Referrals
We know that reading referral criteria can feel daunting — whether you’re looking for support yourself or referring someone else.
Our counselling service offers short-term, ethically governed support for adults who are struggling, but not in immediate crisis. Sessions are delivered by Level 4+ student counsellors, working under clinical supervision and in line with BACP ethical guidelines.
The information below is here to help you understand whether counselling through Reach Out is likely to be the right fit. It isn’t a test and it isn’t about excluding people, it’s about making sure that anyone who accesses counselling is supported safely, appropriately and with care.
If counselling isn’t the right option, we will explain this clearly and help point you towards more suitable support.
How We Decide If Counselling Is the Right Support
Our counselling service provides short-term support delivered by Level 4+ student counsellors, working within the BACP Ethical Framework and under appropriate clinical supervision.
Counselling focuses on current difficulties and supports people to explore thoughts, feelings, and coping strategies in a safe, structured way.
When Counselling May Be a Good Fit
In line with BACP guidance, counselling through Reach Out may be suitable for adults who:
- Have current or historic suicidal thoughts, where risk can be safely assessed and managed.
- Are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.
- Present with low to moderate current risk.
- Are seeking support for present-day issues such as:
- Emotional distress or feeling overwhelmed
- Ongoing stress or pressure
- Confidence or self-esteem difficulties
- Low mood or anxiety linked to current circumstances
- May have a mental health diagnosis, where the primary focus of counselling remains on the here and now
- Are able to engage safely, reliably, and appropriately in short-term counselling
This service is for people who are struggling, but who are not in immediate crisis and can be supported within the scope of student-led counselling.
When Counselling May Not Be the Right Support
Counselling through Reach Out for Mental Health may not be the most appropriate support where someone is:
- Experiencing active suicidal crisis or levels of risk that cannot be safely managed within a short-term, student-delivered counselling service
- Seeking support primarily for complex or historic trauma, where more specialist or long-term therapeutic input is needed
- Currently experiencing active alcohol or drug addiction, where stabilisation or specialist services are required first
- Involved in ongoing court or legal proceedings, where counselling could risk ethical or procedural complications
- Assessed as needing support beyond what is safe or appropriate for student counsellor-led work
- Experiencing low mood or anxiety that would be better supported through mainstream or community services, such as Mind or similar organisations
Where counselling is not the right option, this will be explained clearly and appropriate signposting will be offered.
Assessment and Ethical Practice
All counselling referrals include an initial assessment.
This assessment supports:
- Understanding of the individual’s needs
- Consideration of risk and suitability
- Ethical decision-making around what support can be safely offered
- Acceptance into counselling is based on assessment, ethical considerations, and current service capacity.
Why These Boundaries Matter
These criteria exist to ensure:
- People receive support that is safe and appropriate
- Student counsellors work within their level of competence
- The service operates ethically and responsibly
- Clear boundaries protect everyone involved.