What's going to be the point of the CMHT?

[Pink_and_Sparkly]

I saw the doctor today and finally told them about the SH.
They want to refer me to the CMHT - which is fine - except im already down to see a counsellor soon, and already taking medication - what's the point of a referral to the CMHT, who will probably come out and assess and decide im not suitable as im not 'bad' enough anyway. I dont really get what else they can offer that the medication and counselling wont address...????
I saw a CPN previously a few years ago and basically they suggested that there wasnt much they could do with me (i.e. I got the impression I wasn't serious enough, only having suicidal thoughts and SH) and they discharged me after 4 visits.
So im a little wary of this referral again now...
Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you. xx

[Keyboard Warrior]

This is probably something only the person who referred you can fully explain - they have to give reasons in referral letters.

Most community mental health teams don't come out to assess you like a crisis team. The way they work is multidisciplinary, so there will be psychiatrists, CPNs, social workers, psychologists, etc. When you're assessed, they'll try & work with you to find out who might be better for you to see & your "treatment plan" (or a CPA (care plan approach) but I'm not sure what the criteria is for a CPA). There are usually more specifically trained therapists in a CMHT & depending on your area, specialist self harm teams/nurses. There is one in a neighbouring town to me.

But yeah, asking your GP why he thinks the referral is a good idea is probably your best bet. I hope it all goes well & you are doing okay.

x

[sherlock holmes]

They're a kind of centralised team that specifically deal with your mental health problems. GPs aren't really qualified to solely manage mental health issues and so they refer people to the CMHT. As Chels said, it is a multidisciplinary approach with psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, CPNs, psychologists and so on.

It's their job to assess you and provide your care and treatment within their team. Depending on the outcome of your assessment, and your care plan, they might visit you at home (your keyworker would do this, this is the person appointed to you to meet with you and see how you are doing and co-ordinates your care) or take you out for a coffee and have a chat or even things like help you go shopping or working on things like using public transport if you have problems with it.

You can also be referred to resource (or occupational) therapy where you'd go to the CMHT for things like relaxation groups, arts and crafts, photography and so on.

Also, the psychiatrist (if you need to see one) is also based in the CMHT.

Long reply was long, but basically ask your GP if you are unsure but personally I found my care was much better managed when I was referred to the CMHT.

[Pink_and_Sparkly]

Thanks for the replies, does anyone know what the criteria for the CMHT is? What happens if they come and see you and decide they arent taking you on? (As id imagine happens a lot with depression, as there are much more severe and enduring mental health illnesses...)
Is it likely they would take me on do you think? (I suppose at the moment im suffering from depression, self harm, sucidal thoughts and eating issues).
Ive just read a lot about people who have been let down by the CMHT and I dont want to feel hopeful if it's likely they cant help anyway.