Online Referral Form

Referrals may be made out to a specific psychologist, psychiatrist or an open referral to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist at Camberwell Specialists. The referrals are best sent via the online form but can also be emailed.

For referrals to Psychologist please complete a mental Health Care plan. For referrals to Psychiatrist please specify whether it is for medicare item 291 or 293 or for ongoing care.

For Referrals for TMS treatment please include clinical summary and information including any previous correspondence / specialist reports.

Referrals under Workers compensation, or TAC are accepted but are subject to individual clinicians acceptance.

For TMS referrals please email referral to tms@camberwellspecialists.com.au or contact 03 9968 6999

Organizing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment at Camberwell Specialists involves several steps to ensure a personalized and effective care plan.

To begin, you will need a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or psychiatrist outlining your condition and prior treatments. This referral can be submitted directly via the clinic’s website, or email. Once reviewed and accepted, you will be contacted to schedule an initial assessment with a TMS-accredited psychiatrist.

During this consultation, your mental health will be evaluated, your suitability for TMS will be confirmed, and a safety screening will be conducted to rule out any contraindications. If found suitable, a mapping session is arranged to identify the precise brain area and intensity for stimulation, followed by scheduling the treatment sessions.

(NB- the initial assessment for suitability for TMS may NOT be needed if your referring psychiatrist is TMS accredited themselves- in this case it can be combined with the 2 nd safety screening and mapping appointment

Camberwell Specialists has partnered with TBS Melbourne to offer evidence-based, state-of- the-art TMS treatments. This collaboration ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care using the latest advancements in TMS technology.

Medicare-funded TMS, if criteria are met, incurs a small out-of-pocket fee, which will be discussed before booking. Patients with approved claims through Workover or the Department of Veterans & Affairs (DVA) have no out-of-pocket costs.

Each TMS session is non-invasive, performed in an office setting, and involves placing a magnetic coil against the scalp to stimulate specific brain regions associated with mood regulation. For more information, visit the TBS Melbourne website.

Your initial appointment with a psychiatrist is a thorough evaluation aimed at understanding your mental health concerns and collaboratively developing a treatment plan. Below is an overview of what to expect and how to prepare for the session.

Before Your Appointment

To ensure the appointment runs smoothly, please complete and bring the following:

Forms to Complete:
Intake Form
Confidentiality Form
Documents to Bring:
Medicare Card and Referral Letter (from your GP or another psychiatrist, if seeking a second opinion).
Previous Scan Reports: Bring any reports from brain imaging or other relevant investigations.
List of Current and Past Medications: Include treatments previously tried, their outcomes, and any known side effects.
Specialist Reports: Any correspondence or history from previous mental health professionals.
Discharge Summaries: If you have been hospitalized in the past, bring summaries of those admissions.
Additional documents, such as school reports, psychological assessments, or collateral information, if relevant to your concerns.

During the Appointment

The psychiatrist will conduct a comprehensive assessment by asking about your current situation, mood, thoughts, behavior, and medical history. Common questions include:

What has been happening for you?
What are your main concerns?
When did the problem start?
Under what circumstances does it occur?
How long does it last?
Has it occurred before?
What makes it better or worse?
What do you hope to achieve from treatment?

The psychiatrist may also explore your medical, personal, and family history, including past treatments, responses to medications, and any underlying health conditions.

Investigations

Depending on the assessment, the psychiatrist may recommend additional investigations, such as blood tests, imaging scans (e.g., MRI or CT), or other diagnostic procedures. These help provide a clearer understanding of your condition and guide your treatment plan.

Initial Treatment

Following the assessment, the psychiatrist will discuss a tailored treatment plan, which may include:

Information and Recommendations: An overview of your mental health condition and options for treatment.
Medication: Prescriptions may be provided if deemed beneficial to your condition.
Therapy or Counseling: Referrals to psychological therapy or other support services, as needed.
Hospital Admission: In cases where self-care is insufficient, or there is a significant risk to health and safety (yours or others’), admission to a hospital may be recommended.

Additional Information

Duration: Appointment times vary; you will be informed of the expected length beforehand.
For more details on appointment types and processes, refer to the Psychiatry FAQ section on our website.

We are here to support you on your journey toward better mental health and look forward to assisting you.

If you’ve never seen a psychologist before, you may not know what to expect. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you feel comfortable.

Before Your Appointment

To make the most of your initial session, please complete the following:

Intake Form: This helps us gather essential details about you and your concerns.
Confidentiality Form: Outlines your right to privacy and how your information will be handled.

