When you’ve decided you need help with your mental health, figuring out who to approach for that help can be difficult. If you are unsure whether your needs would be better met by a trip to the GP, a private appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist, or perhaps by calling Samaritans, this post is for you.
What are my options?
Your GP
Your GP can refer you for counselling or psychiatry within the NHS. They can also prescribe medication that may help with conditions such as depression and anxiety.
A psychotherapist
A psychotherapist delivers talking therapy. In appointments that are usually 50 minutes once a week, the therapist provides a listening ear, empathy and challenge that will help you to understand and process your experiences, and feel better able to cope. Some psychotherapists provide specialist help, for example couples therapy or psychosexual therapy.
A counsellor
Some people use the words counsellor and psychotherapist interchangeably; sometimes psychotherapists have a more in-depth training. Both provide talking therapy, also known as counselling. Psychotherapists and counsellors are not qualified to diagnose mental health conditions, nor can they prescribe medication.
A psychoanalyst
Psychoanalysis is a specific field of psychotherapy focused on unconscious processes. Analysts often meet with their clients two or three times a week and therapy tends to be long-term.
A psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in mental health. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication for them. Psychiatrists often work in a team with other mental health professionals; they may suggest a treatment plan to be delivered by the team. Appointments with a psychiatrist tend to be less frequent than with a therapist and the focus is more on diagnosis and the treatment plan.
A counselling psychologist
Although their training may be more scientific, counselling psychologists work in a very similar way to psychotherapists. They often work in organisations such as hospitals, schools or prisons.
A helpline
Helplines offer immediate support and can be invaluable for people in crisis. They are usually staffed by volunteers who have received some training but are not qualified to the same level as the professionals above.
Mental health helplines include:
Samaritans – call 116 123 free from any phone or email jo@samaritans.org
Mind’s support line – 0300 102 1234
SHOUT (a texting service for those who prefer not to talk) – 85258
Your local accident and emergency department
If you are in crisis, you can attend your local A&E department for emergency psychiatric support.
How do I decide which option is best for me?
To decide which of the options is best for you, ask yourself the following questions.
How serious is the issue?
Psychiatrists tend to deal with more serious mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, personality disorders and bipolar disorder. If you think you may suffer from one of these conditions, you can either contact a private psychiatrist directly or ask your GP for a referral to an NHS psychiatrist.
For less severe mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and depression, turn to your GP or a psychotherapist/counsellor. It isn’t necessary to have a diagnosis to access therapy; indeed therapists support clients with issues that most of us experience at some time or other, including stress, bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety and traumatic experiences.
Do you want medication or talking therapy or both?
If you want medication, you will need to see your GP or a psychiatrist. Medication helps many people to cope when they are really struggling with their mental health, but it is often insufficient on its own. Addressing the underlying issues through psychotherapy is usually the route to long-lasting change.
Do you want a diagnosis?
If you are concerned that you may have a mental health disorder and are looking for a diagnosis, you will need to see your GP or a private psychiatrist.
Can you wait?
The NHS is under a lot of pressure and waiting lists for mental health services can be very long. If you don’t want to wait, accessing a therapist or psychiatrist privately will probably suit you better.
Can you pay?
If you can’t afford to pay for private therapy, there are low- and no-cost alternatives to the NHS. Generally, the lower the fee the more likely you will have to go on a waiting list before you start. Some of these services are provided by specialist charities, such as Terrence Higgins Trust and Woman’s Trust; others are provided by counselling schools or private enterprises. Low- and no-cost services are often staffed by trainee therapists. One Therapy works with one such service: Face2Face London.
How long do you want to be in therapy?
If you are looking for longer-term therapy, your best option is probably a private psychotherapist or counsellor, such as those working at One Therapy London. Most NHS services and charities can only offer a limited number of sessions.
If you are still unsure of the best route for you, feel free to contact us.
One Therapy London has been providing mental health support since 2006. We offer long- and short-term counselling, psychotherapy, couples therapy and psychosexual therapy. Our therapists are experienced in many different issues and are carefully chosen for their warmth, empathy and professionalism.
If you would like to book an initial consultation with one of our therapists, click here.
