Making Referrals

We aim to acknowledge all referrals within one business day and arrange an initial appointment within five business days of receiving a complete referral. For urgent referrals where a client is at elevated risk or in acute distress, please contact us by phone directly so we can prioritise accordingly.

Yes. Via telehealth, we accept referrals from clients across Australia. For interstate Workers' Compensation schemes, we recommend contacting us prior to lodging a formal referral so we can confirm reporting requirements and funding approval processes for the relevant scheme.

For Medicare referrals, interstate clients can access our services via telehealth in the same way as Queensland clients.

For GP referrals under Medicare, we provide a brief initial assessment summary and progress correspondence at clinically appropriate intervals typically at the midpoint of treatment and upon discharge. We will also contact you proactively if clinical concerns arise that require coordination.

For insurer and WorkCover referrals, we provide reports in the format and at the frequency required by the relevant scheme including initial assessments, progress reports, and discharge summaries. We are familiar with WorkCover QLD and major private insurer reporting requirements.

Yes, complex presentations are a core part of our clinical work. Coastal Sands was established specifically to support individuals whose recovery is complicated by injury, prolonged claims processes, psychosocial risk factors, or prior treatment that has not been effective.

If a client has a complex history or has not responded to previous treatment, we encourage referrers to contact us directly to discuss the case before lodging a formal referral. This allows us to consider the most appropriate approach and set realistic expectations from the outset.

Psychological Services under WorkCover Queensland involve the assessment and treatment of psychological injury or disorder arising from or aggravated by a work related injury. This typically includes formal assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment such as CBT or ACT.

Adjustment to Injury Counselling (ATIC) is a more targeted service focused on supporting workers in adjusting to the psychological and psychosocial consequences of physical injury including identity disruption, grief, role loss, and the challenges of navigating a workers' compensation claim. ATIC does not require a formal psychiatric or psychological diagnosis.

Coastal Sands is approved to deliver both services. If you are unsure which applies to your client, contact us to discuss.

Generally, no. Where a client has an active WorkCover claim that covers psychological treatment, Medicare is typically not the appropriate funding pathway for the same presenting concerns. However, the rules around concurrent funding can be complex and depend on the specific circumstances of the claim.

We recommend contacting us to discuss the funding situation prior to booking if there is any uncertainty about which pathway applies. We will always advise on the most appropriate route.