Making a self referral for psychological issues
Self Referral for Mental Health Issues
Self-referral means referring yourself for help with a mental health problem without first speaking to a GP (family doctor) or another professional.
There are many reasons why someone might self-refer. For example, a person may feel that their GP is not the best individual to consult, or they prefer to speak to a mental health specialist.
Whatever the reason, self-referral can be an important first step in getting the help and support you need for your mental health.
The benefits of self-referral
Self-referral is an appropriate option for some people. Some benefits include:
Allows access to specialist services without having to go through your GP
Can access help quickly
You have more choice about who you work with
Self-referral often means self-payment, so affordability is usually an important consideration.
How to self-refer
The first step is to find a few practitioners or mental health services. Many people now search online to identify a potential source of help.
Once you have decided to self-refer, the next step is to choose the right service for you. Many types of mental health services are available, so it is vital to research what will best suit your needs.
Once you have short-listed a few options, setting up a meet and greet call is a good idea. This allows you to ask some questions before making a final selection.
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential if you are self-referring to counselling or therapy. This means finding someone you can trust with the right qualifications and experience. It is also a good idea to check that the therapist is registered with a professional body, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
How to prepare
Preparing for self-referral is important to ensure you get the most out of the process. Important actions include:
Make a list of any questions that you want to ask.
Do some research on what to expect in sessions.
Think about what you want to achieve from sessions so you can discuss goals with the practitioner.
When self-referral is not the best option
In some situations, self-referral might not be the best option for a mental health issue.
For example, if you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, it is crucial to seek help from a professional immediately. In these cases, self-referral might not be the best option as you might need more urgent help than what is available through self-referral services.
Additionally, if you have a complex mental health problem, self-referral might not be suitable as you might need professional guidance to find the best referral pathway (and service) for your needs.
Summary
Self-referral can be an effective way of getting help for a mental health problem. It allows you to access specialist services without going through your GP, saving time and energy. Additionally, it means that you can choose the service you feel most comfortable with and feel will be best able to help you.
However, it is essential to prepare for self-referral to get the most out of the process. Additionally, self-referral might not be the best option in some situations.
If you are unsure whether self-referral is right for you, it is always a good idea to speak to a professional for advice.
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