Self-referrals are a really useful aspect of accessing mental health and addiction support services.
It was recently reported [1] that 60% of UK adults experienced anxiety within the last two weeks that interfered with their everyday lives.
While this includes short-lived anxiety that might disappear quite quickly, it shows how common the problem is.
According to Mind, [2] 6 in 100 people have generalised anxiety, 3 in 100 have depression, and 8 in 100 have combined anxiety with depression.
Having self-referral services makes getting help a self-led process that at its best can be very empowering on the road to mental health recovery.
Want to learn more about self-referral through the NHS? Talk to our expert team on 0800 140 4690
A self-referral is what happens when you’re able to refer yourself to a service without first seeing your local GP.
It’s very common around both mental health conditions and substance misuse.
In the UK, you’re quite easily able to go online and find the contact information of the service you want to self-refer to. In most cases, your doctor will be able to give you a wealth of information.
Once you have the contact details, you then call or email the service yourself.
A member of the team that you’ve contacted will then get in touch to get a bit more information.
This usually includes questions around your personal details and a bit more about what has motivated you to make contact.
Self-referrals in relation to mental health tend to provide support that lasts for a particular length of time. For instance, six to eight weeks, unless, of course, the condition needs more ongoing input which can be the case when it comes to addiction.
Find your way towards recovery through a self-referral to the NHS by calling us on 0800 140 4690
Aside from self-referrals, there are also clinical referrals.
This is when a medical professional refers you to another service.
This might be related to physical, psychological or psychiatric support, for instance.
While self-referral is common around some mental health conditions, many people will require more help.
For instance, a person who has bipolar disorder is likely to be referred by a doctor to a mental health team so they can access more help around managing the highs and lows of the condition long-term.
Get the referral you need to overcome your conditions by giving us a call on 0800 140 4690
The most common places people self-refer to through the NHS are mental health services.
Talking therapies are a service used to address conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression.
In relation to addiction, there are local NHS drug and alcohol services in most towns and even satellite provisions in rural communities.
For long-term health conditions and physical health problems, you’re better off having a discussion with your GP before self-referring, though talking therapies can be offered alongside other treatments (such as medication and physiotherapy).
Talking Therapies is a service provided through the NHS where people with depression and anxiety can access self-help tools, guides and online therapy.
In some cases, there is also the offer of in-person therapy with a counsellor, or group therapies, the latter of which tends to be more educational.
Talking therapies are psychological therapies that employ evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address mental health.
The NHS has trained hundreds of practitioners as CBT therapists to lead people through therapeutic programmes that are shown to help.
The aim of therapy is to help reduce anxiety and depression.
The programme you follow will offer education about the condition as well as offer tools and exercises to do.
These give you life-long strategies that help you manage your thoughts and thereafter moods and behaviours.
Patient satisfaction tends to be high when using the CBT approach. It must be pointed out, however, that CBT does focus on thoughts rather than considering the past and deep-rooted issues that for some is important to address.
For those with alcohol or drug issues, you can self-refer to local drug and alcohol services.
Once you’re registered, you’ll be assigned a keyworker who will outline treatments and groups.
There are weekly group sessions for those in active addiction who are trying to reduce use and quit substances.
In some cases, there is one-to-one support on offer. Depending on personal circumstances, you might get support around budgeting, housing and physical health (i.e. a local gym pass).
While local drug and alcohol services are helpful for many, private rehab clinics offer the most successful outcomes in relation to long-term recovery goals and sobriety.
Find the services you need to beat addiction or mental health issues by calling our expert team today on 0800 140 4690
The main advantages of self-referral to NHS programmes are as follows:
Experience the advantages of self-referral treatment by giving us a call on 0800 140 4690
The main disadvantages of self-referral are:
Unsure about whether self-referral is right for you? Talk it over with our team today on 0800 140 4690
As well as being able to self-refer, you can also download health apps and join online health communities.
These can be really helpful in supporting you to understand physical and mental health conditions, develop tools to address them, and to connect to others who understand what you’re experiencing.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, though, or your life is being impacted in a negative way, then it’s advisable to seek professional help.
Get the support you need to overcome your mental health issues or addiction troubles by calling us today on 0800 140 4690
Some people, as much as they might try to help themselves with self-referrals and self-help, will require more input.
A care team for mental or physical health, medical care to ease symptoms, and treatment in a hospital are sometimes essential.
While CBT works for some, others require a counselling service that offers other approaches.
If you’re unsure what’s best for you, it’s advisable to talk to your GP who will be able to guide you.
Ensure that you get the support you need – call our experts today on 0800 140 4690
Yes. Talking therapies are available through a national service provided by the NHS and are widely used for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
You can self-refer to talking therapies for anxiety and mental health struggles and self-refer to local drug and alcohol services for substance misuse. However, it’s advisable to speak with your GP if you have multiple problems as they’ll know what other referrals to make.
Whatever your condition and whatever help you need to beat it, get expert help by calling us today on 0800 140 4690
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