What to Bring

Medicare Card

Mental Health Care Plan (prepared by your GP, if applicable). In order to receive a rebate for the majority of your session fees through Medicare, you must have a valid referral (called a Mental Health Care Plan) from a GP, psychiatrist or a paediatrician. When you visit your doctor you will need to have our name, address, and fax number on hand so your doctor can make out the referral.

Any previous correspondence or reports related to your mental health, such as letters, assessments, or medical history.

During the Appointment

The first session will focus on understanding your situation. Your psychologist will:

Explain Confidentiality: Everything you share will remain private unless there are exceptions that they’ll outline.
Explore Your Concerns: You’ll discuss the reason for your visit and describe your difficulties in detail. Typical questions may include:
When did the problem begin?
Under what circumstances does it occur?
How long does it last?
Has it occurred before?
What makes it better or worse?
Understand the Impact: Your psychologist will ask how the issue is affecting your personal life, relationships, work, and day-to-day activities.
Gather Background Information: This may include:
Personal and family history.
Medical history and current medications.
Use of alcohol or other substances.

This information helps your psychologist evaluate the problem comprehensively and its effect on your well-being. This process may take one or more sessions and could include psychological tests if needed.

Treatment Plan

Your psychologist will collaborate with you to create a tailored treatment plan. This may involve:

Scheduling regular sessions (weekly or fortnightly).
Determining the length of therapy, which can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your needs.

Appointment Details

Duration: Sessions typically last 50 minutes, but sometimes longer.
Fees: Fees will be discussed before your appointment.
Parking: Check for available parking near the office, and allow extra time to find a spot before your session.

We’re here to support you every step of the way and look forward to working with you!

Absolutely. We prioritize your privacy and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines in compliance with ethical and legal standards. Your personal information and discussions remain strictly confidential.

Booking an appointment is simple. You can contact us via phone, email, or through our website to schedule a consultation at your convenience. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a suitable time for your session.

Referrals may be made out to a specific psychologist, psychiatrist or an open referral to a Psychiatrist or Psychologist at Camberwell Specialists. The referrals are best sent via the online form but can also be emailed to admin@camberwellspecialists.com.au

For referrals to Psychologist please complete a mental Health Care plan. For referrals to Psychiatrist please specify whether it is for medicare item 291 or 293 or for ongoing care.

For Referrals for TMS treatment please include clinical summary and information including any previous correspondence / specialist reports.

Referrals under Workers compensation, or TAC are accepted but are subject to individual clinicians acceptance.

For TMS referrals please email referral to tms@camberwellspecialists.com.au or contact 03 9968 6999

226 Warrigal Road, Camberwell 3124

Getting to Us:

• Camberwell Specialists boutique clinic is just aroud 50 metres from the intersevtion of Warrigal Road and Burwood Highway in the direction of wattle Park.
• Coming by Bus: The Clinic is on Stop 15 Benedicts School/Warrigal Road on Bus Route 766 with the Bus stop at the doorstep of the clinic.

Parking:

• There is ample 2 hour off street parking and limited parking on site.

Thank you for reaching out to us to explore the possibility of an ADHD (Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment. We appreciate your trust in our team and are committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive evaluation tailored to your needs.

Understanding the Complexity of ADHD Assessment

ADHD assessment involves evaluating both current and historical symptoms. One of the unique challenges is the retrospective nature of part of the evaluation, which includes assessing your developmental period, reviewing school records (if available from Grade 4-8), and obtaining collateral information from a parent or caregiver who can provide insight into your childhood behaviour. This process is essential because ADHD symptoms must be present during childhood to meet diagnostic criteria. We understand that accessing these records or obtaining collateral information may take time, and we are here to guide you through this process as needed.

Distinguishing ADHD from Other Conditions

It is important to note that several mental health conditions can present with symptoms similar to ADHD, such as difficulties with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other conditons/factors may mimic or contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing. As part of your assessment, we will conduct a current mental health evaluation to ensure we have a complete understanding of your situation. This will help us differentiate ADHD from other potential causes of your symptoms.

Preparing for Possible Outcomes

While we understand your interest in pursuing an ADHD diagnosis, it is crucial to approach the assessment process with an open mind. There is always a possibility that your symptoms may be best explained by another condition rather than ADHD. Though this outcome may feel unexpected or disappointing, it is our priority to provide you with accurate and evidence-based feedback to guide your next steps. Regardless of the results, we are here to work with you in developing a plan to address your concerns and support your well-being.

Next Steps

If you have not already done so, please gather any relevant documentation, such as school reports, previous assessments, or medical records. Additionally, we encourage you to identify a parent or caregiver who can provide collateral information about your developmental history.