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
Reach Out For Mental Health is an Essex based counselling and suicide prevention charity. We are not a general
mental health service. We exist specifically to support adults (18+) who are experiencing or have experienced suicidal
thoughts, the people in the middle space between “I’m fine” and crisis.
We support people with moderate mental health needs (low–moderate current risk) where suicidal thoughts or
ideation are part of the picture — whether disclosed at referral or identified by our Clinical Assessor during assessment.
When Counselling May Be a Good Fit
In line with BACP guidance, counselling through Reach Out may be suitable for adults who:
- Have moderate MH needs (low–moderate current risk)
- May have suicidal thoughts/ideation if risk can be safely managed
- Emotional distress
- May have a diagnosis — focus is on here-and-now issues
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 if:-
• Active suicidality or unmanageable risk
• Complex/historic trauma as primary need
• Active alcohol/drug addiction
• Ongoing court proceedings
• Unsafe for student counsellor work
• Low/mild mood & anxiety only
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.