Start by Clarifying the Purpose of the Referral

Before contacting a provider, it is helpful to clarify what the participant would like support with and what type of service is being considered. Some enquiries relate to ongoing psychology therapy, while others relate to cognitive, learning, psychoeducational or functional evidence that may be needed for a particular purpose.

Being specific at the beginning avoids assumptions and helps a provider determine whether the referral is appropriate for their service.

Confirm the Participant’s Funding and Plan Management

Funding arrangements should be checked before a service is booked. Neurospa Psychology currently works with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. The participant, nominee, support coordinator or plan manager should confirm the relevant plan management arrangement and discuss whether the proposed service is consistent with the participant’s plan and goals.

Funding rules and plan circumstances differ between participants. A provider cannot guarantee that a particular service will be funded or that an outcome will be accepted by another organisation. Where needed, participants should seek clarification from their plan manager, support coordinator or the relevant NDIS contact before proceeding.

Information to Include in a Referral Enquiry

With the participant’s consent, the following information can help Neurospa respond efficiently and identify the right next step. Only share information that is necessary for the enquiry and has been authorised by the participant or their authorised decision-maker.

• Participant name, preferred contact details and preferred way to be contacted.
• The reason for the enquiry and the participant’s goals in their own words where possible.
• Whether the participant is self-managed or plan-managed.
• Whether the enquiry relates to therapy, an assessment, a report or more than one service.
• Any relevant timeframes, such as an upcoming planning meeting, school requirement or workplace deadline.
• Relevant background documents only where the participant has consented to their release.
• Communication, accessibility, interpreter or support-person needs that may help make the first appointment accessible.

Privacy reminder: A referral should be based on informed consent. Do not send sensitive reports, diagnoses, plan documents or contact details to a provider unless the participant or authorised decision-maker has agreed to this.

Choosing Between Therapy and Assessment

Therapy and assessment serve different purposes, although a participant may sometimes benefit from both. Ongoing therapy may focus on the participant’s identified goals, skills, coping strategies or day-to-day supports. An assessment is usually a time-limited process designed to answer a particular question and produce a written explanation of the findings.

Neurospa’s NDIS Therapy in Adelaide page explains the therapy pathway. For assessment-related enquiries, visit the NDIS Children’s Assessments page or discuss the purpose of the referral by phone.

What Happens After the Enquiry?

Neurospa will review the enquiry and, where appropriate, discuss the service requested, appointment options, likely process, fees and any information needed before a booking is confirmed. The participant remains central to the process and should have the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to a service.

For therapy referrals, the initial appointment usually focuses on understanding the participant’s goals and whether the service is a suitable fit. For assessment referrals, the first discussion helps clarify the assessment question, the person being assessed, relevant history and the intended use of any report.

Referral Pathway for Neurospa Psychology

Neurospa Psychology is located in Hilton, Adelaide and provides psychology therapy and assessment services for children, adolescents and adults. The practice welcomes self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Support coordinators and families can use the NDIS Psychology Referrals Adelaide page for a concise overview of the referral process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can support coordinators refer directly to Neurospa?

Support coordinators may make an enquiry or share the referral resource with a participant. Neurospa requires appropriate participant or authorised decision-maker consent before collecting or discussing personal information in detail.

Which NDIS plan management arrangements does Neurospa accept?

Neurospa currently works with self-managed and plan-managed participants. Funding and service suitability should be confirmed in relation to the participant’s individual plan and goals.

Can a psychology referral include both therapy and an assessment?

It can be helpful to describe all the participant’s questions and goals. Neurospa can discuss whether therapy, assessment or separate appointments may be appropriate for the enquiry.

Do you need to send an NDIS plan with the first enquiry?

Not usually. Begin with the participant’s consent, goals, plan management arrangement and the reason for the referral. Neurospa will advise if any additional information is useful before booking.