How can a mental health practitioner support me?
A mental health practitioner focuses on your individual mental health needs and offers a safe space to talk about your feelings and how they can be supported. They have the abilities to listen, advise you on support options available and can provide wider access to a registered mental health professional or service should you need it.
How do I make an appointment to see a mental health practitioner?
Mental health practitioners are accessible via your GP Surgery and you do not require a referral from a GP. When calling up your GP surgery for an appointment the reception staff will be able to book you in for either a face-to-face or telephone appointment with the mental health practitioner. Visit your GP practice website for contact details.
What can i expect from an appointment with a mental health practitioner?
During an initial appointment a mental health practitioner will ask some questions, and may use some screening tools, to help them understand the nature and extent of your concern. They will discuss the support options available and together with you, can decide on the next course of action. It may be agreed that they speak to you again to review how you are getting on, or to give you time to consider what you would like to happen next. In some instances a mental health practitioner may be able to provide a short-term intervention to help you overcome your difficulties rather than referring you elsewhere.
Will I need to see a mental health practitioner on a regular basis?
The frequency you interact with the mental health practitioner will depend of your personal circumstances and your discussed support plan. You may only have a one off appointment which is then followed up in a couple of weeks, or it may be more ongoing for a period of time. The mental health practitioner will discuss with you, what is best for you.
