Just a question

[Bigman2232]

I'm not sure what forum to post this in and figured since this is one of the most read, I'd place it here (If it needs to be moved feel free to do so).

Was just wondering for anyone who has seen a psychologist, shrink, therapist or whatever you want to call it and also had to go for a referral appointment first, what exactly is it? Like what happens at the referral?

My school has on campus therapists which are free to students but it requires this referral appointment first. I figure it's just to see if you really need professional help, but was wondering what kinds of things they actually do.

I'll thinking way to much and need to vent some of it to someone that can actually help before I snap again.

Thanks for any info

 

[Hazel]

Good for you for going to get help, the referral appointment is just to get an idea of what you need from treatment, it's a getting to know, how you are feeling and what you want from treatment.
It involves the therapist asking you lots of questions and him/her ticking lots of boxes! It really isn't anything to worry about & means that when you get your first proper session, your therapist will know a little bit about you.
Let us know how you get on with it.

Take care Hazel.

 

[Aleth]

I had one last Friday, with a follow up this Tuesday. Two crisis counsellors basically just asked me a bunch of questions and took notes. Mostly it was the most basic things like what is the problem, what is my current life situation and mood now, and something of my personal history. I guess its to give them a broad overview.

The next appointment is with a psychologist for an intake in a week and half. The counsellor said I won't have to repeat everything I already said since they hand over all their notes. This psychologist is then supposed to decide what to do next or give me some options or something, the person I talked to was pretty vague on that point.

I suppose the procedure also differs a bit from place to place.

You should give it a go. I mean there is nothing to lose by doing it, which was my attitude. Although it did take me months and months before I actually decided to approach my family doctor with the problem. Taking the first step isn't easy.