The Psychological Services Program (PSP) offers short term structured psychological therapies delivered by a range of providers contracted by the Gold Coast Primary Health Network. The program supports people who have a health care card and would benefit from receiving short term therapy for moderate mental health needs. This program is not suitable for people that may need longer term and more comprehensive interventions.

The program is available for people who identify with any of the following groups:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
• LGBTIQAP
• Perinatal – have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Children up to 12 years old
• *Children in out of home care (up to 12 years old​) + ​
• *Experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• *or for people who have attempted, or are at risk of suicide or self-harm​

* does not require Health Care/Pension Card

What do I need to do if I have a patient currently accessing PSP?

If they are currently using the Psychological Services Program, they will be able to finish their service with their current provider. They will receive the same number of sessions but may need to complete them in a shorter time frame. Patients can talk to their provider about their individual circumstances.

What happens to referrals for the PSP between January and June 2023? 

Once the Supporting Minds program is established, mental health professionals at Head to Health will assess referrals and, if appropriate, direct them to the Supporting Minds program.

If not appropriate for Supporting Minds, the mental health clinician will assist the person in finding the right support service and facilitate that referral. The outcome of this will then be communicated back to you as the referrer.

What do I need to do if I have a patient who I would have previously referred to the PSP after June 2023?

If they are needing psychological support, Supporting Minds may be an appropriate service. Alternatively, you can call the Head to Health phone line on 1800 595 212 and speak with a mental health professional who can help navigate the options available.

What do I need to do if I am currently accessing PSP?

If you are currently using the Psychological Services Program, you will be able to finish your service with your current provider. Talk to your provider about your individual circumstances.

What do I need to do if I have accessed PSP in the past or not accessed it before?

If you aren’t actively using PSP right now and are needing psychological support, you can call the Head to Health phone line on 1800 595 212 and speak with a mental health professional who can connect you to the support that is best for you.

Moderate intensity service

There are multiple organisations funded to provide this service – view the full list of providers here

Structured psychological therapy

• Individual sessions with a psychologist
• 6 sessions per calendar year
• Up to 24 sessions per calendar year for suicide prevention
• Location is based on provider

Clients must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for referral:

• Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Card (excluded: suicide prevention referrals, homeless referrals and children living in out of home care)
• Meet one of the target groups
• Live in the Gold Coast region

Clients not eligible for Psychological Services include:

• Client with acute mental health needs, or who is under the care of Public Mental Health (i.e. Acute Care or Continuing Care Team, Child Youth Mental Health Service)
• Client living in a government funded aged care facility
• Client whose primary reason for referral is dementia, delirium, tobacco use disorder and/or mental disability
• Children under 12 whose primary reason for referral is for assessment/treatment of a neurodevelopmental disorder including attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder, Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities.
• Client with long term chronic, complex mental health issues e.g. personality disorder, bi-polar, acute psychotic condition
• Client in crisis, and
• Client involved in workers compensation or motor vehicle compensation proceedings.

Clients in the above categories must be referred to more appropriate mental health services; e.g. Better Access, medical assessment, acute mental health services, etc.

• GP referral
• Mental Health Stepped Care Referral Form

If this service is not the one for you, please call the Head to Health phone line on 1800 595 212 and speak with a mental health professional who will help connect you to a service that meets your mental health needs.

Primary and Community Care Services Referral and Triage

• 07 3186 4000
• GCTX@pccs.org.au