We have commissioned Dokotela to provide a telepsychiatry service 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
Patients who meet the eligibility criteria 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.
Do patients require a Health Card?
Until December 31, 2024, a Health Care Card is not required for individuals accessing general consultations with a psychiatrist.
Referrals for neurodevelopmental behavioural disorders (including ADHD/ASD) still require that the individual holds a current Health Care Card.
Service Delivery
Appointments are delivered via telehealth through secure video conferencing at:
- Patient's home
- Office of a support service with which the patient is engaged
- Nominated general practice (MBS incentive items are available for practice nurses to facilitate appointments)
How to make a referral
GPs, nurse practitioners and paediatricians should contact the PTS intake line on 1800 223 365 and obtain a unique referral number, which must be noted on the completed referral form before sending the referral to Dokotela via secure messaging.
- Fax: 02 8569 1844
- HealthLink EDI: Dokotela
Frequently Asked Questions
What is out of scope for referral and treatment?
This service is for treatment only. The psychiatrist will write a detailed treatment plan after the initial assessment. Requests for form filling or reports are not included. The service is not designed for:
- Court Reports
- NDIS or Disability Support
- Pension Assessments
- RTA Forms
- Workers Compensation
Frequency of appointments
Psychiatry sessions are capped at a maximum of three sessions per referral, but if the treating psychiatrist assesses that it is clinically important that the patient has more than three sessions this can be assessed.
How to provide feedback
We encourage GPs to submit their feedback about their experience using the service throughout the pilot period by emailing our PTS manager.
For more information, visit Dokotela Telepsychiatry Service website or contact Dokotela specialists via email or call 8003 7668 and select option 2.
