian Communication Exchange Relay Service. (link) A Triage service (means the people who are worse sick are seen first) usually operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to all members of the community.

A Triage service is staffed by mental health professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Registered Nurses and Social Workers. What kind of questions will I be asked? In order to make a decision about the type of response that is required you will be asked questions about the: What problems/sickness you have (Presenting Problem/s).

If you feel like harming yourself or other people (Level of risk to self and others), as well as Urgency of the situation. You will then be given a response to your situation, which may include: An internal referral, within the mental health care service or An external referral to an appropriate service provider.

What if a Mental Health Assessment is required?

If a mental health assessment is required, an appointment will be made. When, where and how the assessment takes place depends on the presenting problems, level of risk and urgency. Assessments are conducted in the nearest place of safety.

This could be in a GP's surgery, person's home, the nearest mental health service or any other community location. You can request an interpreter Mental health care providers will try have an interpreter present if one is required. What if a Mental Health Assessment is not required?

If an assessment is not required, you will be provided with information and or a referral to alternative services.

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Modified: 13 May 04