How to Refer a Patient for a Psychological Assessment: A Guide for GPs

As a GP, you are often the first professional to notice signs that a patient may benefit from psychological assessment. Whether it's a parent concerned about their child's attention, an adult who suspects they're autistic, or a legal matter requiring an expert report, knowing how to refer effectively makes a real difference to patient outcomes.

This guide outlines the common assessment pathways we see at Three Bees Psychology, what referrals should include, and how our process works from a referrer's perspective.

When should you consider a psychological assessment referral?

Common presentations that benefit from formal psychological assessment include:

Attention and concentration difficulties in children or adults — where ADHD is suspected
Social communication differences, restricted interests, or sensory sensitivities — where autism spectrum disorder may be present
Combined ADHD and autism presentations — which co-occur in a significant proportion of individuals
Learning difficulties — where cognitive profiling may assist with school-based adjustments or support planning
Capacity concerns — where a patient's ability to make informed decisions requires formal evaluation
Forensic or legal matters — where the court or another legal body has requested a psychological report
Complex psychological presentations where a thorough assessment would inform treatment direction

What type of assessment do you need to refer for?

It helps to be as specific as possible in your referral. The main assessment types we offer are:

ADHD Assessment

For children (6+) and adults where attentional difficulties, impulsivity, or executive function challenges are present. Can be combined with autism assessment where both are suspected. A GP Mental Health Care Plan is not required for an ADHD assessment, though it may support access to follow-up psychological sessions if recommended.

Autism Spectrum Assessment

For children and adults. Useful where social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, or rigid/repetitive behaviours are present. NDIS assessments — where autism diagnosis is sought for NDIS access — can be facilitated through this process.

Forensic and Legal Assessment

For matters involving the courts, parole, or other legal bodies. These are typically engaged directly by the legal professional or instructing party rather than via GP referral, though we are happy to discuss any matter at enquiry stage.

Capacity Assessment

For patients where decision-making capacity is in question — for legal, financial, or medical reasons. Referrals from GPs, geriatricians, legal practitioners, and guardianship bodies are all appropriate.

What should your referral include?

A useful referral helps us prepare and reduces back-and-forth. We recommend including:

Patient name, date of birth, and contact details
The specific question you need answered or the assessment type requested
Relevant history — developmental, medical, psychiatric, and educational where appropriate
Any prior diagnoses, reports, or assessments (attaching copies is very helpful)
School reports if referring a child — particularly teacher comments from early primary
Any urgency — for example, an upcoming NDIS review, a school support deadline, or a court date
Your preferred format for the report and any specific questions you want addressed

What can you expect after referral?

Once we receive a referral, our intake process includes:

An initial call or email with the patient (or parent/guardian) to confirm suitability and discuss the process
Scheduling of the assessment sessions — typically 1–2 sessions for the patient and a separate parent/history session where relevant
Completion of rating scales and questionnaires prior to assessment
The assessment itself
A written report, typically returned within 3–4 weeks of the final session
A copy of the report sent to the referring practitioner (with patient consent)

Medicare and funding

Psychological assessment is not directly rebatable under Medicare as a standalone service. However:

A GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) may support subsequent psychological treatment sessions where recommended following assessment
NDIS funding can be used for assessment under the Improved Daily Living budget
Private health insurance may provide partial rebates depending on the patient's level of cover

We are transparent about fees at enquiry stage and provide detailed quotes before any assessment begins.

Getting in touch

We welcome referrals from GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, allied health professionals, and legal practitioners. If you'd like to discuss a patient before referring, or have questions about our assessment process, we're happy to have a brief phone consultation.