Public Mental Health Services: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Public Mental Health Services provides access to professional mental health support through the national health system. This service is designed to ensure that mental wellbeing is treated with the same importance as physical health within the public sector.

👤Who it's for

This scheme is available to any citizen who is experiencing psychological needs. It is intended for those who require professional mental health support to manage their wellbeing as part of the national healthcare framework.

🎁What you get

Through this service, you can access specialized care from qualified professionals. This includes consultations and support from psychologists and psychiatrists. These specialists work within the public health system to help you manage your mental health through professional clinical guidance.

💰What it costs you

The service is part of the public health system. To access these specialized mental health professionals, you must first visit your general practitioner. Your general practitioner acts as the entry point for this care, and they are responsible for providing the necessary referral required to see a specialist.

⚠️The catch to know

There are two important things to keep in mind when using this service. First, because this is a public service, waiting lists for appointments with specialists can be long. Second, these services are intended for standard care; if you are facing a mental health emergency, you must seek help through separate emergency services rather than waiting for a standard appointment.

📝How to apply

1. Contact your local health center to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner.
2. Meet with your general practitioner to discuss your psychological needs and symptoms.
3. Request a formal referral from your doctor to be seen by a specialist.
4. Wait for the system to process your referral and contact you regarding your appointment.