Why seek a second opinion?
Second psychiatric opinions can help people to learn more about their mental illness, treatment and possible alternative treatments. A second psychiatric opinion may provide people with some additional information to support their participation in treatment decisions.
People have a right to seek a second psychiatric opinion at any time, or can ask someone to seek a second opinion on their behalf. Second psychiatric opinions may be provided by any psychiatrist in a public mental health service or in the private sector.
What is the Second Psychiatric Opinion Service?
The Second Psychiatric Opinion Service has been established to provide independent second psychiatric opinions to ‘eligible patients’ under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, in circumstances when a second opinion via other means is not available or feasible.
The primary means to access a second psychiatric opinion are:
- another psychiatrist at their designated treating mental health service
- a psychiatrist from a different designated mental health service, or
- a private psychiatrist
The Second Psychiatric Opinion Service can assist where these options are not available or feasible.
What does our service provide?
The Second Psychiatric Opinion Service can provide a second opinion in relation to:
- The treatment provided to you (including recommending any changes the psychiatrist considers are appropriate); and/or
- Whether the criteria for the relevant Order apply to you. Please note that this function does not apply in relation to forensic patients who are detained by an order of a court.
We do not replace the person’s treating team. If a second opinion is given, the treating psychiatrist may change the person’s treatment, or will discuss why they feel treatment should not change.
The Second Psychiatric Opinion Service does not offer second opinions on diagnosis. For second opinions on diagnosis, it is recommended that a person seek a second opinion from:
- another psychiatrist at their designated treating mental health service
- a psychiatrist from a different designated mental health service, or
- a private psychiatrist
Who can seek a second opinion from our Service?
The Second Psychiatric Opinion Service is available to eligible patients, being people who are:
- On a Temporary Treatment Order or Treatment Order;
- A security patient; or
- A forensic patient.
An ‘eligible patient’ (see above) may seek a second psychiatric opinion at any time and can ask any other person to seek a second psychiatric opinion on their behalf. In addition the request can be made by their nominated person, carer, guardian, parent if the patient is under 16 years of age, or the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services (if the patient is under a custodial order or subject to a family reunification order).
What information can our psychiatrist access?
In accordance with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, the Psychiatrist giving a second psychiatric opinion may:
- Examine the person
- Access any of the person’s health information that is held by the treating mental health service
- Consult the treating psychiatrist and any other staff of the mental health service, such as the person’s key worker or case manager, about their treatment
The Psychiatrist may also seek the views of the nominated person, guardian, carer (if the Psychiatrist proposes changes to the treatment that will directly affect the carer and the care relationship), a parent of the patient is under 16 years, and the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services, if the patient is the subject of a custody to Secretary order or a guardianship to Secretary order.
An eligible patient may also suggest other people for the Psychiatrist to speak to, such as a relative or friend.
For more information
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information about the Second Psychiatric Opinion Service and how it works, please contact us on 1300 503 426 or use the ‘contact us’ form.
- Find our brochures and other useful links
- Find out the process of getting a second opinion
The Department of Health and Human Services outlines more information about second psychiatric opinions on their website