How do psychiatric referrals work in Perth?

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if anyone can give any advice on how psychiatric referrals work?

My GP sent off an urgent referral for me to have an inpatient admission, although with a strong preference for day patient options due to obligations (rent, family commitments, work).

I was being referred for active suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and CPTSD.

I received a response from a mental health hospital last Friday and they said they could admit me this week. I mentioned I couldn't be admitted so quickly owing to having to arrange things first and asked if I could still have an appointment to speak to a psychiatrist. Reception said that would be fine and they could arrange that this week owing to the severity and to discuss both inpatient/day patient options.

On Monday a different lady called and said unless I fully decided to be an inpatient before an appointment, I simply had to wait 3 - 4 months to speak to someone. She gave some dates for a psychiatrist in early August. I took the dates down and said I will call back on Wednesday to confirm (I wanted time to speak to my psychologist today to discuss it all).

Anyhow, the hospital then reported back to my GP that I had refused both inpatient, day patient and outpatient services.

I feel as though I've certainly done something wrong here and I just don't know how to fix it. Just wondering if anyone can offer any advice on what to do.