How do you get a referral for...PLEASE help!?

I want to start counseling, but it says I need a referral, do I have to go to my regular doctor and just tell them I need a referral, or what? The website says "We accept referrals from individuals, couples, families, physicians, clergy, HMO鈥檚, managed-care organizations and community agencies". If I went to my doctor, would I have to tell them anything, or just that I need a referral? Thanks in advance! Please help!

I am 19, it just has something to do with past abuse and some other things, I just don't want to have to explain ANYTHING to my doc

By saying that they accept referrals from individuals, they are saying you can refer yourself. Contact them, and I'm sure they will clarify this for you. Good luck.

J.

Depending on your insurance, most have a number on the card that has a mental health number to call and they authorize you for appointments and the number of visits. Then they will give you a list of providers in your area and then you can call and ask for an appointment

The counselling agency will likely accept you as as client without a referral if you are paying yourself. If you have insurance that will pay for the counselling, the insurance company may insist on a referral from your doctor and your doctor may need to ask you some questions about why you want counselling.

No you wouldn't - it is your business and your business alone!

My experience is that all you have to do is go into your doctor/or call him/her, and tell them that you want a referral to see a counselor. Then, If you have one in mind, tell the doc who it is that you would like to see, or ask if he/she knows of any counselors.

Good Luck
Momma P

Congrats for taking that first step to help!

You'd probably have to explain some things, but not in great detail. Whatever you do, don't trust your regular old doctor to prescribe anything. Just tell him/her your purpose--that you want a referral and why--and he/she would probably be happy to call in or send a note with you. I'm really glad you're seeking therapy, a lot of people are too scared (for no reason), so I really commend you on that.

Don't worry. Most dr's offices deal with referrals on a daily basis. If you ask for one, they may want to know why, but it's okay. They prefer you get all the help you can, that's why they are there. Just call your dr's office and tell them what you need. They will take care of the rest. It's okay.

if all else fails you can go to the county mental health - or if the help you need has support groups - you could go to a support group.

you didn't mention your age - but if you are in school you might want to talk to your school counselor to help you figure this out.

You should just have to tell your doctor (or any of the other choices) that you need a referral to a psychologist. If your doctor asks why or tries to help, understand that general practicioners may prescribe SSRI antidepressants but if you don't want to discuss your problem with your GP, tell him you'd rather just have the referral. You're the boss.

Simple, look up a community agency on the net and go there to get a referral, In IL call The Department of Human Services,or go to your local Board of Health or call there and ask for the mental health department for free! Best part you will not have to involve your family doctor if you don't want to. Just tell them the meds you are taking if any! Good luck.

See www.drdrew.com and http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris in sections 1 (examine the 1-800-therapist website) and 20. Just say to a doctor that you need a referral to ... about abuse, and "you prefer to discuss it only with a qualified professional, experienced in such matters".

Wether or not you need a referal is usually up to your insurance. I've never heard of a counselor who required one for themselves, not to mention the first part of the sentence doesn't make sense, "We accept referals from individuals, families,..." How can an individual, or a family write a referal? Thats something you Primary Care Physician has to do, they've got to mean something else by referal. In any case I just told my Dr. that I wanted to see a counselor about a personal matter, that worked out fine. No one goes to counseling because they are filled with an over abundance of joy, your Dr. should understand that All the reasons people seek counseling are personal and leave it at that. But first call and find out what they mean by referall.

most ins.has a separate place that handles the mental health side.i have found with all the co.i dealt with that all i had to do is call this place and ask them for some counselors names and add. and a referral.if you haven't ever seen one then it could be you will need to talk to your primary dr.that is a good place to start. they are trained to get you started if they see a need.