Making a Referral to Spectrum
Information for Clinical Mental Health Service Clinicians (AMHS & CAMHS)
Clinicians from Clinical Mental Health Services (AMHS & CAMHS) in Victoria are welcome to make direct referrals to Spectrum.
Spectrum accepts referrals for Secondary Consultations from any AMHS or CAMHS clinician in Victoria (such as continuing care team, mobile support team, inpatient unit or crisis & triage team clinicians).
Spectrum accepts referrals for Direct Treatment from AMHS and CAMHS Case Managers and Therapists in Victoria who work in Continuing Care Teams (CCTs), Mobile Support Teams (MSTs) and Community Care Units (CCUs).
Other statewide specialist mental health services in Victoria such as Forensicare, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (Mental Health Program) and Victorian Dual Disability Service may refer to Spectrum for Assessments & Secondary Consultations.
Who to refer
A client would typically have severe interpersonal difficulties and a long history of self-harm and/or suicide attempts, and particularly complex needs.
Spectrum clinicians can provide assistance with:
- Clarifying diagnostic issues
- Assessment of a client
- Treatment planning in the client's locality
- Organising a wider treatment plan that may include statewide interventions
- Accessing Spectrum's direct treatment programs (outpatient or residential)
- Collaborative treatment review when there has been considerable clinical input but little progress.
A referral can be made at any time, however it will assist Spectrum staff if the following has occurred prior to making contact:
- The client is actively working with a clinical mental health service (AMHS or CAMHS)
- An initial assessment of the client has been made
- An initial formulation has been completed (detailing your understanding of the client's presentation)
- You and/or your team have questions relating to the client's care and treatment
How to make a referral
All referrals, requests for professional development and enquiries can be made by contacting the Spectrum Intake Clinician on (03) 9871 3900.
Information for People with Personality Disorder, their Families and Friends
If you have Borderline Personality Disorder or are seeking some support for someone with Borderline Personality Disorder, it is usually best to speak to a GP (local doctor) about your concerns in the first instance. GPs can make a referral to the local Area Mental Health Service if appropriate - clinicians from there can refer to Spectrum. You could also speak directly to a clinician at your local Area Mental Health Service. A list of these Victorian Area Mental Health Services can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/index.htm
Please refer to the Resources section for more ideas about support services.
Information for GP's, Private Sector Mental Health Practitioners and Non-Clinical Mental Health Services (PDRS and Community Health Centres)
Spectrum only accepts referrals from Clinical Mental Health Services in Victoria (AMHS and CAMHS).
If you are a General Practitioner, a Mental Health Practitioner in private practice or a Mental Health Worker from a non-clinical mental health service such as a PDRS or Community Health Centre, then you cannot directly refer your client/patient to Spectrum.
If your client/patient is under the care of a Clinical Mental Health Service (AMHS or CAMHS) in Victoria, please discuss their needs with the AMHS/CAMHS clinician in the first instance. You may request that they make a referral to Spectrum.
You may refer directly to your local AMHS via their intake clinician. Follow this link to a directory of Victorian Area Mental Health Services http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/index.htm