We have commissioned Dokotela to provide a free telepsychiatry service available for eligible patients across our region.
Dokotela provides access to over 40 experienced psychiatrists, with a range of different specialities, who work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals. Many of these psychiatrists can speak another language, or if they can't speak the patients’ desired language, interpreters are available through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).
Patient Eligibility
This service is available to patients living in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith local government areas who:
- are experiencing mental illness
- are not currently engaged with public psychiatry services
- are aged 8 years or older
- hold a Centrelink issued health care card, family health care card or pensioner concession card, or those whoidentify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Patients who meet the eligibility can access up to three free sessions with a Dokotela psychiatrist and an additional four sessions with a multidisciplinary health professional for a total of seven sessions.
Service Delivery
Appointments are delivered via telehealth through secure video conferencing at:
- Patient's home or support patient's home
- Office of a support service with which the patient is engaged (Example: Support worker, psychologist or mental health nurse)
- Nominated general practice
Psychiatrists will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the patient is fully supported in their mental health recovery. For a referral, see your GP.
For more information, visit the Dokotela Telepsychiatry Service website or contact Dokotela specialists via email or call 02 8003 7668 and select option 2.
