Insight Clinic is a Registered provider of Medicare, Northwest Melbourne Primary Care Network (NWMPCN), Care In Mind, and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
(Also referred to as: No Guaranteed Treatment Policy)
The purpose of this policy is to outline the process for determining client suitability for psychological services at Insight Clinic Mental Health Services (the Clinic) and to guide clinicians in ethically discontinuing or redirecting care when a client’s needs exceed the scope of services provided.
This policy ensures the safety of clients and staff, promotes ethical practice, and upholds professional standards consistent with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Code of Ethics, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics, and the National Mental Health Standards.
Insight Clinic Mental Health Services is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based psychological care for individuals presenting with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
The Clinic recognises that not all clients are suitable for treatment within a private practice environment due to factors such as clinical risk, complexity, or the need for multidisciplinary or crisis management support.
Accordingly, the Clinic does not guarantee ongoing treatment following an initial consultation or assessment. If, after the initial assessment or early sessions, it is determined that a client’s presentation is not suitable for care within this setting, the clinician may initiate discharge and facilitate appropriate referrals to alternative services.
This policy applies to all clinicians, administrative staff, and contractors engaged at Insight Clinic Mental Health Services. It also applies to all clients accessing assessment, therapy, or consultation services through the Clinic.
Suitability for Treatment: The clinical appropriateness of a client to receive therapy within the Clinic’s scope of practice and resources.
Discontinuation of Service: The process by which therapy is formally ceased due to clinical, ethical, or safety reasons.
Higher Level of Care: Intensive or multidisciplinary services (e.g., public mental health, hospital-based, or residential rehabilitation programs) that provide crisis management or continuous monitoring.
PARC: Prevention and Recovery Care services operating across Victoria, offering subacute residential mental health support to assist with recovery and prevent hospitalisation.
All new clients undergo an intake and risk assessment to determine presenting issues, symptom severity, risk factors, and service suitability.
Clinicians assess whether the client’s needs align with the Clinic’s scope, which includes mild to moderate presentations that can be safely managed in a private setting.
Clients with complex, high-risk, or acute presentations (e.g., active suicidality, psychosis, severe emotional dysregulation, substance dependence, or unsafe behaviours) will be deemed unsuitable for private practice treatment.
If, during the first or second session, the clinician identifies that the client’s presentation exceeds the Clinic’s capacity, a discussion will occur with the client (and/or guardian, if applicable).
The clinician will provide a clear rationale for discontinuation and offer referral recommendations suited to the client’s level of need.
The clinician will document the decision, discussion, and referral recommendations in the clinical record.
The clinician will issue a written summary or letter outlining:
The reason for discontinuation,
A summary of sessions attended, and
Recommendations for ongoing care.
Where risk is present, the clinician will ensure safety planning and crisis referrals are completed before discharge.
Communication of the decision will be handled sensitively, maintaining respect and empathy toward the client and/or guardian.
Clinicians may recommend or facilitate referrals to:
Public Mental Health Services – via local Area Mental Health Service or Mental Health Triage (1300 874 243).
PARC (Prevention and Recovery Care) Programs – short-term residential rehabilitation operated by Mind Australia, Neami National, and local health networks.
Spectrum Personality Disorder Service (Eastern Health) – for DBT-based and personality disorder interventions.
Head to Health Victoria (1800 595 212) – for navigation to free and low-cost public mental health and wellbeing services.
Headspace, Alfred Health, or community DBT programs – for structured therapy and psychiatric support.
Crisis Supports – Lifeline (13 11 14) or Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
All decisions regarding suitability, discussions with clients or guardians, and referrals must be recorded in the client’s file.
Copies of correspondence (e.g., emails, letters to GPs, or discharge summaries) are to be securely stored in the client management system.
All communications regarding discontinuation must:
Be delivered in a professional, non-judgmental manner.
Include an apology for any distress caused while maintaining clinical rationale.
Clearly explain that the decision is based on ensuring safety, appropriateness, and access to suitable care.
Emphasise ongoing support through appropriate referral and transition planning.
Clinicians: Assess client suitability, manage risk, communicate appropriately, and document all decisions and referrals.
Practice Manager: Ensure clinicians adhere to this policy and provide support for risk management or client escalation procedures.
Administrative Staff: Facilitate referral letters, ensure documentation compliance, and maintain records of correspondence.
Risk Management and Duty of Care Policy
Client Discharge and Transfer of Care Policy
Clinical Governance and Safety Policy
Professional Boundaries and Ethical Practice Policy
Scope of Practice and Service Delivery Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or as required by changes in clinical governance standards, legislation, or professional codes of conduct.
