Making Referrals and FAQs
Referral process
Some important information must be considered when completing an online referral form. These are:
1. Services that can refer to us
At this point, client referrals can only be accepted from Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services, Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals, and public residential drug and alcohol services (AOD Rehabilitation and AOD Withdrawal services). Check our FAQ section below or call our Advice Line on 1800 517 383 for more information about support for services outside these areas.
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. When completing a referral form, please select Area MHWBS if you represent a specialist service and provide more details in the comments.
2. Eligibility criteria
The following criteria needs to be considered.
3. Consent
The treating team must agree to a client referral.
For PRIMARY assessment, CLIENT consent is ESSENTIAL. Primary consultations can only be arranged with client approval and agreement.
In cases where the client doesn't provide their consent, support can be offered through an information request or secondary consultation – available via the referral form or by calling the Advice Line on 1800 517 383. General advice does not constitute direct advice about specific clinical scenarios but can support team decision-making and direction.
4. Information required
Please ensure the information is as complete as possible. Although we have a range of fields that are not currently compulsory, we encourage you to complete as much information as possible, as all of it is important. In particular, information regarding vulnerabilities and accessibility needs, such as interpreter status, can ensure a more helpful and supportive referral process.
5. Response times
Primary/Secondary consultation referral: Your client referral will be distributed to your local Hamilton Centre Clinical Network site; you will hear confirmation of your referral within 8 working days.*
Information Request: You will receive a response 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.
Advice Line
Call the Advice Line on 1800 517 383 during business hours to speak with our team and receive an immediate response on how the Hamilton 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.