Initial Assessment and Referral
Decision Support Tool

The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (DST) helps general practitioners and clinicians to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.

The IAR Guidance (IAR) and Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is designed to establish a national, standardised approach to conducting initial mental health assessments, and support general practitioners and other health professionals to recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.

The IAR and the IAR-DST are an Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging initiative bringing together information from various sources, including Australian and international evidence and advice from various leading experts.

Registration for upcoming training sessions is available via the Western Sydney PHN IAR training webpage: National IAR Training

Download the national training flyer: October – November 2026

Important resources:

 

 

 

 

 

For further information, contact: iar@wentwest.com.au 

Disclaimer

While the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.