GP Assist

Hello from the GP Assist team! On this page we'll tell you about the program.

Fast facts.

• Type of program: Bridging support linking GP patients into appropriate alcohol and other drug treatment
• Program length: Until clients are connected to longer-term services that meet their needs
• Location: Cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia
• Cost: Free
• Referral: Referrals accepted from GPs only at

About the program.

GP Assist works with GPs across south eastern Melbourne to link their patients into appropriate alcohol and other drug treatment, and provides short-term support until participants are engaged with the services they need.

With their patients, GPs complete the five-minute ASSIST tool, which helps identify the risks associated with substance use and explore options for change. We can also directly complete it with their patients if GPs request.

If the patient is assessed at medium or high risk of harm, their GP will send through a referral, and we’ll get in touch within 48 hours to help them work out the best options for treatment. 

How do we support clients?.

Once we’ve received the referral, we help clients by first undertaking an intake and assessment process, helping to understand their needs and goals for alcohol and other drug treatment. 

We then help connect them in with the programs they need, including residential rehabilitation programs, counselling, or whatever else they identify as most appropriate.

While they’re waiting to access these, we support them through brief interventions, providing information and advice, strategies for managing substance use, and working with them to develop a treatment plan.

We regularly check in to ensure they are appropriately supported until they are connected with longer term treatment.

About the ASSIST tool.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a questionnaire that screens for all levels of problem or risky substance use in adults. A 5-10 minute, electronic screening tool, the ASSIST provides a risk score – either low, moderate, or high risk – and helps inform our conversations and support for clients.

Eligibility and referral.

GP Assist works with any GPs who practice in the cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.

To find out more about the program, or to refer your patients to us, get in touch at

More information.

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Important to know: