How to request a second opinion from our service
These are the steps that will occur when you request a second opinion from us:
Step 1
A second opinion can be requested by using the contact us form on this website, or by calling 1300 503 426. If you are a consumer, you can also ask someone to contact us on your behalf, such as your carer, advocate, treating team, or nominated person.
Step 2
Once we have received the request, we will contact the consumer to discuss it and determine eligibility for our service. If eligible, we will ask the consumer to sign a consent form. If you are a guardian or a parent of a consumer under 16 years of age, you are able to sign the consent form on the consumer’s behalf.
Step 3
Following the consent process, we will arrange an appointment. Generally, the appointment will take place using Telehealth. Telehealth is usually set up by the treating team in inpatient wards and in some community clinics. We will attempt to accommodate the consumer’s preferences for the appointment. Please note due to COVID-19 we may be able to offer consumers Telehealth appointments on their personal device if they are unable to attend the community clinic.
Step 4
Following the appointment, the consumer will receive a written report from the Second Opinion Psychiatrist, in the form of a letter. A copy of the letter is also sent to the Authorised Psychiatrist. We will aim to have this sent out within 8 working days of the appointment. We recommend that the consumer reads this letter with a support person, such as a carer or key clinician.
The psychiatrist providing the second opinion will explain the opinion and in a way that can be understood and is helpful to the consumer. The letter will also contain some information about the possible steps they can take next, including how to follow up with their treating team or provide feedback about our service.
The Department of Health and Human Services website provides further details about:
- Second psychiatric opinion reports, including who is able to access the report, and
- The role of the Authorised Psychiatrist after the report is sent to them