Mental health assessment - how do you instigate one?

[hinkyminky]

Very concerned for a relative (adult) whose behaviour is increasingly erratic, strange and frightening. Haven't got a clue how to go about getting some sort of assessment done Very worried, who can I speak to?

[tiredemma]

GP- they will refer to a local mental health team- unless they are already known to mental health team and then you can request one from a Crisis team if you are that worried.

[foxinsocks]

I called the local council who put me in touch with adult social services who arranged a social worker to visit. I think they said, had I had the GP's number (which I didn't have), I could call them and they may have been able to help (not sure if they would have just called social services).

So adult social services I reckon. Don't know if you can call them on their own or do it through the council.

[tiredemma]

whereabouts are you geographically?

[hinkyminky]

so, I'd contact his GP?

[foxinsocks]

yes, GP probably best actually. I just didn't know who their GP was iyswim.

[hinkyminky]

it is my bil

London area

[tiredemma]

is he already known to mental health services?

[hinkyminky]

I don't know.....

I don't think so

[foxinsocks]

what about his wife? what does she think?

[hinkyminky]

she is scared and very vulnerable

[tiredemma]

which area of london ( not actual district- just North south east or west

[hinkyminky]

sorry, really wary of giving too many details

is there a specific service in London, TE?

[tiredemma]

Im going to attatch a link and then you can get the details for your local Mental health trust- there will be information on there.

hang on a min

[tiredemma]

go to 'mental health trusts' half way down the page.

www.london.nhs.uk/londonnhs.aspx?id_Content=7256&

click on your local one and there will be info with regards to who to contact etc

[squigglywig]

If you're really worried right now then you could call A&E - most of the big London hosps have/should have a psych liasion nurse in A&E who could advise.

NHS 24 might be able to help but are likely to suggest A&E or GP anyway.

Your sister could go to their GP and ask for an assessment, explaining the concerns. You could ring too but if you're not at the same practice I don't know if they'd see you. If your GP is helpful then you might try talking to them and asking them to contact your bil's GP to explain your concerns.

"Mind" or "Rethink" in the local area (yellow pages) will have some sort of day service and will be very familiar with local assessment procedures and are usually very approachable.

HTH

[squigglywig]

Sorry - hadn't seen TiredEmma's post before I sent mine - her's makes more sense!!

[PerkinWarbeck]

1. if you have immediate concerns for anyone's safety - BIL's or anyone else's - then call police

1. If concerns are less urgent, try to get BIL to A&E. they have an on-call psychiatrist there 24/7. explain at reception what the problem is and they'll arrange for you to be seen by psychiatrist and/or psychiatric nurses, who will arrange appropriate services (medication, referral to crisis team, admission if necessary)

1. if it can wait til Mon, or BIL will not go to A&E, request GP home visit. Stress urgency. this is within GP's remit, though occasionally receptionists disagree. persist. Again, GP will be able to refer on to a wide range of agencies, urgently if need be.

[hinkyminky]

thank you all very much

think the chance of him going voluntarily is nil. advice is much appreciated, thank you

[squigglywig]

Don't be afraid to ring places and ask for help. Most folk are pretty supportive and understand what a nightmare situation this can be for friends/family. Even if you ring the "wrong" place they are often used to people clutching at straws and so can signpost you on to the right place.

Also - if it is an emergency and you think that help really is needed now don't be frightened to stamp your feet a bit. Overburdened wards etc. can (reluctantly) lean on a patient's family too much if they are involved, caring, seem to be coping well. Make all your needs clear - not just your bil's.