Health and Social Care - 'YOU in mind' guide to mental health services.  Promoting Hope, Opportunity and Personal Control:

What to expect from mental health services in Northern Ireland.  The information was designed by and for people with lived experience and their families across Northern Ireland and explains the key steps involved when mental health care is required.

'No Decision About Me Without Me'

STEP 1: GP Appointment - Meet with GP to discuss problems and needs.
GP will provide health and well-being advice and/or make a referral to a service that meets needs required.

STEP 2: Mental Health Referral.  If referred to specialist mental health care, referral will be reviewed within 24 hours of receipt.

An emergency appointment (2 hours), an urgent appointment (5 days) or a routine appointment with Mental Health Services usually within 9 weeks or 13 weeks for specialist psychological therapy services will be received.

STEP 3: Mental Health Appointment.  Mental health appointment will help identify needs.  The outcome of the appointment will be discussed 'with me' and the next steps of 'my care' agreed.

STEP 4: Treatment and Care.  Following discussion with Mental Health Services, a Personal Well-being Plan will be developed with 'me'.  This plan will identify 'my strengths and any social care needs I may have'.

STEP 5: Supporting 'My' Recovery.  In partnership with 'my care team, my recovery will be regularly reviewed'.  This will help inform 'me when I am ready to move on from Mental Health Services'.  This will include any continuing support required.  It will also support 'me should I experience a setback in my recovery'.

Involving others in 'my care': Should 'I wish to I can involve family and/or friends in my recovery'.  They can provide important information 'to support me and/or I can choose to have support from an independent advocate or peer support worker'.

Some questions that might be asked: If 'I am referred to Mental Health Services, I will be asked about':  Current concerns; Family and Social Circumstances; Physical and Medical needs; Expectations.

Things that Help Recovery: When referred to Mental Health Services there are things you can do to support your own recovery: Provide relevant and accurate information; Value professional knowledge; Actively Engage in 'my care'; Take Personal Responsibility.