What happens after I make a referral?

On Wednesday each week, QPASTT staff meet to discuss referrals received by the organisation.  After this meeting the following steps are taken:

  • A QPASTT counsellor will contact the referrer to discuss the referral further, within 1 week.
  • If the referral is not accepted, the referrer will be contacted directly (via email, letter or phone) and other options discussed.
  • If the referral is accepted, QPASTT will phone to arrange an intake appointment with the referred person and send an appointment letter. An interpreter will be booked if required.  (Depending on the number of new referrals there can sometimes be a wait for an Intake appointment).
  • If the referral is for a child, the parent/guardian will attend the intake and school staff and any other organisations involved with the child, will also be contacted if appropriate.  Read more information about referring a child.
  • After the Intake appointment, there may be a wait period for access to an ongoing counsellor, but we can assist with referral to other services and support, if needed, during the waiting period.
  • With client consent, QPASTT will contact and/or co-manage with other health professionals to provide a holistic health service for the client.

Those who have been in Australia less than 6 months will be contacted by our Early Intervention Team within two weeks of referral, to assess their needs.

This Intake and initial assessment phase can take some time depending on the availability of Intake appointments, the availability of the person referred, and the availability of interpreters.   Feel free to contact QPASTT if you are unsure of the progress of a referral you have made.  Be aware that QPASTT is bound by confidentiality in relation to disclosure of personal information about clients and will not be able to discuss personal client information (including who is a client) without signed consent release forms.