New website gives adults the option of self-referral for mental health care
ISLANDERS who need to access mental health help will soon be able to refer themselves for a number of psychiatric interventions, thanks to the launch of a new website.
The Healthy Minds referral scheme, previously the Primary Care Mental Health and Well Being Service, helps to enable individuals aged 17 or over who have mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression to learn healthier coping strategies to improve their mental wellbeing.
Initially it had been available only through a client’s GP, but this new website means people can refer themselves to the service via an online form.
Healthy Minds counselling psychologist and manager Dr Beverley Tachon shared their delight over the launch of the self-referral option.
‘It will increase the availability of our service and people’s opportunity to access psychological interventions earlier,’ she said.
‘[This will help] to prevent longer-term mental health issues.
‘Of course we still accept referrals through GPs and we would always encourage people to discuss any issues with their GP, but this self-referral system provides the option of free access to anyone who has a concern.’
Following completion of the online form, therapists from the Healthy Minds service will discuss the client’s needs with them and then will be able to offer a variety of psychological interventions.
These interventions include skills-based workshops on topics such as understanding and managing anxiety and low mood, stress, mindfulness and assertiveness, a supported online cognitive behavioural programme, one-to-one guided self-help and one-to-one support covering cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling and eye movement desensitisation reprocessing.
The form will be available from tomorrow to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
n To find out more about the service, the self-referral option and the interventions available, Healthy Minds will be holding a drop-in at the Guille-Alles Library tomorrow from 5-7pm.
Further information is also available on www.gov.gg/healthyminds or by email healthyminds@gov.gg.
