Have to go through GP to see a therapist?

Go Tobban

Hi there,

I've been struggling with some personal issues recently. Mainly to do with a sick family member and the anxiety and stress that comes with it. I feel I need to talk to someone to get a few things off my chest and try to learn some coping methods

My question is, do I have to go through my GP in order to see a therapist or can I just go online and find someone local?

Thanks

lukesmom

Go Tobban wrote: »

Hi there,

I've been struggling with some personal issues recently. Mainly to do with a sick family member and the anxiety and stress that comes with it. I feel I need to talk to someone to get a few things off my chest and try to learn some coping methods

My question is, do I have to go through my GP in order to see a therapist or can I just go online and find someone local?

Thanks

Hi sorry you've been under stress, going to a therapist is a great idea. You can find counsellors and psychotherapists online without needing a referral from your gp but it also might not be a bad idea to visit your gp anyway for a chat.

LadyAthame

No you don't but it's a more definite way of ensuring they are any good. But seeing your GP is a good start. You can find some online and see who you connect with if you prefer. It's all preference. Someone who will work for someone else will not work for others.

Go Tobban

lukesmom wrote: »

Hi sorry you've been under stress, going to a therapist is a great idea. You can find counsellors and psychotherapists online without needing a referral from your gp but it also might not be a bad idea to visit your gp anyway for a chat.

Thanks for the reply

I think I'll try to find a suitable therapist without referral from my GP as although my GP is a nice person, I think his methods are a little outdated and I'd be worried he'd just offer me anti-depressants, which I don't feel I need


As I was searching online, I noticed there are a few different types of therapy.
Is there a huge difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist?

Taco Chips

Hi OP

Congratulations on taking the first most important step and being proactive about your personal issues.

I would recommend seeing your GP first. They will have the best experience in dealing with first presentation of anything you might be facing and also know who the best local professionals to refer to are. You say their methods are outdated because they might offer antidepressants, well hear them out first. There is nothing wrong with taking anti depressants. You certainly do not have to take them if you prefer not to but it would be wise to listen to anything that the GP may advise you first of a all and then decide what is best for you.

Best of luck with everything.

WarpAsylum

You can find an accredited therapist in your area on this site.

irish-counselling.ie (sorry, as I'm a new user, I can't post links it seems...)

I would advise that you ensure they are either IACP or IAHIP accredited.

WarpAsylum

You can find an accredited therapist in your area on this site: irish-counselling.ie
(sorry, as I'm a new user, I can't post links it seems...)

I would advise that you ensure they are either IACP or IAHIP accredited.

pinkypinky

Something to consider (especially if the cost is something you might need help with) is that if you are not referred by a GP, you may not be able to claim the therapy on a med1. Even if you are, the therapist still has to be a "medical practitioner".

Blue Iris

Just fyi OP, if your family member has cancer, there are a number of Cancer Support Centres located around the country that provide counselling for family members who are affected by the illness.

haveringchick

Once again, if you self refer to a therapist uou will be paying them by the hour.
If you go through your GP you will see the local "public" psychiatrist and no cost to you