A Military Second Opinion Mental Health Clinic

Background: The 2009 Dunt Review of Mental Health in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) led to the establishment of the ADF Centre for Mental Health in Sydney. One of the programs developed at the Centre was a mental health Second Opinion Clinic. The aim of the Second Opinion Clinic is to provide specialist assessment and management recommendations for patients with complex and treatment-resistant mental disorders. Purpose: This paper describes the practices of the Second Opinion Clinic, the clinical outcomes and satisfaction as reported by patients and referrers, based on the first 58 patients seen at the clinic. Method: Clinic databases of patient demographics, diagnoses, and patient and referrer satisfaction surveys were reviewed. Results: Among the findings, it was found that the diagnosis was revised in half the patients seen, with resultant implications for treatment and management within the ADF. The clinic's practises and clinical outcomes were well regarded by both patients and referrers. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the small body of literature reporting on mental health tertiary referral or second opinion clinics.