Some important information must be considered when completing an online referral form. These are:

1. At this point, client referrals can only be accepted from Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, and residential drug and alcohol services (AOD Rehabilitation and AOD Withdrawal services). Check our FAQ section below for more information about support for services outside these areas.
   
   

2. Inpatient mental health and specialist services within public health services generally fit into the Area service category. For more information, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/mental-health-services/area-based-services. Please select Area MHWBS if you represent a specialist service and provide more details in the comments.

   
   

3. Consent:

   • The treating team must know and agree to a client referral.

   • For PRIMARY assessment, CLIENT consent is ESSENTIAL. Primary consultations can only be arranged with client approval and agreement. Please be aware of the volume and nature of information included in a referral should the client wish to avoid having involvement in the Hamilton Centre services. 

   • Anonymous support can be provided via the Hamilton Centre by making an information request or by calling 1800 517 383. This anonymous support does not constitute direct advice about specific clinical scenarios but can support team decision-making and direction.

4. Please ensure the information is as complete as possible. Although we have a range of elements currently not compulsory fields to encourage referrals, all your information is important to us. Particularly about client vulnerability and accessibility needs (interpreter status).
   
   

5. Response time to the online referral form:

• Primary/Secondary consultation referral: Your client referral will be distributed to your local Clinical Network site; you will hear confirmation of your referral within 8 working days.*

• Information Request/Mentorship: You will receive a response from the Service Navigation and Advice team within 8 days of receipt.*

*Our typical response time is within 3 business days for most referrals and information requests. However, please allow up to 8 business days for a response.

Call us on 1800 517 383 during business hours to speak with our team and receive an immediate response on how the Centre can support you.

Note that this is not a crisis line service. If you require assistance to support your client in an urgent medical situation, please contact the Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service (DACAS) on 1800 812 804, available 24/7. For more information, visit www.dacas.org.au. You can contact DACAS for an immediate issue and refer to the Hamilton Centre for more ongoing support.

Frequently asked questions about Hamilton Centre referrals: