What is the difference between being referred to a therapist and just making an appoi

cherrychau

I am just wondering what is the difference between going to your doctor and asking to be referred to a therapist and just ringing up and making a call to a local therapist?! Thanks

Matteroffact

You most probably won't get an appt without a referral letter.

Shrap

Your doctor will be referring you to someone who definitely has the qualifications and experience to carry out the counselling professionally. You could pick up a phone book and find a local counsellor, but unless you have done the research very carefully, you could find someone who has only ever had 10 clients and did their counselling course on-line.

There is very little regulation around who can set themselves up as qualified to counsel people in serious crisis in this country.

Taltos

OP better here I think as from your initial question it does not appear to be a PI and as you know from your last thread PI cannot give professional recommendations.
For anyone who has followed this thread please read the local charter before posting.

Taltos

JuliusCaesar

Your GP can refer you to local mental health services - either in primary or secondary care - who can provide counselling free of charge.

You can phone any private practice therapist and make an appointment without a referral.

Have a look at the Find a Therapist sticky for advice on how to find a therapist, what questions to ask, how to find out what the different approaches are.

Enhtie

If you are referred by your GP and attend an accredited counsellor my understanding is that you then can submit the receipts on your Med 1 in order to claim tax back.