Mental Health Support (Primary Care): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access free, short-term counselling services through your doctor if you are experiencing mental health distress.
This scheme provides accessible mental health support through primary care services to help people manage psychological distress.
Who it's for
This service is designed for anyone who is currently experiencing mental health distress. It is intended to act as a first point of contact for people needing professional support to manage their mental well-being.
What you get
The primary benefit of this scheme is access to free brief intervention counselling. These sessions are provided to help you navigate mental health challenges without the burden of service fees. This type of support is focused on providing professional guidance during periods of distress.
What it costs you
There is no direct cost for the counselling sessions themselves. However, to access this support, you must first visit your GP. You will need to undergo a clinical assessment with your doctor to receive a formal GP referral, which is the necessary step to enter the scheme.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this is a "brief intervention" service. This means the support is not intended for long-term or ongoing psychiatric management. Most people will find that the counselling is limited to a specific number of sessions, usually ranging from three to six sessions in total.
How to apply
- Contact your local GP clinic to schedule an appointment.
- Meet with your doctor to discuss your mental health and the distress you are experiencing.
- Request a formal GP referral for brief intervention counselling.
- Wait for the referral to be processed so you can connect with a provider.